For years, whisky fans have sworn that whisky is best enjoyed neat, with no added mixers, water or ice. However, adding these to your dram can have many positive effects. Sadly, there are a few unwanted ones as well. In today’s instalment of Whisky debates we’ll be breaking down what to add to your whisky for the best experience possible.
Water
If you’ve ever attended a whisky tasting event held by a professional, odds are there was a small jug of water next to your tasting glasses. The distiller or host would take a sip of the whisky neat and then add a few drops of water. Why?
It’s because water opens up numerous new flavours in whisky. This is especially true for cask strength, high ABV whiskies (50-60 per cent) where the sheer strength of the alcohol masks all the more delicate, subtle flavours in the dram. Once a few drops or a splash are added the alcohol percentage is diluted, and these flavours are allowed to shine through. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll notice that any distiller, brand ambassador or whisky expert will do the same thing, and if they make the whisky they sure know how it should be consumed.
Ice
Ice has a very different effect on whisky. The lower the temperature of the whisky, the less flavour comes through. Ice also helps to dull the alcohol burn but sadly, makes the whisky taste duller as a result. This is why so many huge beer companies serve their products ice cold – the colder the liquid the less people realise that the flavour and quality are not up to par.
However, the refreshing, easy-drinking effect ice brings to whisky can help beginners and those unaccustomed to whisky’s intense flavour profile enjoy the liquid and slowly delve into it. Many flavours will be masked, but it can be just the drink for a warm summer’s night at a bar in town. There’s always time later for more in-depth tastings.
The verdict:
Water is the clear winner as it aids in lessening the alcohol burn and brings fun, new flavours out in whisky that you didn’t know were there.
Bearing in mind that ice dulls these flavours, you need to remember that for the rarer, older and more expensive whiskies, water is the clear way to go. Ice will just detract from the experience.
There is a time and place for ice. For the cheaper, more affordable whiskies there's no issue with adding ice (even mixers) and enjoying a few refreshing beverages. Some may say that simply adding water still leaves whisky with a burn but don’t forget – you can add as much water as you want until the flavour works for you.
Distillers, fans, critics and experts swear by water to enjoy each whisky at it’s fullest and experience it fully broken down. Water is the way to go.
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