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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. Read on for more information on how to drink whiskey.
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Tips on Drinking Whiskey
- Learn about the different types of whiskey; not all are alike.
- Pour about 1.5 oz of whiskey into a tumbler; a glass that curves at the top will offer optimal aroma
- Take small sips and allow the whiskey time to warm in your mouth before you swallow
- Try to identify the different flavors of the whiskey as you enjoy
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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.
Featured
In this video, Scottish Master Blender Richard Paterson shows David Hayman how to drink whiskey blends. A skeptical Hayman learns the history of blending Scotch malt whiskey. He also learns about "whiskey nosing," tasking whiskey and even drinking a whiskey Paterson's specially blended just for him (using 50 different whiskeys).
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.
- Bushmills
- Canadian Mist
- Chivas Regal
- Crown Royal
- Cutty Sark
- Dewar's
- The Famous Grouse
- Glenfiddich
- The Glenlivet
- Highland Park
- J&B
- Jack Daniel's
- Jameson
- Jim Beam
- Johnnie Walker
- Knob Creek
- Maker's Mark
- Tullamore Dew
- Wild Turkey
- Wiser's
Drinking Whiskey
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hold it up to the light.
- Look for any inconsistencies, or particles floating in the whiskey. These are signs of lower quality.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Swallow.
- Feel the warmth of this liquid joy as it goes down your throat.
- Repeat the process again until your glass is empty.
How to Drink Scotch Whisky 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 Video: 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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