How to Enjoy Scotch

[prvnrk]

Hi,

Though it is completely upto the user, what could be the best way to drink 12-year (or better) Premium scotches?

Pls share your opinions.


Thanks
Prvn

[Unregistered]

Start with the right glass - use a nosing glass if you have one (tulip shaped / narrow mouth). The nosing glass captures the aroma as it rises through the narrow opening so one can experience the maximum fragrance/aromas. Personally I admit I don't have a nosing glass, so I use a brandy snifter. Maybe someone will get me a Glencairn Glass (supposed to be the best) for my birthday or add it to my Christmas list!!

I have learned to 'taste' whisky through my nose w/ lips slightly parted. This took time for me in the beginning as I didn't understand all these various smells and flavours I was 'supposed' to be experiencing. With time, I learned how to differentiate each aroma and I must admit, it's a delightful and calming experience for me. I savour this moment. Relax and enjoy.

I don't like to add water or anything else to my Scotch. I like to pick a special quiet time in the evening in a comfortable setting and savor every drop.

Love to swirl the whisky in my glass and smell the aromas rising out. I still take small sips of my whisky and let it linger in my mouth, swirl it around and let it coat my tongue all the while identifying the taste. Swallow and further explore additional tastes and deciper what the whisky has left. How fun is this, right?!!

My routine is the same whether I"m drinking a single malt, blend, premium or not.

Love it, enjoy it and wanted to share!

What's your take?

[The WhiskyScape Society]

Before, a piece of chocolate, them the Single Malt, with 1/5 of water, and them some more pieces of chocolate!

[R L]

hello, hmm... i just started drinking whisky... :) ya.... i also think this really depends on the person and the whisky he or she is drinking... as for me, i prefer not to add anything, no water or ice.... :)

Regards

[SirKy]

I think that the experts would say that just adding a splash of water to open up the whisky (water is to whisky what air is to wine) is best, but in the end, it all comes down to the whisky, and it all comes down to you.

If you want to add ice, or drink it neat, or cut it 2:1 with water, go for it. Even if you want to mix it with soda (gasp) go for it. Whatever you enjoy.

I personally enjoy some scotches neat, and some cut with a little (never more than 1:1, usually less) water. It is all up to you!

[Jojo]

I think that the experts would say that just adding a splash of water to open up the whisky (water is to whisky what air is to wine) is best, but in the end, it all comes down to the whisky, and it all comes down to you.

If you want to add ice, or drink it neat, or cut it 2:1 with water, go for it. Even if you want to mix it with soda (gasp) go for it. Whatever you enjoy.

I personally enjoy some scotches neat, and some cut with a little (never more than 1:1, usually less) water. It is all up to you!

SirKy - agree!

[Sid Post]

I enjoyed a "Glenlivet" Scotch tasting put on by the distillery. The unfiltered Nadura really opened up when an ice cube was added and it become cloudy when the oils collected. It was very good at room temperature but, the ice really intensified it and brought the flavors out.

[scotchdrinker]

Prvn,

In my opinion it is up to you. There are many who have their opinions on how everyone should drink scotch. i will say I always put ice in my scotch no matter what. I have been drinking for 10 years and that is how I like. I understand that sometimes it is better not to have the ice but I enjoy my scotch and that's what matter to me. And that is how you should decide how to drink yours.

[Lucas]

well, yeah, its all down to your taste of course. but with CS whisky water is a must, otherwise it just burns your tastebuds and doesnt do much else... although i recently had Blanton's Gold reserve and I didn't realised it was over 51% :D a smoothie

[nitronate]

I always like to drink my scotch with a splash of water and slightly under room temperature. i do this by adding one piece of filtered ice to the glass and then a few swirls. smell the nose, then take a sip and enjoy!

[Unregistered for now]

Start with the right glass - use a nosing glass if you have one (tulip shaped / narrow mouth). The nosing glass captures the aroma as it rises through the narrow opening so one can experience the maximum fragrance/aromas. Personally I admit I don't have a nosing glass, so I use a brandy snifter. Maybe someone will get me a Glencairn Glass (supposed to be the best) for my birthday or add it to my Christmas list!!

