Try to avoid using a plastic or polystyrene cup as you might find that materials other than glass impart their own flavor to the whiskey. For a really old-fashioned experience (and if you don’t mind a little metallic flavor), try drinking your whiskey from a tin cup. A little whiskey goes a long way. Start by pouring yourself 1 finger (about 30-50 mL): wrap your index finger around the bottom of the glass and pour up to the height of the top edge of your index finger.
If you enjoy the taste of alcohol, you may prefer drinking your whiskey neat.
Keep your mouth open while you smell the whiskey to enhance both your sense of smell and sense of taste, which will allow you to understand the whiskey better.
You may notice flavors such as caramel, toffee, or vanilla. Some people like to “chew” their whiskey before swallowing it, making sure that it coats the entire tongue and inside of the mouth. [5] X Research source Breathing through your nose as you swallow the whiskey can also help you experience the aroma more fully. [6] X Research source If you don’t like the taste of the whiskey on your first sip, don’t give up on it right away. The first sip may taste overwhelmingly like alcohol, but you will probably begin to notice other flavors on your second or third taste. It’s an acquired taste, so it takes time to truly appreciate the complex flavors and aromas of whiskey.
Do keep in mind that the ice will dilute the whiskey as it melts. The coldness of the ice can also numb your taste buds a bit, making it harder to pick up on the subtler flavors. Larger pieces of ice will melt more slowly than small ones, so they won’t dilute the drink as quickly. Alternatively, you can use chilled whiskey stones, which are soapstone chunks that chill the whiskey without diluting it.
If you like shooting whiskey, that’s fine, too! Experiment with savoring your whiskey slowly or knocking it back in one gulp, and see which you prefer. [11] X Research source
Muddle a sugar cube and 3 dashes of bitters in the bottom of a rocks glass. Pour in 1 shot of whiskey and some ice, then stir until the ice begins to melt. Add another shot of whiskey. Garnish the drink with a cherry or an orange twist.
For a deliciously frosty glass, use a tall glass or silver beaker that is pre-chilled. Use a napkin or doily so that you don’t ruin the frost by touching it with your bare hands. [13] X Research source
2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of whiskey 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of sweet vermouth 1 to 2 dashes of bitters, such as Angostura A small length of orange peel This type of cocktail made with Scotch and orange bitters instead of rye and aromatic bitters is called a Rob Roy. [14] X Research source
2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of whiskey 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of fresh-squeezed lemon juice or a packet of sours 1 teaspoon (about 4 grams) of sugar A Boston Sour adds in 1 egg white as well for a frothy, more substantial drink.
2 fluid ounces (59 ml) of water 3 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 0. 5 in (1. 3 cm) piece of ginger, peeled and sliced (optional) 1 strip of lemon peel 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of whiskey 2 teaspoons (9. 9 mL) of honey (adjustable to your sweetness preferences) 1 or 2 teaspoons (4. 9 or 9. 9 mL) of lemon juice A dash of nutmeg[15] X Research source
Speyside and the Highlands are both home to large numbers of distilleries, so you can expect quite a bit of variation between bottles. Experiment with different Speysides and Highlands until you find one you like.
There are only a few operating distilleries in the Lowlands today. The 2 oldest and most famous distilleries currently in business in the region are Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie. Like most scotches, Lowlands whiskeys are single malts, meaning that they are made with malted barley from a single distillery. Malting involves letting the grain germinate in water before fermentation. Most scotches tend to have a milder flavor than other malts because of the special double or triple distillation process they go through. Generally, they have an alcohol content of about 40% (80-proof). [18] X Research source
Islay scotches are known for their strong flavors, which come from the peat fuel that is used during the malting process. Some of the most famous Islay scotches distilleries are Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig. For a somewhat lighter flavor, try a Bruichladdich scotch. [20] X Research source Islands scotches are also peaty, but are milder and sweeter than Islay scotches. Try a Tobermory or Highland Park, or choose an Arran bottle for a lighter and fruitier taste. Choose Talisker for a smoky and peaty taste. [21] X Research source Campbeltown scotches are complex and slightly salty, with peaty notes similar to those found in Islay’s. The major distilleries are Glen Scotia, Longrow, and Springbank. [22] X Research source
Some popular wheated bourbons include Maker’s Mark, Old Fitzgerald, and Pappy Van Winkel. These bourbons tend to have notes of caramel, vanilla, and bread.
Popular traditional bourbons include Knob Creek, Jim Beam, and Wild Turkey. If you really like the sweetness of the corn, try a bourbon with a higher corn content, such as Old Charter (80% corn) or Baby Bourbon from Tuthilltown Spirits (100% corn). [26] X Research source
Four Roses Single Barrel has a rye content of 35%, making it the most rye-heavy bourbon on the market. [28] X Research source If you like the spiciness of rye but also enjoy whiskey with a fruity flavor, Bulleit is a good choice.
A few popular single barrel options include Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old, Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit, and Eagle Rare. Flavors range from woody and smoky to smooth and spicy-sweet. While these bourbons can be quite pricey, “single-barrel” does not always equate to prohibitively expensive. You can get a bottle of Eagle Rare 10 Year Old for around $20 USD.
Irish whiskeys are typically aged in the barrel for at least 3 years, helping them achieve their characteristic smooth finish. Jameson and Bushmills White Label are 2 of the most popular Irish whiskeys. Whiskey connoisseurs also recommend Greenspot, Redbreast 12 Year Old, or Clontarf.
Because of the wide variety of blends and distillation techniques available in Canada, Canadian whiskeys come in a huge range of flavors. For example, you might try a JP Wiser’s 18 Year Old if you want a smoky, earthy flavor. If you prefer something fruity, sweet, and soft, Corby’s Pike Creek is a good bet. [33] X Research source
Popular rye brands include Old Overholt, Wild Turkey, and Bulleit.
Older is not always better. Whiskey that’s been aged too long (e. g. , 23 versus 15 years) can sometimes soak up too many tannins from the wood, resulting in an unpleasant flavor.
If you can, compare cheaper varieties with more expensive ones. You may find that the pricier bottles are not necessarily your favorites!
