Survival Skills: How to Drink Whiskey Like A Seasoned Pro
If you’re new to the sensational world of whiskey drinking and you need a quick and simple crash course on how to sip it like a master, you’ve come to the right place.
From brilliant bottles to crafted cocktails, there’s a vast array of weird and wonderful variations on offer, you’ve just got to find the one that suits you best.
So let’s step to it so you can enjoy all there is to love about this fine spirit with the finesse of an experienced connoisseur.
How to Drink Whiskey – The Basics
Glassware
Straight off the bat, you’re going to want to source a proper whiskey tumbler (other glasses can be used for cocktails – see below).
You can’t go sipping this fine concoction out of a pint glass or a Sports Direct mug, it will ruin the experience entirely.
The Scent
Again, once you’ve sourced your tumbler and poured your whiskey, don’t just get it down the hatch.
Take time to appreciate its aroma; a huge part of the whiskey drinking experience is how it smells.
The Initial Sip
Allow the whiskey to coat your taste buds for a good few seconds before you let it smoothly glide down your gullet; the first sip of every drink is always the best.
How to Drink Whiskey – The Options
Straight (or Neat)
Whilst ice can elevate certain whiskies to new magnificent heights, you should always try it neat to get a sense of the specific whiskey at its natural best.
For any whiskey novices, straight or neat whiskey simply refers to whiskey served on its own: no ice, no mixer, just pure whiskey.
On the Rocks (With Ice)
On the rocks simply refers to whiskey poured over ice.
If you find whiskey neat too intense, enjoying it with a couple of cubes of ice nullifies its intensity and allows for a more subtle experience for your palate.
With Water
The idea of watering down your drinks seems unnatural to many, but it can make the whiskey more flavoursome by lowering the alcohol content so as your tongue can detect a greater range of flavours.
Doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?
Whiskey Cocktails
Whiskey is more versatile than you may think and can be combined with an extensive list of ingredients to craft incredible cocktails. Check out our Top Ten Whiskey Cocktails.
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