Unless you’re one of the few nice people around who hasn’t even savored a drop of liquor in their whole lives, chances are that you’re at least marginally familiar of the drink whiskey.
What Is Whiskey (or Whisky)?
Whiskey (often spelled "whisky" in Scotland, Canada, and Japan) is one of the world's most popular distilled spirits. It is made from a fermented mash of grains—such as barley, corn, rye, or wheat—and is almost always aged in wooden oak casks. The aging process is what gives whiskey its signature amber color and complex range of flavors, from sweet and smoky to spicy and smooth.
How to Drink Whiskey: 4 Common Ways
Drinking whiskey is a personal experience, but certain methods are better than others for truly tasting the spirit's complex flavors. For tasting, many experts prefer a tulip-shaped glass, which helps concentrate the aromas.
Here are the four most common ways to drink whiskey.
1. Whiskey Neat
This is the "purest" way to drink whiskey. "Neat" simply means the whiskey is poured directly from the bottle into a glass and served at room temperature.
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Pro: You are tasting the spirit exactly as the distiller intended, with no dilution.
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Con: For high-proof or "cask strength" whiskeys, the high alcohol percentage can "anesthetize" or numb your taste buds, hiding the more subtle flavors.
2. Whiskey with a Dash of Water
This is the preferred method for many whiskey connoisseurs and professional tasters.
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Pro: Adding a few drops (or a capful) of water can "open up" the whiskey. It lowers the alcohol proof just enough to prevent your tongue from going numb, allowing the complex, underlying flavors and aromas to be released.
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How to do it: First, take a tiny sip of the whiskey neat. If you feel a "buzz" or "burn" on your tongue, it's a sign the alcohol is hiding the flavor. Add a few drops of spring or distilled water (never tap water, as chlorine can ruin the taste). Wait a moment, then taste again. Repeat until the "buzz" is gone and the flavors pop.
3. Whiskey on the Rocks
"On the rocks" means serving whiskey over ice. This is a very popular method, but it has drawbacks for tasting.
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Pro: It chills the whiskey, which can make it feel smoother and more refreshing.
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Con: There are two main issues:
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Ice is often made from tap water, which contains chlorine and other impurities that will spoil the whiskey's flavor.
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As the ice melts, it will continuously dilute the spirit, often past the ideal point, leaving you with a watered-down drink.
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Pro Tip: If you prefer your whiskey cold, use whiskey stones (which don't melt) or a single, large ice cube or sphere. Large ice melts much slower, chilling the drink with less dilution.
4. Whiskey Cocktails
Finally, you can enjoy whiskey as the base for a cocktail.
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Pro: Whiskey is the backbone of some of the most famous cocktails in the world, such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour. It can also be enjoyed in a simple mix with ginger ale or club soda.
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How to do it: While you should always use a quality, "middle-shelf" whiskey you enjoy drinking, it is not recommended to use your most expensive, high-end bottles for mixing. The other ingredients will cover up the very nuances that make an expensive whiskey special, so it's best to save those for drinking neat or with a splash of water.