I have learned to 'taste' whisky through my nose w/ lips slightly parted. This took time for me in the beginning as I didn't understand all these various smells and flavours I was 'supposed' to be experiencing. With time, I learned how to differentiate each aroma and I must admit, it's a delightful and calming experience for me. I savour this moment. Relax and enjoy.

I don't like to add water or anything else to my Scotch. I like to pick a special quiet time in the evening in a comfortable setting and savor every drop.

Love to swirl the whisky in my glass and smell the aromas rising out. I still take small sips of my whisky and let it linger in my mouth, swirl it around and let it coat my tongue all the while identifying the taste. Swallow and further explore additional tastes and deciper what the whisky has left. How fun is this, right?!!

My routine is the same whether I"m drinking a single malt, blend, premium or not.

Love it, enjoy it and wanted to share!

What's your take?

Reading that made me feel like the first nip I have in the evening, all warm and fuzzy.
Chin chin.

[Superdan138]

what is the best tasting glass? Is it the Glencairn Glass? Please let me know what you guys think?

-Daniel

[steve4154]

I like the Riedel Vinum Single Malt Whiskey Glass. It is crafted with the help of master distillers in Scotland. It enhances my sipping pleasures of top-quality whiskey.

steve4154
scotchwhiskeyblog.com

[SouthernIslaysinglemalts]

Start with the right glass - use a nosing glass if you have one (tulip shaped / narrow mouth). The nosing glass captures the aroma as it rises through the narrow opening so one can experience the maximum fragrance/aromas. Personally I admit I don't have a nosing glass, so I use a brandy snifter. Maybe someone will get me a Glencairn Glass (supposed to be the best) for my birthday or add it to my Christmas list!!

I have learned to 'taste' whisky through my nose w/ lips slightly parted. This took time for me in the beginning as I didn't understand all these various smells and flavours I was 'supposed' to be experiencing. With time, I learned how to differentiate each aroma and I must admit, it's a delightful and calming experience for me. I savour this moment. Relax and enjoy.

I don't like to add water or anything else to my Scotch. I like to pick a special quiet time in the evening in a comfortable setting and savor every drop.

Love to swirl the whisky in my glass and smell the aromas rising out. I still take small sips of my whisky and let it linger in my mouth, swirl it around and let it coat my tongue all the while identifying the taste. Swallow and further explore additional tastes and deciper what the whisky has left. How fun is this, right?!!

My routine is the same whether I"m drinking a single malt, blend, premium or not.

Love it, enjoy it and wanted to share!

What's your take?

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[Unregistered]

I just bought my first bottle of Balvenie (only my 2nd ever bottle of Single Malt Scotch - the 1st was Dalmore), and on their web site it says this about tasting and drinking Balvenie:

"Whether you like to drink your whisky with ice or water, it’s really down to personal preference.

David Stewart our Malt Master advises drinking The Balvenie with a small amount of clean still water, about one third water to two thirds whisky, as this enhances the aromas and flavours.

However, some older expressions of The Balvenie are for David best appreciated neat.

Adding ice is perfectly acceptable but does initially lessen the aromas and flavours of the whisky until it starts to melt. Find out more about enjoying The Balvenie."

Just thought I'd pass that along. I'm certainly no expert. However I did try it with just a little water and it tasted darn good!

[Adam]

So how does one "taste" whiskey? This is a shortened version;

Pour the drink into a whiskey glass, I use Glencairn glasses. Any glass will do but it should have a slight tulip shape to concentrate the vapors into a small area. Notice the color as there are actually many different colors in whiskey.
Swirl the glass and watch the whiskey settle, look at the "legs" that form on the glasses. This tells a lot about the viscosity and age of the drink.
Smell the drink, gentle sniffs, three times. The first sniff you usually just get that smell of alcohol and nothing else. With each progressive sniff you notice more smells. I often smell honey, vanilla, smoke, and berries. ( I like Highlands and Speyside scotchs)
Now actual raise the glass to your lips, take a small sip and make sure the drink hits the middle of your tongue. This is possible by sticking your tongue out a little bit on the rim of the glass. This helps relieve the bite of liquor (you can do this with all drinks too). Hold the liquid in your mouth and "roll" it from side to side and notice its sweet/sour/spicy taste. When you feel ready, drink it down and feel its presence drift up your throat and you get another "taste" of the vapors as it travels down. You can add water to the drink but be careful it can alter the taste but also release a whole new level of smells! Use the same water each time.
That is how you taste whiskey/whisky! O and when you see "whisky" with no "e" its a Scotch.

