You may think that the flavors of a certain liquor are dependent on the production and aging process. The truth is, everything impacts the taste of liquor, down to the way you serve and drink it!
The liquor’s flavour journey doesn’t just stop at bottling; it stops when it hits your palate and releases its aromas. Whisky isn’t exempt from this science, as it’s one of the most aromatic liquors out there.
What is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from grain mash, which is fermented and then distilled. The grains used in whiskey can include barley, corn, rye, and wheat. After distillation, whiskey is aged in wooden barrels, typically oak, which gives it its distinctive flavors, color, and smoothness.
Whiskey has a rich history and is enjoyed by many around the world. It has a broad range of flavors, from sweet and fruity to smoky and spicy, depending on where it's made and how it's produced.
Types of Whiskey
There are several types of whiskey you should know, namely:
1. Scotch Whisky
Originating in Scotland, Scotch is typically made from barley and is known for its smoky, peaty flavors, especially the ones from regions like Islay. There are different types of Scotch, such as Single Malt, which comes from one distillery, and Blended Scotch, a mix of different whiskeys from various distilleries.
2. Bourbon
Bourbon is a whiskey from the United States, usually made from at least 51% corn, giving it a sweeter flavor. It’s known for its rich, caramel-like sweetness and is mostly associated with Kentucky, though it can be made anywhere in the U.S.
3. Irish Whiskey
Made in Ireland, this whiskey is usually smoother and lighter than Scotch and is made from a mix of grains. Irish whiskey is often triple-distilled, which gives it a smoother finish. It’s known for its easy-drinking nature and slightly sweet flavor.
4. Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey is made from at least 51% rye grain. It has a spicier, more robust flavor compared to Bourbon and is popular in both the U.S. and Canada. Rye whiskey tends to have more herbal or peppery notes.
5. Canadian Whisky
Often referred to as "rye whisky" in Canada, this whiskey can be made from a blend of grains, including corn, barley, and rye. It’s typically smoother and lighter than other types of whiskey, making it easy to drink.
How to enjoy your whiskey?
Want to maximize the full potential of the flavors in your bottle of whisky? Here are some recommended ways to consume whisky.
1. Use the right glass
Glassware affects how the whisky’s flavors and aromas move around your palate. Just like there are specific wine glasses for specific types of wine, whisky is also best served in these particular glass shapes.
What kind of glass is used to serve whisky?
The best glass to drink whisky from is a rocks glass. This glass is small and stout, with thin walls and a thick bottom base. With this construction, the glass concentrates the vapors of the whisky.
This way, when you tilt the glass towards you, you’ll get a face full of the whisky’s aromatic notes. Another recommended glass for whisky is the Glencairn glass.
Shaped like a tulip with a wide bowl and a tapered mouth, this glass is perfect for drinking whisky neat. It releases the aromas of the whisky gently, as opposed to the rocks glass.
2. Serve on the rocks
Serving whisky on the rocks simply means serving it with ice cubes. Depending on preference on how cold you want the drink to be, use 2-3 ice cubes and then fill up your glass halfway with whisky.
Pro tip: the kind of ice cube you use in your whisky will affect the flavor of your whisky over time. To prevent your whisky from getting watered down too quickly, use large ice spheres or large solid ice cubes.
3. Serve neat
“Neat” is a bartending term for serving up liquor at room temperature, without water or ice. Serving whisky this way allows you to really savor the aromas present in the drink.
When serving whisky neat, it’s recommended to use a small tasting glass. If you don’t have access to one, a rocks glass will do.
4. Serve with water
You may be wondering how this would work. Didn’t we just say to be careful of ice cubes that might water down the drink? Well, having whisky with a little bit of water is actually the second most common way to consume it!
Note that you should only be using room temperature water or cold water. You only need about two to three drops of water in a rocks glass.
5. Serve in a cocktail
If you’re not a fan of the fiery sensation that comes from having straight liquor, you may opt to mix it with other ingredients.
Whisky cocktails are among the most popular out there. The mixers balance out the alcoholic punch, making the drink more palatable.
Here are some whisky cocktails you can try out, whether out at bars or at home:
- Whisky sour
- Mint Julep
- Whisky and Coke
- Old Fashioned
- Irish Mule
6. Serve warm
Whisky is one of the few alcoholic drinks that can be served warm, in the form of a drink called Hot Toddy. In this recipe, whisky is warmed up and served with an array of other ingredients such as cloves, lemon, cinnamon, honey, or a combination of these things.
2 Don'ts When Enjoying Whiskey
Whiskey is a complex spirit with subtle notes and rich textures, and how you drink it can make a big difference. To truly savor whiskey at its best, there are a few don'ts to keep in mind. Let’s dive into two important ones that every whiskey enthusiast should know.
1. Don't Swirl Your Whiskey
When enjoying whiskey, it's tempting to swirl the liquid in your glass just like you would with wine, but doing so with whiskey is not recommended. Swirling whiskey can cause the alcohol to evaporate more quickly, which means you'll lose some of the rich aromas and flavors that make whiskey so special.
Whiskey has a lot of complex notes, such as vanilla, caramel, spice, or smoky hints, that come out through the nose (smell) of the drink. By swirling, you're allowing the alcohol to escape too quickly, leaving you with less of that aromatic experience.
Additionally, whiskey is typically served in glasses like the Glencairn or rocks glass, designed to concentrate the aromas toward your nose when you take a sip, allowing you to enjoy the full depth of the spirit.
Swirling, especially in a glass with a wider opening, might just send the delicate notes into the air instead of staying in the glass where they can be appreciated. So, instead of swirling, simply let your whiskey sit for a moment and take a gentle sniff to enjoy its full bouquet.
2. Don't Sip Water Right After Sipping Whiskey
While it's important to stay hydrated, sipping water right after enjoying whiskey can disrupt your tasting experience. Whiskey has a unique flavor profile that’s built upon alcohol, oak, spices, and sometimes even smoke or sweetness.
When you drink water right after sipping whiskey, it can dilute or wash away those flavors, making it harder to fully appreciate the complexities of the whiskey.
If you need to drink water between sips, it’s a good idea to take a moment before doing so, allowing your palate to settle and your taste buds to fully experience the whiskey.
Also, drinking water excessively right after whiskey can mask the flavors and overpower your tasting senses, meaning you’ll miss out on the full experience. Instead, savor your whiskey sip by sip, giving yourself time to appreciate its nuances before rehydrating.
Whisky available at minuman.com:
- Label 5 - Classic Black - Blended Whisky - 700ml
- Jim Beam White - Bourbon Whiskey - 750ml
- Bells Original - Blended Whisky - 700ml
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