Philadelphia, PA - There's much discussion over how best to enjoy whiskey. Purists believe the only appropriate way is swigging their whisky neat, without any addition of water or mixers; others claim adding water brings out its fullest potential, and some mix their whiskey with soda or soft drinks like coke for maximum pleasure - there's no right or wrong answer; what matters is what tastes best.
How to Properly Drink Whiskey or Bourbon
An essential first step in enjoying whiskey is taking a whiff. Position your glass about two inches from your face and inhale deeply through your nose before moving it around in your mouth to experience all its flavor and texture.
Once you've taken your initial sip of whiskey, take another whiff to observe any changes in scent over time. A Quality whisky should leave an intoxicating aftertaste on your palate that grows more complex with every sip you take - this tricky process of nosing and tasting takes practice. Still, it is an invaluable way to increase enjoyment from drinking whisky! Doing it with friends can be fun, comparing notes and seeing where interpretations differ!
An enjoyable way to drink whiskey is with ice cubes in a tall glass or on the rocks. Ice will help dilute the alcohol, making it easier and less likely to burn your throat. Be mindful when choosing how much ice you use; too much can become watery, while too little will mask some of its flavors and aromas.
When using ice, large cubes tend to melt more slowly, giving you time to explore various varieties and determine which works best with your whiskey.
When drinking whiskey on the rocks, it's advisable to use a large, high-quality tumbler or rocks glass. These glasses' wide top and thick base will prevent the ice from dissolving too quickly, so you can maximize your experience of your glass of bourbon.
Some whiskey fans prefer using a smaller tumbler-like glass called a tulip glass to help focus the aroma and scent. This glass is frequently employed during whiskey-tasting events to encourage people to take their time savoring each whisky flavor, with its narrow opening helping concentrate the smells while keeping wateriness under control - though using such glasses isn't required to enjoy whiskey on the rocks - many drinkers opt for regular glasses!
Another popular way to enjoy whisky is straight up or neat - no ice or water - which has pros and cons. Firstly, drinking whisky neat can taste overpowering for those who aren't used to alcohol, and it's also a great way to showcase each flavor note in the whisky itself - the more flavors you experience, the better your understanding of the spirit will grow.
Whichever way you decide to drink your whisky, it's important to remember that whiskey is an acquired taste, so don't give up on it too soon! The alcoholic element may dominate the first sip, but if you stick with it, you'll discover other flavors in the whisky, such as caramel, toffee, and vanilla.
