How to Drink Whiskey

• Also try: How to Appreciate Whiskey

Disclaimer: It is illegal to drink alcohol if you are under 21 years old.

Guide Note: Instead of taking shots, learn how to drink whiskey properly to really appreciate its flavors and aromas. This page will show you what you need to know to unlock all this popular drink has to offer and become a true connoisseur.

Introduction

• There truly is an art to correctly drinking whiskey (or "whisky" as the Scots spell it). While some people like to mix whiskey with Coke or ginger ale, take shots, or drink it on the rocks, the only way to truly appreciate it as a connoisseur is to drink it straight. Follow the steps below to maximize your experience.

Drinking Whiskey

1. Pour the whiskey in a tumbler, wine, or sherry glass.
   • You're not going to be taking shots, so you'll want a wide glass you can sip from.
   • If the glass curves in at the top, it will help trap in some of the drink's aromas.
2. Pour about an ounce and a half.
   • You can drink as much or as little as you want, but this is a good amount to start with.
   • 

     Inspect the quality and consistency of the whiskey. (Creative Commons photo by Inspector_81)
3. Tilt the glass and watch the whiskey run down the side.
   • You can also try swirling the glass.
   • Note the thickness of the drink. A thicker whiskey has a different texture and is higher in alcohol content.
4. Hold it up to the light.
   • Look for any inconsistencies, or particles floating in the whiskey. These are signs of lower quality.
5. Just add water.
   • Adding clean water to a whiskey can unlock all of its potential flavors and aromas.
   • It is essential to use clean bottled spring water, as the chlorine in tap water will flavor the drink.
   • Add anywhere from a splash of water up to an equal amount of water and whiskey.
6. Take a good whiff.
   • Put your nose as close to the whiskey as you can, but try not to get so close that the aroma burns your nose.
   • Take a few good, deep breaths and inhale the aromas (breathe out through your mouth and not back into the glass). This is called "nosing."
   • Take a note of every type of aroma you can identify.
7. Take a sip.
   • Let it cascade down your tongue.
   • Swish it around a bit so it touches every bit of your mouth and you can pick out all of the flavors it has to offer.
   • Let it warm up a bit in your mouth.
8. Swallow.
   • Feel the warmth of this liquid joy as it goes down your throat.
   • Repeat the process again until your glass is empty.

Whiskey Brands

• There are a great many whiskeys to choose from out there; they come from different countries and are made using different methods. The best way to find the type that you appreciate the most is to try as many variations as you can. Here are some popular brands that you may want to taste.

Resources for How to Drink Whiskey

• Whisky Magazine: Nosing and Tasting Course  
• Wikipedia: Whisky | Tumblers | Wine Glass
• wikiHow: How to Taste Single Malt Scotch
• YouTube: How To Drink Scotch Whiskey (Time: 1:59)
• New York Magazine: Whisky A-Go-Go - How to Drink Whisky (December 11, 2005)
• Marie Claire: How to Drink Whiskey

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