Whiskey drinkers are a particular bunch. Some prefer spirits in their purest form—neat, in a rocks glass or nosing glass, with no ice, nothing to dilute the complex flavors and aromas. Others swear by a few drops of spring water to open the bouquet, while others like their whiskey on ice to give it a refreshing chill.
And, of course, there’s nothing like a straight shot of whiskey or a sip from a flask on a cold mountain day.
But what’s “the best” way to enjoy whiskey? Is there even a definitive answer to this question?
The answer is as individual as whiskey aficionados themselves. Ultimately, you should enjoy it as you like it. They may not change your mind, but at least you’ll have a solid basis the next time this topic arises. We suggest enjoying whiskey in every way possible to find your sweet spot. Start with neat, move on to a splash of water, try it on the rocks, and mix it into a cocktail—in that order.
And who doesn’t love a good discussion over a fine American Single Malt?
How to Drink Whiskey: The Case for “Neat”
Some whiskey lovers will tell you the only way to enjoy a fine malt is neat. Truly, it’s the best way to start, especially if whiskey is new to your palate. If you’re unfamiliar with a whiskey’s characteristics, you’ll want to enjoy it in its purest form.
Temperature is perhaps the most significant factor in how we perceive whiskey. The colder the spirit, the less you’ll notice the subtle aroma and flavor nuances. When allowed to breathe in a glass without ice, the bouquet will unfurl gradually, and the palate will seem more concentrated, warm, and alcoholic.
Adding a few drops of water to your whiskey is still technically “neat.” Just be sure to use pure spring water and avoid chlorinated tap water, as the latter will impact your taste and enjoyment.
The Case for Ice in Whiskey Drinks
Adding ice to whiskey isn’t as sacrilege as some whiskey drinkers will say. You just need to be sure you’re doing it right to not impact the flavors and aromas beyond recognition.
One thing about ice is that it melts. So, the obvious argument against whiskey on the rocks is that ice dilutes the spirit. While this is true, there are ways to minimize the melt and reap the benefits.
If you prefer your whiskey with a little chill but don’t like the idea of any water diluting your drink, consider using whiskey stones. Whiskey stones are cubes of stainless steel, granite, or other non-porous natural stone. Frozen, they do the same job as ice cubes without the melt. Problem solved!
However, there are a few iconic ways to serve whiskey than with a single jumbo cube. Large ice cubes melt much more slowly than standard cubes and will impart minimal water into your drink. The effect would be comparable to adding a few drops of spring water, plus of course, a refreshing chill.
How Do You Like Your Whiskey?
You’ll find whiskey tastes remarkably different neat, on the rocks, or mixed in a cocktail – we encourage you to experiment.
Next time your bartender asks you how you like your whiskey, you’ll be able to respond without hesitation, knowing there are few wrong answers.
If you’re like us, it depends on the whiskey, the day, the occasion, who you’re with, etc. If we’re enjoying a fine, aged American Single Malt Whiskey, we want it straight up. When we’re enjoying the company of friends, cocktails are in order. For those contemplative moments, a single cube will do.
If you’re in Denver and want to learn more about whiskey, we recommend booking a Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery Tour. Our popular Colorado distillery experiences are the perfect way to indulge your love of whiskey and taste one-on-one with our experts, who can answer all your burning questions.
For those not in the Denver area but keen to experiment with the Most Awarded American Single Malt Whiskey, visit the Stranahan’s Online Shop and order bottles for delivery.
Claims based on 2020 – 2023 award results; third-party audit conducted by Avid Marketing Group. NIELSEN TOTAL XAOC+LIQUOR+CONV, EQ VOL AND $, NIELSEN 52 W/E 5.25.23 (COMPARED TO OTHER ASM BRANDS)
