Thread: A splash of water in your single malt ?

The one and only Scotch whisky tasting I went to was put on by a college chemistry professor who happened to be from Scotland and had visited most of the distilleries over the years.

He went through all the steps of producing Scotch whisky and pointed out that a goodly number of them were there to reduce the water content. He also pointed out that other than "cask strength" bottles the whisky was eventually watered down before distribution anyway, mostly to meet some arbitrary percentages. If I remember what he said, this was partly done to get certain tax incentives (or avoid tax penalties, depending on your point of view).

So his advice was that it was unreasonable to add a splash of water to something that was already watered down anyway, perhaps even past its ideal. He pointed out that at least the water used by the distillery was the same water the stuff was made from in the first place and that tap water would be a crime against nature.

This gent turned me on to Islay whiskys and I am happier for that! I drink it neat.

Originally Posted by Logistics

(sorry, I don't mean to hijack or go off topic)

Are you talking about soapstone cubes? How well do they work?

ThinkGeek :: Whiskey Stones

Yup. That be them. They work wonderfully to open up the whisky and they don't change the flavor of the drink at all.

Cheers!

Can you guys give me some suggestions to a Scotch newbie? I'd start me own thread, but given that it's related to Scotch specifically. The only scotch I've tried is some Glenfiddich which I literally added a few drops of water, let the Scotch sit for about twenty minutes and proceeded to taste. Little sips alternated with more or less wetting my lips. I've had strong liquor of different types before, bourbons, rums, vodkas and brandies which I've had straight and enjoyed. Lately I've been into a glass of good sherry which even a mildly sweet sherry is sweet compared to a non-sweet scotch.

I don't smoke which I think makes my tastebuds more sensitive than someone who does.

I found the Glenfiddich to be harsh but not in a good way. A bit of a burning vomit lingering sensation in the back of my throat.

I don't like the taste of Canadian Whiskeys and ironically, although I like a sweeter sherry, I loathe Southern Comfort for example.

Any ideas of a smooth entry level Scotch that I could drink with a splash of water and enjoy sipping? Maybe an Irish whiskey would work better for me?

Thanks guys. Sorry if I derailed this a bit.

Chris L

I think with Scotch, it's easiest to start with a Highland. Some that I have had and would recommend are Glenmorangie, Old Pultney, Scappa, and Jon Mark and Robbo's Rich and Spicey One (not sure how easy this one is to find...).

For Irish Whisky, Black Bush (Bushmill's Black) or Jameson 12 year are both quite good.

Originally Posted by ChrisL

Can you guys give me some suggestions to a Scotch newbie? I'd start me own thread, but given that it's related to Scotch specifically. The only scotch I've tried is some Glenfiddich which I literally added a few drops of water, let the Scotch sit for about twenty minutes and proceeded to taste. Little sips alternated with more or less wetting my lips. I've had strong liquor of different types before, bourbons, rums, vodkas and brandies which I've had straight and enjoyed. Lately I've been into a glass of good sherry which even a mildly sweet sherry is sweet compared to a non-sweet scotch.

I don't smoke which I think makes my tastebuds more sensitive than someone who does.

I found the Glenfiddich to be harsh but not in a good way. A bit of a burning vomit lingering sensation in the back of my throat.

I don't like the taste of Canadian Whiskeys and ironically, although I like a sweeter sherry, I loathe Southern Comfort for example.

Any ideas of a smooth entry level Scotch that I could drink with a splash of water and enjoy sipping? Maybe an Irish whiskey would work better for me?

Thanks guys. Sorry if I derailed this a bit.

Chris L

Chris...as an all around good, house scotch, i like Dalwhinnie. Its what i serve to friends and keep available. Nice, smooth, peaty, lower end scotch...think it goes for under 60 dollars.

Mac

My fav is The Macallan which is aged in Sherry casks so it has some of that flavor. A love it or hate it single malt I think. Next is Lagavulin 16, Highland Park, Talisker and Laphroaig. Here is a good overview of many of the brands.

If you order whisky in Scotland, particularly outside of major cities, it usually comes mixed with water, about 60% whisky and 40% water.

Thats how I take mine and very nice it is too...! The only one I dont do that with is Chivas, which I have with ice only, because a mate in Australia converted me for that one..!

ChrisL,

If you are looking for the good Scotch whiskey, then Glenfiddich is always good and easy to start with. There are about tens or hundreds of different brands, so take it as a journey until you find the taste you like the best.

My favourite is Laphroaig. I always add a one cube of ice into malt whiskey. Let is melt for 5 minutes or so, and then it is good as mother's milk.
Simple pleasures of life

If you can find it, there's a brand of whiskey called "McLeod's Single Malt" - it's actually a very reputable distillery's excess 8yo whiskey that's been bought by McLeod's (an independent bottler) and then sold under their label, for a very affordable price (it's only $45 in New Zealand which makes it maybe $30US).

You can get it in the five major types of Scotch, each from a different well-known distillery that best characterises their particular region of Scotland. These are:
Region - Distillery
Islay - Lagavulin
Highland - Glenfarclas
Lowland - Auchentoshan
Island - Talisker
Speyside - Dun Bheagan (this one may be wrong, I'll have to check with my local store tomorrow)

At that price, you can actually afford to sample each of the regions, and decide which region you like best, and then start to try other whiskies from that particular region. I'd definitely recommend looking for them, either in a bottle store locally, or online.

My dear Jimmy,

How right you are about that little splash of water in the single malt. It does wonders for it.

A great single malt with a whisper of water to awaken all the flavors — that is what I would call a perfect drink.

Well done, Jimmy.

Regards,

Obie