http://someofthefinerthings.blogspot.com/

[buckeyede06]

I read a few posts and saw some things I thought was curious. First off you don't really need to swirl a whisky. In fact that is a bad idea. It evaporates even quicker and unless you only plan on smelling your whisky once I would not (personally) swirl the whisky. High concentration alcohols take very little to have their aromas start "moving". That is why good whisky glasses come with glass tops to keep the evaporation to a minimum. Just gently sniff the glass. If you need to swirl because you have a bad sniffer, then go ahead but I feel that the little nuances can be smelled just fine without any agitation. Also you can try the wine trick, where you hold the liquid in your mouth and smell it into your nostrils. Just my thoughts on tasting, other than Scotch and a cigar are a match made in heaven!

[jwise]

I have a couple Glencairn glasses which I use for drinking whisky. They came in gift sets, and one was given to me by a friend. I really like these glasses, not only for the aromatic attributes, but I really like the way they sit in the hand. Very sturdy, yet elegant.

If I am trying/tasting a new whisky, I always start off neat. I'll just pour a very small bit in the glass, not enough to really look at, and take three whiffs. As mentioned, the first just smells of alcohol, the second gives you the primary aromas, but the third opens up the subtleties.

After I have enjoyed 'nosing' the whisky a couple times, attempting to identify the aromas I am picking up, I bring the glass up to my lips.

If I am just tasting, then I take in the contents of the glass, which is just 1/8-1/4 ounce or so. I let the liquid coat the entire inside of my mouth, swirling my tongue and possibly breathing in a little to 'taste' the whisky in my nose (the wine trick).

After I have experienced the whisky in my mouth for a little while, I down the drink and wait for the finish. This is sometimes quite enjoyable, or downright rotten. I've been somewhat impressed with a whiskey, just to swallow and want to spit it out! (Old Forrester bourbon) On the other hand, I have been moderately impressed with a whisky, only to rave about it once I tasted the finish. (Balvenie 21yr)

After I have tasted it neat, I'll experiment with an ice cube usually. I don't remember the last time I just added water.

While I don't recommend it, I regularly drink Macallan Cask Strength (60%) and Laphroaig Cask Strength (60%) undiluted. On the other hand, I enjoy them very much with a cube of ice as well.

On occasion, I enjoy a cigar with my beverage. Usually, I EITHER burn a stogie down, OR drink a single malt. If I am in the mood to do both, I'll smoke one of my cheaper sticks, and drink either a blend or one of my less expensive Islays/Islands (Tobermory, Bowmore, Jura, etc...)

[bkblankenship]

A wide selection of distillery etched Glencairn Glasses and Copitas can be found at www.scotchwhiskyglass.com as well as Iona Jugs and Celtic monogrammed Glencairn Glasses.

[lj121746]

Thought I'd let my thoughts out on tasting. To preface, I'd like to say, that if someone tells you "you're doing it wrong" or anything to that effect, don't worry about it. The key is to make sure you enjoy it, try different things, distilleries, styles, etc. and eventually you'll find out for yourself what you like.

A cigar goes perfectly with a glass of single malt, especially in the summer.

I like to use a Glencairn glass or a Riedel H20 classic bar glass. The Glencairn glass smooths out some things in many Scotchs, I find

I never use ice. I don't want to have the scotch change its flavor on me as the ice melts. When I'm relaxing, the last thing I want to worry about is it becoming to watered down.

I think I'll be investing in some granite cubes. You can put these in the freezer and use them in your scotch. That way you can have it cold without watering it down.

(http://www.thegreenhead.com/2007/12/scotch-rocks-granite-cubes-gift-set.php)

I love my scotch neat, especially if it's 12 years or better. Some single malts younger than 12 years, especially Islay Scotches, tend to be a little rough for my taste, so I occasionally add a tiny bit of filtered water to compensate. I also occasionally do this for Cask Strength (Higher Alcohol content).

[ahtuba]

Before, a drop of coffee, them the Single Malt, without of water, and them some more coffee!

