Thread: Scotch/whiskey of the day

Ice is good with less expensive blends and such like, so are mixers if that's what you like. If you're drinking a good single malt, though, keep away from both as they just kill the flavour.

Pighog is a purist, and you cant fault him for that. I drink all my whisky straight also. But for learning a splash can actually open the flavor for some whisky. But please, no mixers....

I take a few sips of every glass straight, and then add a splash of water. I enjoy the changes in the taste that way, and starting every glass neat lets you go back and forth.

I am, I agree, but you misunderstand me -- definitely add a splash of water because it enhances the flavours and takes away the rawness of the alcohol. Don't use ice, though, because it's too cold and has the opposite effect.

I my view, if you buy a single malt, you're paying quite a lot of money for the unique flavour of that particular whisky. Add in something that disguises or removes that flavour, and I believe you've just wasted your money.

Yeah the cold of the ice numbs your taste buds some and so you can't get the full flavor.

Originally Posted by PigHog

Ice is good with less expensive blends and such like, so are mixers if that's what you like. If you're drinking a good single malt, though, keep away from both as they just kill the flavour.

Everyone likes their whiskey a different way. Not adding water or an ice cube does not mean your not a "purist." Besides, I don't know what a "Purist" is to be honest. I think it is a bunch of hogwash. Drink what you like how you like I always say.

It kind of does, actually. From Wikipedia:

'A purist is one who desires that an item remain true to its essence and free from adulterating or diluting influences.'

I think you're right, though. I can't influence what other people like and dislike, however, I do believe that spending the money on an expensive and quality bottle of single malt whisky and then mixing it with coke or whatever so that you can't taste the more subtle and complex flavours is both a waste of money and good whisky.

If that is how you like drinking your whisky, buy less expensive malts or blends that aren't going to lose so much with the addition of your mixer. If nothing else, you're saving your wallet!

As someone else said, you'll still be able to taste the difference between various whiskies with a mixer. You'll probably taste the smoke and medicinal flavours of an Ardbeg Corryvreckan, for example, underneath your coke but you'll never notice the specific oily sea salt, citrus, fruit and peat—which are the entire reason that you spend $96 on a bottle of it in the first place—and to me, that's such a shame!

After six years of grad school in Scotland, I became a little fanatical about whisky drinking. Annoyingly so. But now my advice to anyone starting out with whisky is this:

Try it straight-up. No water, no ice. Just whisky and a clean glass. Take a sip, enjoy it, savour its taste and smell. Don't shoot it like it's tequila.

Then add a few drops of water and see what happens. Try it again just after adding water, then wait for a few minutes and try it again. Plenty of malts will change dramatically with the addition of water and time.

If you want, try some ice. And if you like it, then go for it, and don't let anyone tell you you are wrong for liking something you're not 'supposed' too.

Personally, depending on the malt, I either enjoy it straight up, or with a tiny bit of water. I don't like it on ice as I find that does kill the flavour as well as watering it down gradually.

A while back a buddy of mine here had a whisky tasting night to put a dent into the pile of bottles he received for his 40th birthday. His Dad, who is originally from Broughty Ferry on the Firth of Tay (now more or less a part of Dundee) was also able to join us as he was visiting. One of the guests was telling a newbie how he 'should' drink whisky, and that it was wrong, wrong, wrong to ever even consider putting ice in it. This guy had spent a week in Scotland about ten years ago and so considered himself and expert. As he was going on about the 'proper' way to drink whisky, my friend's dad was chuckling to himself as he added some ice to his glass. He winked and said 'I like it with ginger ale too...'

So beware armchair experts, and enjoy it how you enjoy it. But I do highly recommend trying it different ways to find out what works for you. And most importantly - enjoy it

Slainthe mhor!

Wild Turkey 101 in a pint glass about half full of ice is my go-to for whiskey drinking. I can't write, practice (trumpet), or sharpen/hone without this sitting on the table.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

After six years of grad school in Scotland, I became a little fanatical about whisky drinking. Annoyingly so. But now my advice to anyone starting out with whisky is this:

Try it straight-up. No water, no ice. Just whisky and a clean glass. Take a sip, enjoy it, savour its taste and smell. Don't shoot it like it's tequila.

Then add a few drops of water and see what happens. Try it again just after adding water, then wait for a few minutes and try it again. Plenty of malts will change dramatically with the addition of water and time.

If you want, try some ice. And if you like it, then go for it, and don't let anyone tell you you are wrong for liking something you're not 'supposed' too.

Personally, depending on the malt, I either enjoy it straight up, or with a tiny bit of water. I don't like it on ice as I find that does kill the flavour as well as watering it down gradually.

A while back a buddy of mine here had a whisky tasting night to put a dent into the pile of bottles he received for his 40th birthday. His Dad, who is originally from Broughty Ferry on the Firth of Tay (now more or less a part of Dundee) was also able to join us as he was visiting. One of the guests was telling a newbie how he 'should' drink whisky, and that it was wrong, wrong, wrong to ever even consider putting ice in it. This guy had spent a week in Scotland about ten years ago and so considered himself and expert. As he was going on about the 'proper' way to drink whisky, my friend's dad was chuckling to himself as he added some ice to his glass. He winked and said 'I like it with ginger ale too...'

So beware armchair experts, and enjoy it how you enjoy it. But I do highly recommend trying it different ways to find out what works for you. And most importantly - enjoy it

Slainthe mhor!

Very good advice, there are alot of snobs out there who act as though ice is blasphemy. I will use ice in my cheaper scotches as I find it cools them, obviously (I don't care for room temp Scotch) but also, as the ice melts it changes the flavour and the aromas just mildly enough to allow you the full range of said Scotch.

If you plan on venturing into the wonderful world of Scotch a good investment are Scotch Rocks...I use them for the better ones alone (no water) just to cool it slightly. They're handy if you're trying a new one as well so you can keep it cool while gradually adding a few drops of water to see what will bring out the full flavour.

The most important thing however is to enjoy It's your money and taste, and if you want to mix it or water it down to oblivion then so be it.