It’s an age-old debate: is there a right way to drink whiskey? Is it a terrible faux pas to drink it over ice? Is it sacrilege to make cocktails with single malt? Does drinking blended whiskey make you less of a whiskey connoisseur?
If you’re concerned about making a whiskey faux pas, we’ve compiled some whiskey-drinking tips for everyone. Whether you’re new to whiskey culture or a seasoned aficionado, here’s how to make the most of your tasting experience in any whiskey situation.
Whiskey Drinking Tips: Whiskey Dos and Don’ts
One of the most exciting aspects of becoming a whiskey lover is the discovery. Sampling several whiskies in a “flight” is an excellent way to learn about the subtle nuances, aromas, and flavors whiskey offers.
But tasting several whiskies in one go is tricky. Unsurprisingly, you can quickly imbibe more than you intended if you’re not doing it right.
Here are a few tips to help you taste whiskey like a pro.
NOSE IT FIRST
Nosing is the term used to describe taking in the aroma of the whiskey. We recommend using a nosing glass for the best experience as they concentrate and enhance the aromas.
Swirl the glass, hold the glass just below your nose, and softly inhale the aromas that lift from the glass. If you have several whiskies in front of you, repeat this process for each one and note the uniqueness, the differences, and the similarities.
SIP IT, DON’T SHOOT!
Good whiskey is meant to be savored. If you toss it back quickly, it goes to the back of your throat and bypasses all the sensory receptors—the areas of your mouth that help you assess what you’re tasting.
WARM UP YOUR PALATE
We strongly recommend warming up your palate before you start. Have a lower-alcohol whiskey or a light cocktail before you move on to the cask strength spirits to awaken and open up your palate slowly.
SAVE THE MORE FLAVORFUL WHISKIES FOR LAST
Peated, smokey whiskey can be incredibly intense and will overpower lighter, more floral spirits. If you know some of the whiskies you’re tasting are in this category, save your palate and taste them last.
CLEANSE THE PALATE BETWEEN TASTES
Have a bite of bread, celery, raw baby carrots, or crackers to cleanse your palate in between tastes. That way, you approach each whiskey with a clean slate.
INVEST IN THE RIGHT TOOLS
The right barware isn’t critical, but they do enhance the experience:
- Rocks glasses are the best whiskey glasses to enjoy neat or over ice.
- Nosing glasses for tasting flights.
- Flight tray for serving and enjoying whiskey flights at home.
- A decanter for storing and serving your finest whiskies.
Is it Okay to Add Water to Whiskey?
Adding water opens up the whiskey’s pores and makes it more expressive. This is especially true with cask strength or over-proof whiskies. A little water reduces the perception of alcohol and lifts the more floral and herbal notes in the spirit.
How to add water to whiskey: a few drops will do. Be sure it’s spring or distilled water, as you don’t want to introduce chlorine or chemical smells from tap water. Warm or room-temperature water is best.
ICE OR NO ICE?
To ice or not to ice – it’s an age-old whiskey debate, and one, quite frankly, that nobody’s really won or lost.
Some feel ice melting in your glass will dilute the spirit and its character. However, some prefer their whiskey with a little chill. Use large cubes as they melt more slowly, or drop in a single cube to reduce the melt potential. Whiskey stones are another option, as they are reusable and do not melt.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of preference, if you end up in a heated discussion about it, you wouldn’t be the first.
Experience American Single Malt in Our Colorado Tasting Rooms
Learning about whiskey can be rewarding and fascinating, and there’s no better place to do it than at Stranahan’s distillery in Denver or The Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge in Aspen. Book a distillery tour experience for you and your friends to discover the craftsmanship of whiskey making and the joys of whiskey tasting.
Excited to learn more? Consider joining the American Single Malt Society for VIP access and be part of a community of whiskey lovers just like you.
