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.
A few drops of cold, pure water.
Anything else is sheer barbarism.
living in cardboard boxes under the overpass can attest. ....
I quit drinking long enough ago that I can now afford a house with indoor plumbing.
>>I love the smokey, peaty islay scotches....LOVE Lagaluvin (sp), Laphroaig, Arbegs, etc.<<
Last Christmas my SIL gave me a bottle of Laphroaig which, I confess, I’d never had before and haven’t yet opened. But while out to dinner a few weeks ago, I ordered a Laphroaig on the rocks.
My wife looked at me and asked, “How do you like it?”
I said, “They must have thrown some dirty sneakers in the mixture and let them age with the malt.”
An acquired taste indeed. Is the sneaker taste the peat or the smokiness? LOL. I will acquire the taste before the bottle runs dry.
LOL! As far as I’m concerned, scotch makes a dandy emetic.
Thank you very much.
Much appreciated!
Thanks!
“favorite part was the scotch drinking classes from the colorful old brit with a rich Scott brogue.”
A colorful old brit? According to businessinsider.com, the top nine scotch whiskys are all distilled and bottled in Scotland. What does a Brit know? And make sure you don’t use the “e.” That’s the Irish spelling.
rwood
This article doesn’t actually tell you how to drink Scotch. It took me awhile to figure out you can’t swig it like other alcohols. Take a small sip, hold it in your mouth for several seconds, swirl it around, then open and inhale. You’ll start getting all these aromas and flavors coming through, and if you do it right it doesn’t burn, it’s actually quite enjoyable.
#3 is the only way to drink it.
I do prefer crushed ice rather than one big cube.
two fingers of ice, and two fingers of whisky.
If you’re drinking Laphroaig, go to Step 1 (pour it). And now you’re done — just sip back and enjoy!
I don’t think I’ll ever get over Macho Grande.
My grandfather used to tell the story of his bartender friend asking a customer, “What’ll ya have?”
The customer said, “Scotch and ginger ale.”
“Not in my bar ya won’t!”
I got one just as bad. I was at a bar in Texas a long time ago and this cowboy looking guy came up and ordered Johnnie Walker Red and Diet Coke. The whole bar went silent. I moved to the other end.
The dirty secret is Irish Guineas does taste better!
It’s amazing how fast small vices cost big $$$.
“I usually just chew on a burned band-aid when I need to replicate scotch flavor.”
If you are really into that flavor try LaPhroaig.
We had an Islay Island tasting a couple months ago and came a away with this description of LaPhroaig (we had two LaPhoaigs.)
“A young man not showered in a few days, after hiking in the woods starts a wet, smokey fire; and while sitting in the smoke, peels off the one-week old, large Band-Aid covering a bloody wound on his knee.”
Enjoy! LOL
Now, on the other had, Lagavulin. Oh, yea, nothing better. Maybe the Highland Park.
“I love the smokey, peaty islay scotches....LOVE Lagaluvin (sp), Laphroaig, Arbegs, etc.”
HA.
My kids and I just had another islay tasting a couple months ago. Had all those and more that you list above.
‘Highland Park 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Orkney, Scotland’
$19,999
‘Highland Park is one of my all time favorites.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.