Drinking whiskey is a great way to enjoy some quality time with yourself or create memories with your people. This strong alcoholic beverage carries a rich history, and its complex flavors can be unraveled if you drink it the right way.
Whether you’re a history buff or an alcohol enthusiast, you’ve landed in the right place. We’ll be shedding light on all things whiskey, whiskey etiquettes, and how you can enjoy it at its best. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, trust us, by the end of this guide on how to drink whiskey, you’ll learn new ways of enjoying your whiskey.
The Traditional Way
Whiskey is believed to have been first distilled in the medieval era by the monks of Scotland and Ireland. Now, these two countries have their distinct whiskeys and are pretty famous for them. Ever since whiskey was first created, it has come a long way.
Some traditionalists like their whiskey in a particular way that hasn’t changed while some have made certain tweaks to its drinking method to enhance its flavors. Listed below are some of the popular traditional ways to drink your whiskey.
Drinking Whiskey Neat
In order to taste the brilliant and complicated flavors of whiskey, we recommend having it straight up. Having a whiskey neat or straight simply means you’re consuming it as it is, and there’s no ice or water involved.
Whiskey neat has been celebrated and appreciated by many whiskey enthusiasts over the years. Don’t go for a whiskey neat if you aren’t familiar with alcohol because the taste can feel too bitter and you might not be able to enjoy it.
If the strong taste doesn’t intimidate you and you want to taste whiskey with all its beautifully layered complexity, you should definitely give this a shot. If you want to step up your whiskey game, just follow these steps and you’ll see your whiskey in a new light.
- Pour your whiskey into a glass (preferably a Highball glass).
- Swirl your whiskey gently. We know you’re not sipping wine but trust us, swirling your whiskey will open up a world of new aromas. Oxygen releases aromas in whiskey and you can also watch how the whiskey legs (trails on the inside of whiskey glass) run down the glass, used by connoisseurs to better understand its age. You can also place your hand on your whiskey glass and give it a gentle shake.
- Now that you’ve swirled your whiskey, sniff it. Don’t hesitate to take your nose close to the glass and inhale the magic. Inhaling your whiskey is known as nosing. Nosing helps you to get a complete experience because your nose can take the aromas and flavors before your lips does.
- Now that your nose knows the whiskey, introduce it to your lips. Chewing your whiskey refers to smacking your lips a few times after taking a sip (especially popular when drinking bourbon). It allows you to savor your drink before swallowing.
- You can now swallow your whiskey and let the taste transport you!
Also Read: The Most Expensive Single Malt Whiskeys In India
On The Rocks
When you want to sustain the authentic taste of whiskey but want to acclimatize yourself to the taste, this should be your go-to method. Having whiskey on the rocks means putting ice cubes in your whiskey.
We’d suggest you put big ice cubes because they melt slower and you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors more. Whiskey on the rocks definitely dilutes some flavors but is still a pretty strong drink. It’s one of the most popular ways of drinking whiskey so you should definitely give it a try.
Warmed Up
Warmed-up whiskey is also popularly known as Hot Toddy. It’s one of the best ways to drink whiskey on a winter’s night. Warming the whiskey can change its original taste but nonetheless, it’s a great way to drink it.
If you’re feeling experimental, you can also add some honey and cloves. If you enjoy garnishing your drink, you can use a lemon wedge.
Whiskey With Water
Some drops of water can add magic to your whiskey which is why whiskey with water is a pretty popular way of drinking it. It’s believed that a few drops of water can release the flavors of whiskey and makes it more enjoyable to drink.
Whiskey with water is especially great for stronger whiskeys where diluting the bitterness becomes essential.
Also Read: Best Cheap Whiskeys
The Beginner’s Way
Starting something can seem intimidating but once you move past it, the fun begins! If you’re starting out with whiskey, we’ll advise you to start with whiskey and water. Dilute the whiskey as per your taste and drink it.
If whiskey and water feel too strong for you, you can start with whiskey cocktails. Once you get comfortable with the taste, you can start further experimenting with your ways of drinking whiskey.
If you’re feeling bold, you can also sip it neat. Just make sure to keep cleansing your palette with chilled water in between your sips. If you manage to start drinking whiskey neat, you’ll be able to enjoy whiskey in all of its glory and variations.
Also Read: Understanding Whisky/Whiskey Types Like A Beginner
Whiskey Cocktails
As much as we like to advocate drinking whiskey neat, we also understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Whiskey cocktails are a great way to acclimatize yourself to its taste.
A whiskey cocktail simply means that there will be other ingredients present in order to dilute the bitterness and add flavors. There are great whiskey cocktails such as Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Sazerac, etc that’ll help you start your whiskey journey on a delicious note.
