heh heh heh heh... ain't THAT the truth
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.
You have the right of it, sir. Don t drink much, but when I do, it’s Laphroaig, Bowmore or Bunnehabin.
My father said that until one developed a taste for it, scotch tasted like “water left-over after a fire”.
He developed a taste for it.
Particularly Laphroaig.
A perfect combo with a Drew Estate Kentucky Fire Cured cigar.
Slainte!
Hi. I hope you are doing well.
“Bowmore.” I have had (a few times), “Balmore.” An excellent single malt.
Now I’m wondering if the two are the same?
5.56mm
I love Bowmore and have been drinking it for years. Different than Balmore as far as I know.
You know you are a good friend if I offer you Bowmore.
I’d say that’s Well scotch.
“You know you are a good friend if I offer you Bowmore.”
Hey, we have known each other twelve years!
8^)
5.56mm
I hope you weren't flying the plane!
When I was too young my Dad would always have a fifth of Black & White in the bar. Hated the taste. Luckily they always had Bombay gin for my Mother.
One day I, the bookworm around 13, decided I should investigate this drunk thing and with only B&W available I’d have a shot with every 45 record I played.
Strangely I have a very clear memory of my older brother finding me on the floor still in my chair but with only the two back legs on the ground - the front legs were pointing towards the record player.
I was completely helpless as he laughed and took my keys out of my pocket and opened up my lock box and robbed me.
I don’t think its even in the US anymore but after that day I never touched the B&W again. ;-)
If you get here I will break out the Bowmore.
heh heh heh heh... ain't THAT the truth
I’m going to have to find the Ice Mold for that.
I may have broken my scotch cherry with B&W. At least it was at that level or below. My friend and I drank the whole bottle. I was hooked after that.
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