I've never had Scotch anything but neat but I tried a a couple teaspoons of good water and it really did bring out some other notes. Hmm, might be a way to stretch it a bit too!
First time adding a pinch of water to Scotch.
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I generally nose and take the firstsip neat. Then add two to three drops of water, swirl, nose and sip again to note the differences as it opens up. Ill use a bit more water, 5-6 drops if it's a cask strength. It does help release some of the aromatics that are dissolved in the alcohol.
1 ice cube loses nothing and often adds a lot.
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My well water makes for some messy ice and is one reason I don't use it. I was also thinking the water might take away from the nose but it did not.
A few drops of cool, not cold, water really opens up a good scotch. Glad you discovered the trick!
I add some water to cask-strength liquors. But I've noticed that the best way to bring out a good scotch, bourbon, or other liquor is to pour it into a glass (I usually use one of the Glencairn glasses.) and let it sit and open up for a good 30 minutes or more. It really smooths out and the flavors open up very nicely. It works very well with a nice dark rum, too. Just gotta have patience.
I couldn't let poured scotch go untasted for that long, I would have to pour myself another scotch and smoke my pipe to wait that long!
"The only thing that should be added to scotch is more scotch!"
A pithy phrase, but I agree with the comments above: a bit of water is a good idea.
A pithy phrase, but I agree with the comments above: a bit of water is a good idea.
I find adding a little water (very little) to some single malts, can lift them.
However I find this does not work at all for blends.
However I find this does not work at all for blends.
Except for half the nose.... Never chill a malt (IMNESHO)
It depends on the blend. Some of the richer ones (I'm thinking Chivas 18YO, or Johnnie Walker Gold) or for a blended malt (say Grouse 21YO, or JW Green label) it can work. Cutty 18YO is ruined with water. Cutty 25YO improves with a tiny amount. Cutty is best over lots of ice (call me a heretic if you like)
I beg to differ. One ice cube changes little, except the heat. However, I am trying my Caol Ila with just a few drops of water. Not much difference than neat, frankly.
it was mentioned earlier, a few drops of water will open up some single malts, some it won't be nearly as noticeable - I tend to alternate between neat and a drop or two (unless cask strength).
I tend to use Fiji water if anything (not that my palate would likely tell the difference between fiji or tap water when adding drops, but it's just what I do - its' my favorite bottled water period)
as for ice cubes...those are best left for blended scotch IMO - of course it's your glass of whisky so drink it however you like it. I can't do ice w single malts tho - both for taste and temperature.
Week two, no ice. I'm slowly coming around.
In case anyone is wondering, a bit of water in a dram of scotch is how it is traditionally enjoyed. Without the water, you really are missing out on all that is in your scotch. I extend this practice to all whiskey. Just few drops or more depending on strength. You really want to cut the alcohol a bit so it doesn't get in the way. With that said, and more importantly, enjoy your whiskey whichever way you like!
FWIW, when nosing, professionals (by this, I'm referring to the blenders that do this all day, every day, and get paid for it) water it down to 20% abv.
I use a straw and drawl a straw full or two of room temp spring water to add to a couple fingers of Laphroaig. Let it breath a bit then check the nose again. Also, I prefer a stemmed brandy sniffer so my hand doesn't warm the whisky....
Well said!
A friend who works for a BIG liquor distributor here in Oz recommends a finger of water for every 2 fingers of scotch. He reckons it should end up about 25-30% alcohol or if it's about 80 proof to start down to about 40 proof. Sounds good to me...
