How to Drink Scotch Whiskey

One of life's pleasures includes drinking a glass of Scotch neat.

There are as many ways to drink a Scotch whiskey as there are types of whiskey. You can try them all as you make your way through the bottle and choose the one you like best. Appreciate the distinct aroma and flavor of the whiskey as you sip and savor it, drink it "neat" or combine it with spring water to enhance the flavor. Participate fully in drinking a Scotch whiskey as you open up your senses to the sensations of the alcohol.

Things You'll Need

• Glass
• Mixers such as water, soda or lemonade

Instructions

1. Choose a glass based on whether you are drinking it neat or mixed, as the shape affects the aroma. Select a whiskey tumbler for a malt liquor or if you plan on mixing the liquor. Pick a tulip-type glass with the bottom of the glass wider than the top if drinking it neat. This allows the aroma to concentrate in the neck of the glass so you can breathe it in as you drink.

2. Pour the whiskey into a glass. Decide whether to drink the whiskey by itself or add a mixer, such as water, soft drinks or lemonade. Choose a branch or spring water bottled by the distillery that enhances the Scotch's flavor. This can usually be found at the bar or your local liquor store. Water dilutes the whiskey just enough to retain the taste yet keep the whiskey from numbing your senses.

3. Observe the whiskey's characteristics while drinking it neat. Swirl the whiskey and hold the glass to the light. A gold color suggests a sherry oak cask used to mature the whiskey, while a pale color indicates a bourbon cask. Watch the way the whiskey coats the sides of the glass when twirled at an angle and then held straight. The longer it takes to return to the bottom, the more mature the whiskey.

4. Smell the whiskey before drinking it neat. Called nosing, you pass the glass under your nose and breathe in the aroma. Allow the scent to overwhelm your senses before you taste the whiskey. Curl your tongue and let the whiskey sit there. Dip your tongue into the whiskey and let it roll over your taste buds. Identify the different tones within the alcohol.

5. Swallow the whiskey after the tasting. Sip it down slowly with your mouth closed as you breathe through your nose and the fumes enter your sinuses. Let the different flavors compete in your senses. Repeat the process.

References

• Scotch Malt Whisky: How To Drink Scotch Whisky
• Ask Men: Your Guide To Scotch Whisky
• Scotch Whisky: How to Drink Scotch Whisky