[Unregistered]

Double shot of Balvenie double wood, equal amount of Schweppes soda, (yes, I know, eech), 7 ice cubes, twist of lemon in a crystal glass that came with a bottle of Glen Livet years back (glass etched with the Glen Livet name & logo. However my favorite single malt scotch has been Macallan 12 for years but will soon change to Macallan 18. I am not a newcomer to single malts having enjoyed many over the last maybe 30 years or so. I am going to experiment with a few of the A, A-, & B+ grades of single malt scotches and see what favors me. Sorry for the long post. My first on here.

[Jojo]

Double shot of Balvenie double wood, equal amount of Schweppes soda, (yes, I know, eech), 7 ice cubes, twist of lemon in a crystal glass that came with a bottle of Glen Livet years back (glass etched with the Glen Livet name & logo. However my favorite single malt scotch has been Macallan 12 for years but will soon change to Macallan 18. I am not a newcomer to single malts having enjoyed many over the last maybe 30 years or so. I am going to experiment with a few of the A, A-, & B+ grades of single malt scotches and see what favors me. Sorry for the long post. My first on here.
We want you to be "member" on our Whisky.com Forum! Hope to see you back here again soon! Cheers, Jojo :D

[Gary Wells]

Ah, a personal invitation from the beautiful "Single Malt Scotch lady" JoJo. Now who could refuse? I started buying a few expressions of single malt scotches a while back, but unfortunately, before I saw your graded list. Now I am stuck with some less than favorable selections: 3 bottles of Dalwhinnie 15 YO, 3 bottles of Balvenie DW 12 YO, (actually 2 1/3 bottles, I've been doing some damage on that for a couple of weeks or so), 2 bottles of Macallan 12 YO, 1 bottle of Bunnahabhain 12 YO, & last but not least a bottle of Bunnahabhain Signatory Un-Chill-filtered. Looks like I started at the bottom of the "America's Most Wanted" list rather than the top. I need to correct that. Soon. Maybe today. Maybe a bottle or two of Macallan 18 YO & a bottle or two of Black Art. That will kill off my pocketbook real quick.
TIA/R: Gary Wells

[Mike B]

Nothing like a nice cigar with a sip of scotch whiskey (whisky). Doesn't have to be a Cuban or a premium smoke, but the two seem made for each other. Obviously, the locations you can enjoy the two are pretty hard to find these days.

[Rosy]

Its depend on the taste of an individual. Scotch is best enjoyed served without any accompaniment, such as water or soft drinks. However, if the taste of the Scotch is too strong for individual tastes, add one part bottled water to two parts Scotch. Make sure to use bottled water that is not carbonated, as the carbonation will alter the flavor and aroma of the Scotch substantially.

[Soundmangt4]

Its depend on the taste of an individual. Scotch is best enjoyed served without any accompaniment, such as water or soft drinks. However, if the taste of the Scotch is too strong for individual tastes, add one part bottled water to two parts Scotch. Make sure to use bottled water that is not carbonated, as the carbonation will alter the flavor and aroma of the Scotch substantially.

I disagree with your comment about it being best enjoyed without anything, such as water, or the rigid 2:1 ratio of Scotch to water you then suggest.
It is entirely subjective, and more complex whisky opens up with water, and allows different flavours to be released.
Some of the Scotch I drink is drunk neat, without water, as water can kill the flavour of some whisky, but other are too strong (especially single cask whisky of 55-60% ABV), and I add a few drops of water at a time and keep tasting until I reach a level that suits my tastes.
I personally believe both the Scotch and the water added should be at room temperature, as cooling Scotch closes the flavour up and reduces the taste, but if someone else enjoys ice, then they can do as they choose.

As for foods, the only thing I enjoy is a nice piece of dark chocolate, preferably nice dark chocolate with chilli, which really goes well with strong scotch like Islay's.

[Theus]

I take it neat or with a few drops of water,
A.mbient temperature,
Glencairn

Theus

[Gary Wells]

Double shot of Balvenie double wood, equal amount of Schweppes soda, (yes, I know, eech), 7 ice cubes, twist of lemon in a crystal glass that came with a bottle of Glen Livet years back (glass etched with the Glen Livet name & logo. However my favorite single malt scotch has been Macallan 12 for years but will soon change to Macallan 18. I am not a newcomer to single malts having enjoyed many over the last maybe 30 years or so. I am going to experiment with a few of the A, A-, & B+ grades of single malt scotches and see what favors me. Sorry for the long post. My first on here.

