Posted on 11/21/2017 8:27:19 AM PST by ImJustAnotherOkie
Why is Scotch whisky so intimidating? There's something about this spirit — which is really nothing more than malt or grain-based whisky made in Scotland — that's got an intimidating rep.
Well, once you know how to drink Scotch — and learn that it's not so scary after all — you'll be that cool, breezy bar-goer sipping Scotch like it's no biggie.
First, the basics: all Scotch whisky has to meet certain legal standards to be granted it's name. Chiefly, it must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years.
Scotch comes in two forms, single malts (all 100-percent malt whiskys are produced within one distillery) and blends (different single malts are blended together, often with added grain whisky). Naturally, within these two categories, there are a million potential distinctions — they vary in their peaty-ness (smokiness), brininess, and heaviness. But before you start arguing about the merits of one blend over another, you've got to know how to drink Scotch the right way. Here's how it's done.
1. Pour it
When it comes to boozing, glassware is especially important when it comes to taste. Most Scotch nerds will agree that tulip-shaped glasses, also known as "whiskey snifters," are ideal, especially when sipping whiskey neat. In theory, this glass shape "traps the whisky aromas in the glass and concentrates them all in one place." Of course, if you go to a bar, they'll likely serve you Scotch in a rocks glass. That's fine, too.
2. Dilute it
Experts recommend adding a few drops of water to a particularly special Scotch — the water helps bring out flavors that might otherwise be overshadowed by the flavors and aromas of pure alcohol. If you're cracking open a super-old, expensive bottle that's been sitting on a shelf forever, you may want to add even more water — a teaspoon or two — to open up the flavors.
3. Ice it
Professionals may think it's gauche, but Scotch over ice isn't an unusual preference for whiskey drinkers. Some people appreciate a colder Scotch-drinking experience, and ice essentially does the same job as adding water — a little diluting, a little opening up of flavor. If you're going to use ice, though, opt for one of those big cubes — it'll melt slower, keeping your drink from getting so watered down that you can't appreciate it's nuances.
4. Or put it in a cocktail
Scotch and soda? Classic. Ditto for the Rob Roy and the Rusty Nail. But Scotch also plays well with grapefruit and honey-ginger syrup, as well as with sweet vermouth and orange, and even pear nectar and ginger ale. Just because your grandpa only drank Scotch neat doesn't mean you have to. After all, you're an expert now — you can drink it any damn way you like.
“Just push the button marked ‘booze’. It’s the only way to fly.”
“Nonsense, anybody can fly a plane!” :o)
Depends upon the brand and style. Having been a bit of a Scotch drinker for going on thirty years, it seems to me that the whole neat thing was a trendoid affectation once reserved to cigar bars, the doofuses were even dipping their Cohibas in their Scotch. But, in my exposure, many single malts settle down and release interesting flavors served rocks, they need to season. Turning up your nose at this time-honored way of drinking Scotch reveals one as a dilettante in my opinion. Go eat some peat moss neat or something, lol.
Macallan, the oldest you can afford.
The well scotch was Passport (which was not a bad scotch back then; hell, our well bourbon was Kesslers, which is one of my favorites).
But, to answer your question: In my original post I said I wanted to throw him out (but, of course, I didn’t: Customer’s always right, etc.); so, no; I would not have tossed him out had he ordered bar scotch for his concoction.
The #1 means to tell others you are a novice? Try to tell them how they should enjoy scotch. :)
Scotch and cigars are my mainstay. When asked how to drink Scotch, I merely tell them what the article said and let them decide.
I like Macallan, but there is a huge price jump from the 12-year-old to the 15-year-old.
Laphroaig is heavy on the smoke and peat, it’s a bit of an outlier, a love it or hate it proposition even among longtime Scotch drinkers. Rocks tames it but it’s still very earthy.
That’s why I qualified it, the oldest you can afford. Affordability is an issue past 12 years relegating it to special occasion status, but having had 18 year old in the past, it’s well worth it if you feel like splurging.
I understand. I’m just saying that I can’t afford anything more than the 12. :-(
Maybe when the kids are out of college...
Rumor has it that Scotch doesn’t get better with age after about 18 years
It certainly seems to improve up to 18 years based upon my limited experience. Can’t vouch for beyond that point though, I’m priced out. Somebody thinks it does, otherwise the price premium wouldn’t hold.
Well Ireland now has a Gay Prime Minister.
Glenlivet 70 year old $40,000 a bottle.
Try Single Cask if you can afford it. Beyond good.
In the late 80’s I was in a hotel bar in Woodbridge England and they had a bottle behind the bar labeled, “Sheep Dip.” I tried it and it just okay. I bought a bottle to take home for a souvenir.
Keep that with your boxed wine for a high class party. Serve some gubment cheese as horse duvers.
I belong to a very Un-PC rifle/pistol, trap, archery
club with a full bar with limited brands. Our only
bourbon, for example, is Kesslers.
On another note my medical clinic of record is quite
a ride out of town up in yonder hills. They have an
MD named Kessler and a DDS named Popov.
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