Are you new to scotch whisky and want to get the most out of every glass? Maybe you have been recommended some scotch and you aren’t sure of the best way to enjoy it? No matter the reason, we are here to help! Scotch whisky can be tricky to master, especially if you have never enjoyed whisky before. To ensure you get the most out of your drink, we have compiled our ultimate guide, which will walk you through how to drink and enjoy scotch whisky!
Drinking Scotch Whisky: a step by step guide
Let’s start with a step-by-step guide that will show you the best way to drink your scotch whisky. This isn’t a definitive guide, but our recommendations to get the most out of every glass of scotch. If you find another method that works for you, then enjoy that method, but if you want a foolproof way to enjoy a glass of whisky, follow the steps below:
Step 1 – preparation
As with anything, preparation is key. Your scotch should be in the right glass, ensuring you get the most of the flavors and really savor the experience. Your scotch should be in a tulip-shaped glass, as this will channel the aromas to your nose, enhancing the tasting experience.
You will also want to nose the whisky before you take your first sip. Inhale the aromas through your nose and mouth to get a sense of its profile. We recommend taking it slow, as inhaling it too quickly or closely can be overpowering, and the alcohol vapor will overpower any other scents.
Step 2 – start with a sip
The art of drinking and enjoying whisky lies in sipping the drink, rather than gulping it. Taking small, slow sips helps your palate discover and appreciate the complex notes and textures in the scotch. When enjoying your sips, allow yourself time between sips, too, helping you to form your opinion of the scotch.
Step 3 – Adjust to your preferences
After your first sip, you can play about how you serve and enjoy your scotch. There are several options to choose from when drinking scotch, from enjoying it neat to creating the perfect cocktail. We have outlined the popular options below:
Enjoy it neat
Scotch is designed to be drunk neat, without adding any other drinks to it. This method allows you to enjoy all of the flavors, but this method isn’t for everyone. The taste can burn your throat, especially if you are not used to drinking scotch, and we recommend that beginners leave drinking it neat to the scotch experts.
Add water
A splash of water is the perfect way to diminish the burn from whisky, making it more enjoyable. Adding some water can open up the complex aromas and flavors too, which will allow you to experience the full flavors in the drink.
You can also choose to have a separate glass of water and sip it in between sips of scotch. This will cleanse your palate and allow you to notice and enjoy the different flavors in the scotch.
Place your scotch on the rocks
Scotch on the rocks is a popular choice, where the scotch is poured over ice. The ice will chill the scotch and make it more enjoyable, reducing the throat burn you can experience. You can choose to add a single cube to reduce the melting ice, diluting the drink too, or use whiskey stones, which are made from stainless steel or soapstone. These stones are placed in your freezer to chill before being added to the scotch to chill the drink, without melting and diluting the flavor.
Make a cocktail
Whisky cocktails are a good way to enjoy your scotch or mix up your uses of the drink. You can choose from a huge range of whisky cocktails, but here are our favorites:
● Rob Roy – is a twist on the Manhattan and combines scotch with vermouth and some bitters. Mix and stir with ice before straining into a chilled glass
● Whiskey sour – is a timeless cocktail to enjoy. Pair scotch whiskey with lemon juice, egg white, and pure cane syrup. Shake with ice to create an intense flavor and a refreshing drink
● Scotch whiskey highball – is a lighter and refreshing cocktail using ginger ale or soda water mixed with scotch over ice. To add a tang, serve with a wedge of lime.
Add it to food
If you don’t want to drink scotch or are looking for other options, you can add it to food. Adding scotch to food will enhance your flavors to create a woody and rich dish, with some of the following options:
● Whisky-infused chocolate truffles – adding scotch to the truffle filling can enhance the rich and smooth taste of your chocolate.
● Whisky-lazed ribs or chicken – adding scotch gives the meat a caramelized glaze, especially when mixed with brown sugar, mustard, and chili.
● Beef stew – the scotch will create a flavorful and hearty stew, mixing the meat with
root vegetables.
Enjoy your scotch whisky today
Now that you know how to drink and pair your whisky, it’s time to start enjoying your whisky! With our tips, you can make the most out of your scotch and enjoy every glass, no matter the combination you choose. When choosing your scotch, we recommend checking out the Whisky Club, who offer limited edition, standalone scotches, and subscriptions that allow you to enjoy a new scotch every month. Check them out to enjoy some of the best scotch whisky today!