Also Read: Whiskey Or Ramen? How About Both!
Popular Ways Of Drinking Whiskey In Different Parts Of The World
Whiskey is a globally celebrated drink and is produced in various parts of the world, but there are 4 countries with distinct whiskeys. Each country offers its own variation to the drink and sometimes even to its name. Other than the taste, you’ll also find a preferred way of drinking each type of whiskey. Here’s how whiskey is popularly enjoyed in different parts of the world:
Scotch Whisky
Aged in oak barrels, Scotch whisky is a malt whisky or grain whisky. It’s produced in Scotland and the aging takes 3 years. Scotch whisky is so popular that people often consider it a separate type of drink.
Scots take their Scotch very seriously and you’ll find them enjoying it neat. In most Scottish bars, Scotch is served with a jar of water as it accentuates the taste. People also like to have their Scotch with some ice cubes in case of strong Scotch.
Also Read: Best Scotch Cocktails You Don’t Want To Miss
American Whiskey
Produced in the United States, American whiskeys come in great variations and flavors. America is one of the biggest producers of whiskey, so you’ll find different versions of whiskey in different states, from sweet Tennessee whiskey to Kentucky’s spicy rye.
American whiskey is generally aged for two years in used oak barrels. Americans like to thoroughly enjoy their whiskey and take time to appreciate its taste.
Also Read: Best Bourbon Cocktails To Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month
Irish Whiskey
Considered to be a superior type of whiskey, Irish whiskey is produced in Ireland. This amazing whiskey is aged for at least 3 years in used bourbon barrels and is dried in a closed kiln (away from fire and smoke).
It’s a complex yet smooth whiskey that is mostly enjoyed with water at room temperature. The water helps to open up the flavors so you’ll be able to enjoy it easily.
Also Read: How To Make Classic Irish Coffee
Canadian Whisky
Canadian whisky is a blended multigrain spirit produced in Canada. They’ve become immensely popular in the last few decades because of their distinct taste and unique means of production.
Canadian whiskies are aged for at least 3 years in small wooden vessels, and have corn and rye as the dominating flavors. They’re popularly enjoyed with coke, ginger ale, and soda but you can definitely consume them neat or on the rocks.
Things To Keep In Mind While Drinking Whiskey
- Sip your whiskey neat, don’t shoot it (it’s frowned upon!)
- Even if you don’t like the taste of your whiskey, don’t make a face. Try to keep a poker face while drinking.
- Do not spit or sputter your drink. Come on, you wouldn’t want to be that person at a party.
- The right kind of whiskey glass can add a lot to your drinking experience. Definitely add the Highball glass and Rock glass to your collection as they’re the most preferred whiskey glasses.
Also Read: Best Gifts For Whiskey Lovers
Summing Up
We’re sure you now know a lot of things when it comes to drinking whisky/whiskey. Drinking whiskey is an art and in the end, it completely depends upon what works best for you. The question of how to drink whiskey can definitely be answered in various ways, so keep trying different ways of drinking whiskey and find the style that suits you!
FAQs
Can We Drink Whisky Directly?
Drinking whiskey directly (without any mixers) is a popular style of consuming it. It’s known as having whiskey neat or straight up which is the perfect way to enjoy its flavors.
How Can I Train Myself To Drink Whiskey?
Whiskey cocktails or whiskey with water can definitely be a great way to train yourself to drink whiskey. You can gradually make a shift towards whiskey on the rocks or having it neat.
Is Whiskey Stronger Than Vodka?
Whiskeys are stronger in flavor as compared to vodka which is generally tasteless (if it’s not flavored). Whiskey generally has an ABV of 40% to 75% while vodka has a standard 40% ABV.
What Is The Best Time To Drink Whiskey?
Whiskey can be consumed as an after dinner drink. It works great as a digestive, so you can definitely have a peg or two post your dinner. If you simply want to taste you whiksye, mornings are usually ann ideal time for that.
What Is The Smoothest Whiskey?
Blended whiskey is the smoothest whiskey because it’s produced by mixing malt whiskey and grain whiskey which gives the smoothest texture. You can also read the difference between single malt and blended whiskeys to understand the differences better.
How Much Whiskey A Day Is Healthy?
Whiskey in moderation can definitely do some good to your body. Whiskey contains many antioxidants, so consuming one or two pegs daily can definitely be good for digestion, cough, and even aging. Make sure to keep one or two alcohol-free days in your week.
What Should I Eat Before Drinking Whiskey?
Fruits, yogurts, eggs, chicken, and salmon are some of the best foods to consume before you start drinking. It’s advisable to not have your stomach completely full so keep the meal light and low–fat.
