How to drink whisky

Basically, there is no right or wrong - which ever way you prefer to drink your whisky, Single Malt or Blend, is acceptable.



First question asked is usually the water question: Can I dilute my whisky with water or is it better to enjoy it straight? Again, that is up to you and your personal preferences. Adding water is said to enhance the fine flavours and smells of the whisky, and makes it easier to enjoy the whisky if you don't like the strong spirits. But there are a few things to consider. Tap water is usually high in chlorine and other contents, which certainly have an effect on the taste of the whisky, so using non-carbonated bottled water, preferable scottish still spring water, is a better option. Some whisky fans even go so far to use the water from the same source the water for the whisky-making is taken. This is obviously the optimal answer, but it's probably the most expensive one, too.

Using ice in the whisky is another point of discussion, although the answer seems to be clearer. Reducing the temperature of the whisky "freezes" the aroma and the smell, and makes your drink taste dull, flat and uneventful.

Using whisky in mixed longdrinks is a popular idea, but that raises the question why you drink whisky in the first place. If you don't like the taste, and you have to cover it up with cola, ginger ale or lemonade, you can as well use a different spirit with a less distictive taste and a lower price tag. But, if used carefull and mixed with the right ingredients, whisky is an excellent component for new and exiting cocktails

The question for the right whisky glass is obviously a well discussed topic. Suggestions range from the classic, straight whisky tumbler to the specifically designed whisky glass, the shape not unlike a sherry glass with a bellied body and narrowing towards the top. But again, you decide what you like and how you enjoy this unique and distinguished drink.