Buzz
Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage distilled from fermented grain mash or malt, then aged in wooden barrels. Many whiskey enthusiasts are drawn to its diverse flavors, ranging from light and fruity to rich and smoky. If you've never tried whiskey before, sample different styles, aging periods, and strengths to discover your favorite. Whether you prefer sipping whiskey neat or mixing it into cocktails, you'll feel confident ordering a glass of whiskey after learning about the various types and the best ways to enjoy them for an exceptional experience.
Steps
Drinking whiskey neat
Pour the whiskey into a glass. Choose a small, stemless glass, such as a lowball glass (short and round). To fully appreciate the whiskey's flavor, you can opt for a tulip-shaped whiskey glass.
- Avoid using plastic or polystyrene cups, as materials other than glass can alter the whiskey's taste.
- For a classic experience (and if you don't mind a slight metallic hint), try drinking whiskey from a tin cup.
- Whiskey is best enjoyed slowly. Start with a finger's width of whiskey (about 30-50 mL): wrap your index finger around the base of the glass and pour until the whiskey reaches the top of your finger.
Try whiskey neat before adding water or ice. Before mixing anything into your whiskey, take at least a small sip in its pure form. This allows you to appreciate its aroma and flavor profile, helping you decide if it needs any additions.
- If you enjoy the whiskey's natural taste, you might prefer drinking it neat.
Smell the whiskey 2-3 times before tasting. Bring the glass to your nose and take a deep breath. You may need to do this a few times to fully detect the whiskey's aroma, as the alcohol scent can be overpowering at first. Over time, you’ll notice subtler notes like spices and wood.
- Open your mouth slightly while inhaling to better capture both the aroma and flavor, giving you a deeper understanding of the whiskey.
Tip: A tulip-shaped whiskey glass enhances the whiskey's aroma by trapping and concentrating the vapors at the top of the glass.
Swirl the whiskey in your mouth before swallowing. Don’t gulp it down; take a small sip and let it coat your tongue. After swallowing, pause briefly before taking another sip to savor the aftertaste.
- You might detect flavors like caramel, butterscotch, or vanilla.
- Some people prefer to “chew” the whiskey before swallowing to spread it across their tongue and palate.
- Breathing through your nose while swallowing can enhance the tasting experience.
- Don’t give up if you dislike the first sip. The initial taste might be strong, but subsequent sips will reveal more complex flavors. Whiskey is an acquired taste, so give yourself time to appreciate its depth.
Add a little water to enhance the whiskey's flavor. A few drops of filtered water, stirred gently, can soften the alcohol's intensity and bring out subtle notes. Add water gradually until you achieve your desired taste.
Note: It’s not entirely clear why water enhances whiskey, but some scientists believe it helps suppress chemicals that cause unpleasant flavors while bringing more desirable flavor compounds to the surface.
Add an ice cube if you prefer your whiskey chilled. Drop a large ice cube into your glass if you enjoy a cold drink. While whiskey purists might frown upon adding ice, there’s no harm in doing so if it suits your taste. After all, it’s your drink, so feel free to customize it!
- Keep in mind that ice dilutes the whiskey as it melts. The cold can also slightly numb your taste buds, making it harder to detect subtle flavors.
- Large ice cubes melt slower than smaller ones, preventing rapid dilution.
- Alternatively, you can use whiskey stones or soapstone cubes to chill your drink without watering it down.
Sip your whiskey slowly. Part of whiskey’s allure lies in its complex flavors, so you’ll enjoy it more by savoring each sip rather than gulping it down. Take 30 to 60 seconds to leisurely finish your glass.
- If you prefer to drink it all at once, go ahead! Try both sipping and taking a full gulp to see which style you prefer.
Try whiskey cocktails
Experiment with a classic Old Fashioned cocktail if you enjoy something sweet and simple. This cocktail is the grandfather of whiskey-based drinks. Depending on your preference, you can use various whiskeys, from sweeter bourbons (the traditional choice) to lighter, spicier rye whiskeys. Here’s how to make an Old Fashioned:
- Muddle a sugar cube with 3 dashes (1 dash = 0.8ml = 3 drops) of bitters in a lowball glass.
- Add 1 shot (about 45 ml) of whiskey, a few ice cubes, and stir until the ice begins to melt.
- Pour in another shot of whiskey.
- Garnish the cocktail with a cherry or a twist of orange peel.
Mix a refreshing Mint Julep cocktail with light and fresh ingredients. This classic Kentucky cocktail uses sweet bourbon. The higher the quality of the bourbon, the better the cocktail. Use fresh mint and muddle it with a sugar cube in a glass before adding bourbon. Stir 60ml of bourbon with 1 sugar cube and a handful of crushed ice along with the muddled mint leaves.