Since I first posted on here I have altered my drinking style somewhat and now drink SMSW with a mixture of about 1/2 bottled water to 1 ratio of 1 SMSW & 6 cubes. I have rid myself of the soda water and the twist of lime or lemon. I enjoy 1 drink nightly, no more, no less. I have also found out that the shot glass that I have become accustomed to using is not a true double shot, as 14 of them exactly kill off a 750 standard bottle. Would that be about equivalent to a dram and a half maybe? I have also found out that I like 12 yo Balvenie DW considerably more than 15 yo Dalwhinnie.

[San Francisco]

Frankly, I don't think there is any need for rigid rules as to whether or not one drinks it neat or with an exact ratio of water. Different whiskys require a different approach, IMO.

Personally, I virtually always add a bit of water. I don't measure, but have found that some scotches taste better with just a few drops of water (half a teaspoon or so) and some with a bit more water. I do agree that one should add water slowly, a bit at a time to figure out how much tastes right for your palate. Even with respect to any single whisky, I may add a different ratio of water on any given day. Depends on how it tastes to me on any particular day or what I want that particular time. That's one of the things I quite like about single malts, is the fact that they can vary greatly on any given day depending on how you drink it. Just my two cents. :)

[HP12]

Great points. I would also add that when adding water to a dram of SMSW, I think it's important to note that using spring or mineral water is best. Tap or chlorinated may not provide a "clean" experience.
Frankly, I don't think there is any need for rigid rules as to whether or not one drinks it neat or with an exact ratio of water. Different whiskys require a different approach, IMO.

Personally, I virtually always add a bit of water. I don't measure, but have found that some scotches taste better with just a few drops of water (half a teaspoon or so) and some with a bit more water. I do agree that one should add water slowly, a bit at a time to figure out how much tastes right for your palate. Even with respect to any single whisky, I may add a different ratio of water on any given day. Depends on how it tastes to me on any particular day or what I want that particular time. That's one of the things I quite like about single malts, is the fact that they can vary greatly on any given day depending on how you drink it. Just my two cents. :)

[San Francisco]

Great points. I would also add that when adding water to a dram of SMSW, I think it's important to note that using spring or mineral water is best. Tap or chlorinated may not provide a "clean" experience.

Great point. I definitely concur. Some tap waters, particularly those that taste like one thing or another (chlorine etc.,) can ruin it. I recommend always filtered or mineral water. Thank God I have a handy water dispenser at home!

[h_curtis]

Depends on the whisky, the season and mood. It can be neat, splash or if it is really hot and I am sitting outside, an ice cube may find its way into the glass. Everything including ice would be filtered.

An example of my style, would be if I am having a Highland Park, I might put a tiny bit more water in the glass than if I was drinking a Talisker. If I am drinking Glenlivet Archive 21, I drink it neat regardless of where and when I am drinking that. Everyone's taste is a bit different and people should adjust according to their own pallets.

[dramofscotch.com]

This all depends on the type of Single Malt that you're drinking. Some open up more with a few drops of water or ice. I prefer an iceball in some and nothing at all in most.

Read my reviews for more!
dramofscotch.com

[dalechmd]

Before, a piece of chocolate, them the Single Malt, with 1/5 of water, and them some more pieces of chocolate!

I concord. Let it be " scotch - tiny chocolate semi-melt under tongue - scotch - pause and savor - mineral water or seltzer to rinse" and repeat. I do not mix water or seltzer with scotch.

For wine, we let it breath before drinking. For scotch, we can do the same if one feel it is too edgy or burning. Above sequence is particularly suitable for such purpose.

As far as chocolate is concerned, do the dark chocolate with >55% cocoa for scotch. This will complement any scotch especially single malt by accentuate the lingering taste of sweet nuts and dried fruit. And make the scotch shine in your mind. For Burbon, do white chocolate with ground nuts inside. This complent the complex taste and aroma of the Burbon.

BTW. Nosing glass like Glencairn is a big plus. Get the one with glass cover.

This is just my personal take, please try and share your experience.

[Unregistered]

With friends from the Young Smugglers!

[Unregistered]

particularly like the Lindt dark bar with the chile pepper on the label!! a bit of a bite to match the scotch!! : )

[SaVlad]

Be in cheerful mind and relax!