How to Drink Scotch Properly

Scotch whiskey is great since it may be used in a wide variety of settings. whiskey comes in a variety of styles, from single malt to blended to single barrel. You can have it neat, on the rocks, or with ice. whiskey can be sipped from a Glencairn glass, highball glass, or even a straight-sided tumbler like a rocks glass. whiskey’s allure is enhanced whether you drink it neat or with a splash of water.

Don’t be alarmed if you’ve never heard of any of those terms before; we’ll define them all for you here. Read this post and spice up your routine if you’re an experienced whiskey drinker who knows their Lagavulin from their Laphroaig. Here’s the lowdown on how to sip scotch like a pro.

It’s worth noting that whiskey weakens rather than strengthens with age. Because alcohol dissipates faster than water in the moderate Scottish climate, whiskey improves with time. Scotch takes on more of the flavor of the barrel it’s stored in the longer it’s left there.

It is common practice to empty and repurpose casks formerly used to mature alcohols like sherry and bourbon to age whiskey. As a result, you may detect a trace of the prior liquors in whiskies that were aged in such casks. The greatest method to drink scotch starts with the best scotch, regardless of the barrel used to mature it.

Choosing the Perfect Scotch Whiskey

You’ll need to figure out your preferred expression before you can learn the proper technique to sip scotch. Like perusing an art gallery filled with opposing yet fascinating collections of art, the most essential thing is to have an open mind and try any of the tantalizing selections ahead, as they all taste exquisite.

Although the Scottish whiskey Laws define certain varieties of scotch specifically, we’ll use a more accessible approach. You can sample whiskey from a single malt, a blended, or a single cask.

Only malted barley and no additional grains are used in the production of single malt whiskey, which is produced by a single distillery. These single malt whiskies typically cost more than their blended equivalents because of the higher brand recognition associated with them. On the other hand, if you’re curious about the distinctive taste and robustness of whiskey, this is a solid introduction. As its name implies, blended whiskey is a combination of whiskies from several sources.

These can be fantastic as well, especially when combined with skilled blenders to create a smokey, fruity, creamy, or woodsy flavor. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to begin with a single malt whiskey or a blended whiskey; sample both and see which one you like.

Last but not least, connoisseurs can try a wide range of flavors thanks to single-cask whiskey, which is produced in small batches and from a single barrel at a single distillery. If you are just starting, though, bold, unusual flavors might not be your “cup of tea.” With this historical context in mind, let’s get to the important question: how should one consume scotch? Come on, we need to get started.

How to Choose a Scotch Glass

Scotch drinkers swear by tulip glasses, often called whiskey snifters or Glencairn glasses, because the bulb shape concentrates the liquor’s characteristic scents at the glass’s bottom. The finest way to enjoy Scotch is out of one of these, but any wine or champagne glass can do in a pinch. whiskey is typically served in lowball or highball tumblers at bars. If you prefer ice to chill your whiskey (more on that below), they will do the trick just as well.

Scotch Deserves to Be Sniffed

The third and last stage in proper Scotch consumption is to inhale the aroma. Before taking a sip, some whiskey fans like to give the liquid a good whiff to take in all of its scents. Fruity, salty, smoky, sweet, or woodsy scents are all possible.

It’s possible that the cask was burned on the inside to get ready for holding whiskey, and that the malted barley was smoked over a peat fire to increase its smokiness. The oak casks used to age the whiskey are the source of its distinctive woodsy scent. Flavors reminiscent of caramel, dried fruit, or cream are imparted by some tree species, giving already delicious foods an even richer dimension.

Scotch on the Rocks, or With Some Water and Ice?

Whiskey aficionados, like any true whiskey drinker, dilute their liquor with a splash of water to bring out new flavors. You might also drink water in between beverages to flush your system.

Scotch is best enjoyed at room temperature to bring out its full flavor, but if you prefer your drinks on the cooler side, there’s no harm in adding ice or rocks. (The “stones” are fabricated from non-toxic natural rock, most commonly soapstone, though metal alternatives exist. They are frozen before being added to your drink.

The idea is to use only a small amount of ice so that your whiskey isn’t watered down too much when it melts. You may prevent watering down your drink by using larger ice cubes instead of their smaller counterparts. Enjoy your whiskey slowly and sip it slowly even if it’s cold. As the whiskey warms in your mouth, more nuanced flavors will become apparent.

The Rundown on the Finest Scotch Tasting Methods

Take your time and savor each sip of the scotch. Scotch is meant to be savored slowly, so save it for a time when you won’t be in a rush. Your taste receptors will need time to adjust to the new flavor, so don’t worry if the first sip seems a little intense.

You can dilute your drink by adding water (a thimbleful, for example) or by drinking water in between alcoholic beverages. Natural spring water is preferable because tap water can have chemicals your city uses to purify or strengthen the water. (Same if ice cubes are used!)

For some, nothing beats a good scotch cocktail. Scotch and soda, for example, is only one of many options. An enduring style. A Rob Roy, made with scotch and vermouth, is another option. whiskey mixed with the sweet liquor Drambuie makes for the Rusty Nail. Scotch cocktails, such as those made with grapefruit juice and honey-ginger syrup, are a delicious way to warm up in the winter. There’s also a “Johnnie and Ginger,” made with Johnnie Walker red label and ginger ale, for those who want a more carbonated beverage.

You Now Know the Proper Method to Enjoy Your Scotch

Now, head to a respectable liquor store to pick up a bottle of scotch, and don’t forget to ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations!