How to taste whiskey: all the useful tips

Before tasting and drinking whiskey, it is important to know how to make it best, which glasses are the most suitable and the aromas of the drink.

Whiskey is made from distillation of fermented must and composed of barley and other cereals in variable measure. If you are new to this world to be discovered, some tips on how to drink whiskey to fully enjoy it could come in handy.

The most famous is undoubtedly the Scottish one which has also achieved greater diffusion than the neighboring Irish whiskeys. Also in the United States this drink is produced with musts obtained from corn or rye since barley is present in lower quantities. The most productive states are Tennessee and Kentucky. But how to drink whiskey correctly? Here you are some useful tips.

Whiskey glasses: which ones to choose

Perhaps not everyone knows that for drinking whiskey the glass also has its own importance. In fact, tasting purists claim that the choice of glass is fundamental. But there are also those who are content to drink whiskey in any glass.

The most suitable are glasses of glass, which do not alter the flavor of the whisky: the tulip glass or tumblers are preferable as they concentrate the flavors and smells for a perfect tasting.

How to serve whisky: smooth, with water or on the rocks

After choosing the glass, the other fundamental aspect is the choice of service. The temperature of the whiskey must be between 18 and 20°C, therefore more or less at room temperature, as the glass should be. Now, however, let’s move on to defining whether it is better to taste it smooth, on the rocks or with the addition of water.

Taste smooth whiskey

If you belong to the “smooth whiskey is better” team, you are wrong. In fact, expert drinkers know that drinking whiskey in this way does not allow you to fully appreciate all that it can offer, mainly because whiskey usually has a very high alcohol content, at least 40 degreesand consequently alcohol tends to numb the senses, preventing the perception of smells and flavors that one should and want to smell in a conscious tasting.

Degustare il whisky on the rocks

If enjoying whiskey neat is not considered a serious mistake by most, all the experts will certainly be able to advise you instead do not add ice for optimal tasting. In fact, adding two or three ice cubes to whiskey served at room temperature is not a good way to fully appreciate the smells of the distillate. Ice has the effect of diluting the whisky, lowering its alcohol content and making the most intense odors disappear, those which distinguish a quality whiskey from a mediocre product.

Enjoy whiskey with water

We arrive at the best method for tasting the distillate: that is with the addition of a little water. The recommended proportions are three parts whiskey to one part water.

The high alcohol content of the whiskey allows its aromas to be trapped over the years, making it more and more particular and of high quality. Adding water reduces the alcohol content of the whiskey, allowing the aromas and flavours to be released completely, both in the sense of smell and on the palate

How to drink whiskey and taste it

To taste whiskey well, start with olfactory perception, bring the glass to your nose slowly so you can feel the perfumes. The more curious can also try to identify the scents and aromas.

Generally, for both Scotch and Irish whiskeys, the classic aromas are those of vanilla and caramel, and the flavors are citrus and floral. Whiskey made in the United States on the other hand can have a maple flavor like Jack Daniels. In scotch whiskies, on the other hand, an aroma is prevalent smoked.

Remember to taste the drink slowly and in small sips, leaving it for a few moments on the palate and tongue before swallowing.

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