- For an extra chilled experience, use a pre-chilled highball glass or silver cup. Wrap a napkin or coaster around the glass to avoid ruining the frosty exterior when holding it bare-handed.
Try a Manhattan if you enjoy a sweet yet slightly bitter flavor. While some find Manhattans quite bitter, others love their bittersweet taste. Like the Old Fashioned, you can adjust the whiskey to suit your palate—use rye whiskey for a stronger flavor or bourbon for a sweeter touch. To make a Manhattan, combine the following ingredients in a shaker with ice, then strain into a glass:
- 60 ml whiskey
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 1 - 2 dashes of bitters, such as Angostura
- A small twist of orange peel
- This cocktail can also be made with Scotch and orange-flavored bitters, known as a Rob Roy.
Prepare a Whiskey Sour if you prefer a tangy and fruity cocktail. This simple drink requires minimal ingredients and adds a pleasant sour twist. To make a Whiskey Sour, shake the following ingredients in a shaker with plenty of ice:
- 60 ml whiskey
- 30 ml fresh lemon juice or a packet of lemon powder
- 1 teaspoon (about 4 g) of sugar
- Add 1 egg white for a frothier and creamier Boston Sour variation.
Warm up with a sweet and spicy Hot Toddy. A Hot Toddy is a comforting warm drink made with whiskey and spices, perfect for cold, rainy days. This cocktail is typically made with Irish whiskey. To prepare a Hot Toddy, pour whiskey into a glass, then heat the following ingredients and pour over the whiskey when the mixture is simmering:
- 60 ml water
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A 1.5 cm piece of peeled and sliced ginger (optional)
- A twist of lemon peel
- 60 ml whiskey
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 - 2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) lemon juice
- A pinch of nutmeg
Choose Scotch whiskey
Opt for Speyside or Highlands scotch if you prefer a sweeter taste. The flavor of Scotch whiskey varies slightly depending on the region of Scotland where it’s produced. Speyside and Highlands whiskeys tend to be sweeter and more fruit-forward compared to other scotch varieties.
- Both Speyside and Highlands regions host numerous distilleries, offering a wide range of options. Experiment with different whiskeys from these areas until you find your favorite.
Tip: If you’re new to scotch, try Speyside whiskeys like Glenfiddich or Highlands options like Glenmorangie. These typically have a lower alcohol content (40%) and are priced around $30-$40 USD per bottle.
Try Lowlands scotch for a light and smooth flavor. If you enjoy whiskey with a gentle, grassy finish, Lowlands scotch is an excellent choice. This malt whiskey is milder than many other scotches and makes a great introductory drink.
- Few distilleries remain in the Lowlands today. The most renowned ones are Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie.
- Like most scotch, Lowlands whiskey is made from single malt, meaning it’s distilled from malted barley in a single batch. Malting involves soaking grain in water to germinate before fermentation.
- Lowlands scotch is generally lighter in flavor due to being distilled two or three times, with an alcohol content of around 40%.
Choose Islay, Islands, or Campbeltown whiskey if you enjoy bold or peaty flavors. These regions are famous for producing whiskeys with strong, complex profiles, often featuring smoky, peaty, and salty notes. These are ideal if you dislike sweet or floral drinks, though they might be too intense for first-time whiskey drinkers.
- Islay scotch is renowned for its rich peatiness, derived from the peat used in malting. Notable Islay distilleries include Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig. For a milder option, try Bruichladdich.
- Islands scotch also has peaty undertones but is lighter and sweeter than Islay. Try Tobermory, Highland Park, or Arran for a fruity touch, or Talisker for smokier notes.
- Campbeltown scotch offers a complex flavor with a hint of salt and peat, similar to Islay. Key distilleries include Glen Scotia, Longrow, and Springbank.
Choose Bourbon whiskey
Start with wheated bourbon for a smooth and mild flavor. If you’re new to bourbon, you might want to begin with a whiskey that has a high wheat content. Wheat contributes to a softer, gentler taste, making it more approachable for beginners.
- Some popular wheated bourbons include Maker’s Mark, Old Fitzgerald, and Pappy Van Winkel.
- These bourbons often feature notes of caramel, vanilla, and baked bread.
Note: All bourbon whiskey is made from a mash containing at least 51% corn, along with barley and often a third grain for added flavor complexity.
Try a traditional bourbon if you enjoy sweeter whiskey. Traditional bourbon has a relatively high corn content (around 70%) and is combined with rye instead of wheat. Corn lends a natural sweetness, while rye adds a touch of spiciness.
- Classic examples of traditional bourbon include Knob Creek, Jim Beam, and Wild Turkey.
- If you prefer a corn-forward sweetness, explore high-corn bourbons like Old Charter (80% corn) or Tuthilltown Spirits’ Baby Bourbon (100% corn).
Choose high-rye bourbon if you enjoy a spicier kick. Bourbon with a higher rye content delivers a bold, peppery flavor. If you prefer whiskey with a more robust profile, look for bourbons with a rye content above 10%, such as Old Grand-Dad, Four Roses, or Bulleit.
- Four Roses Single Barrel, with a 35% rye content, is one of the highest-rye bourbons available.
- If you enjoy the spiciness of rye but also appreciate fruity notes, Bulleit is an excellent choice.
Explore single-barrel bourbons to discover unique flavors. For a more adventurous experience, try different single-barrel bourbons. As the name suggests, these are bottled from a single barrel without blending, resulting in distinct flavors influenced by aging time, barrel type, and storage conditions.
- Notable single-barrel bourbons include Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old, Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit, and Eagle Rare.
- Flavors can range from woody and smoky to smooth and sweet-spicy.
- While some single-barrel bourbons can be pricey, options like Eagle Rare 10 Year Old are available for around $20 USD (450,000 VND).
Choose other types of whiskey
Opt for Irish whiskey if you prefer a smoother taste. Irish whiskey is known for its fruity and lighter profile compared to its American and Scottish counterparts. Its gentle flavor makes it an excellent choice for those new to whiskey.
- Irish whiskey is typically aged in wooden barrels for at least 3 years, contributing to its signature smoothness.
- Jameson and Bushmills White Label are among the most popular Irish whiskeys. Connoisseurs also recommend trying Greenspot, Redbreast 12 Year Old, or Clontarf.
Note: Irish whiskey often contains a blend of malted and unmalted barley and is usually distilled in copper pot stills. Whiskey distilled in traditional pot stills tends to be robust and full-bodied.
Choose Canadian whiskey if you enjoy a unique blend of flavors. Canadian whiskey is typically blended, meaning it combines malt whiskey with grain whiskey. This results in a smoother taste compared to single malts. In addition to grain blends, Canadian whiskey may include other ingredients, such as wine or spirits aged for at least two years.
- Due to the variety of blending techniques and distillation methods in Canada, Canadian whiskey offers a wide range of flavors. For instance, JP Wiser’s 18 Year Old is ideal for those who enjoy earthy and smoky notes, while Corby’s Pike Creek is perfect for a sweeter, fruitier profile.
Try rye whiskey if you’re looking for a bold and spicy flavor. Like bourbon, rye whiskey is an American spirit aged in new charred oak barrels. To be classified as rye whiskey, it must contain at least 51% rye grain. Rye imparts a spicier and sharper taste compared to other whiskeys, making it a great choice if you prefer less sweetness.
- Popular rye whiskey brands include Old Overholt, Wild Turkey, and Bulleit.
Opt for longer-aged whiskey if you prefer a smoother finish. If you dislike the harshness of alcohol, look for whiskeys that have been aged longer. During aging, the wood from the barrels mellows the whiskey’s sharpness, imparting a smoother taste while adding distinct woody notes.
- Longer aging doesn’t always mean better quality. Whiskey aged too long (e.g., 23 years instead of 15) can absorb excessive tannins from the wood, resulting in an unpleasant flavor.
Note: Unlike wine, whiskey doesn’t improve in flavor when stored in bottles for extended periods. The critical aging process occurs in wooden barrels before bottling.
Experiment with different styles of the same whiskey. Even within the same type of whiskey, you’ll find a variety of expressions. For example, don’t judge all Irish whiskey based on one bottle—you might prefer another that’s aged slightly longer or has a different alcohol content.
- If possible, compare budget-friendly options with premium ones. You might discover that higher-priced bottles aren’t always your preference!
Tips
- While some whiskey enthusiasts may have strong opinions on the “right” way to enjoy whiskey, there are no strict rules. If you prefer whiskey on the rocks or in a fruity cocktail, don’t let anyone stop you. Enjoy your drink your way!
- Pair whiskey with complementary foods. Light, sweet whiskeys like Dalwhinnie or Glenkinchie go well with sushi, salmon, goat cheese, or cream cheese. Medium-bodied whiskeys like Bruichladdich pair nicely with smoked fish, duck, or venison. Bold whiskeys like Macallan complement grilled pork or desserts like chocolate and gingerbread.
- By law, bottled whiskey must have at least 40% alcohol content. Most whiskeys range between 40% and 60% ABV. To determine the ABV, divide the proof by two.
Warnings
- Always enjoy whiskey responsibly. Never drink and drive, and aim to limit yourself to 1-2 glasses per day. (For whiskey, one glass is approximately 45 ml.)
- Keep in mind that even at its lowest alcohol content, whiskey has a higher ABV than many other alcoholic beverages. Beer typically contains around 4.5% alcohol, while wine averages 11.6%.
