How to Drink Whiskey

Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage distilled from crushed grain or malted barley, then aged in wooden barrels. Many whiskey enthusiasts enjoy its wide range of flavors, from light with fruity notes to intense with smoky aromas. If you’ve never had a whiskey before, sample whiskeys of different styles, ages and strengths to find your favourite. Whether you want to enjoy whole whiskey or mix it into a cocktail, next time you won’t have to hesitate to order a whiskey once you know about the different types of whiskey and how to enjoy it for the best experience.

Table of Contents

Drink pure whiskey

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Pour the wine into the cup. Choose a small glass without legs, such as a lowball cup. To get the most out of your whiskey, you can opt for a tulip-shaped whiskey tumbler. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Avoid plastic cups or ppystyrene cups. You may find that other than glass, other materials affect the flavor of whiskey.
If you want a classic experience (and if you don’t mind a hint of metal), try drinking whiskey in a tin cup.
Whiskey must be enjoyed slowly to taste good. Start with a 1-finger amount (about 30-50 mL): loop your index finger around the bottom of the glass and pour the wine to the top edge of your index finger.

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Try drinking plain whiskey before adding water or ice. Before you add anything to your whiskey, at least take a sip of the wine in its pure state. That way, you’ll not only get a taste of the aroma and flavor of the whiskey, but you’ll also know if it’s okay to mix it with anything else. ^{[2] X Research Source}

If you like the pure taste of whiskey, you probably enjoy drinking plain whiskey.

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Smell the wine 2-3 times before tasting. Raise the cup to your nose and take a deep breath. You may need to do this a few times to get a taste of the whiskey, as the smell of the alcohol can overwhelm you with the first breath. Then you can start to notice other elements like spice and woody notes. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Open your mouth as you inhale the vapors to experience both the aroma and taste of the wine, and you’ll get to know the whiskey better.

Tip: Tulip-shaped whiskey mugs can accentuate the aroma of the whiskey because the small mouthpiece can trap and condense the vapors on the rim.

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Stir the wine all over your mouth before swallowing. Don’t just gulp; Take a small sip and let the wine run down your tongue. ^{[4] X Source of Research} After taking your first sip, pause for a moment before taking your second so you can enjoy the aftertaste of the wine.

You might recognize flavors like caramel, toffee, or vanilla.
Some people like to “chew” the whiskey before swallowing so it coats the tongue and in the mouth. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
Breathing through your nose when swallowing wine also helps to perfect your taste experience. ^{[6] X Research Sources}
Don’t give up right away if you don’t like the taste of whiskey after the first sip. The first sip may seem overwhelming, but you’ll start to notice other flavors after the second or third sip. Whiskey is a habit to drink, so it takes a while to really begin to appreciate the complex flavors of the whiskey.

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Add a little water to bring out the flavor of the whiskey. Add a few drops of filtered water to the whiskey and stir gently. This tip will help reduce the strong taste of the alcohol and bring out the other subtle flavors of the whiskey. Try adding water little by little until you get the flavor you want. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Note: It’s not clear why water makes whiskey taste better, but some scientists suggest that water helps trap chemicals that cause an unpleasant taste or push better-tasting ingredients to the surface. alcohol. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Drop an ice cube in the wine if you want a cool glass of wine. Drop a large ice cube into the wine if you prefer to drink it cold. ^{[9] X Source of Research} Although whiskey connoisseurs may scoff at the idea of drinking whiskey with ice, there’s nothing wrong with adding a little ice to your wine if you like. This is your cup of wine, so feel free to mix it up to your liking!

Note that ice will dilute the alcohol as it melts. The cold can also make taste buds slightly numb and make it harder to perceive more subtle flavors.
Large ice cubes melt more slowly than small ones and will not dilute the wine too quickly.
Alternatively, you can use a wine cooler, a soapstone that helps chill whiskey without diluting it.

Try a whiskey cocktail

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Try the classic Old Fashioned cocktail if you prefer a sweet and simple cocktail. This type is the forefather of whiskey cocktails. Depending on your taste, you can use a variety of whiskeys, from sweeter bourbons (the traditional choice) to lighter and spicier rye whiskey. How to make Old Fashioned cocktail as follows: ^{[12] X Research Source}

Spoon a sugar cube with 3 dash (1 dash = 0.8ml = 3 drops) of bitter wine in a low glass.
Pour 1 shot (about 45 ml) of whiskey into a glass, add a few ice cubes and stir until the ice starts to melt.
Pour in another shot of whiskey.
Garnish the cocktail with a cherry or an orange peel twist.

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Make a cold Mint Julep cocktail with light and refreshing ingredients. This classic Kentucky cocktail uses sweet bourbon. The higher the quality of the wine, the better the cocktail will be. You should use fresh mint and crush with a sugar cube in the cup before pouring in the bourbon. Stir in 60ml of bourbon with 1 sugar cube and a handful of shaved ice with crushed mint leaves.

For a really cool cocktail, you can use a pre-chilled pint or silver mug. Use a paper towel or coaster so you don’t damage the frosting on the glass when you hold it with your bare hands. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Try a Manhattan if you like sweetness with a hint of bitterness. Many people find Manhattans quite bitter, but many also like its bitter/sweet taste. As with Old Fashioned, you can tweak the whiskey for a satisfying cocktail – use rye whiskey for a stronger flavor, and bourbon for a sweeter taste. To make a Manhattan cocktail, pour the following ingredients into a shaker with ice, then pour into a glass:

60 ml whiskey
30ml sweet vermouth
1 – 2 dash of bitter wine, such as Angostura
A small orange peel string
This cocktail is made from Scotch and orange bitters instead of rye and aromatic bitters called Rob Roy. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Make a whiskey sour if you like sour and fruity cocktails. This simple, easy-to-make drink doesn’t require a lot of ingredients but just adds a little sourness that’s easy to drink. To make a whiskey sour, simply shake the following ingredients in a shaker with plenty of ice:

60 ml whiskey
30 ml of fresh lemon juice or a packet of lemon powder
1 teaspoon (about 4 g) sugar
Add 1 egg white for a richer, frothy Boston Sour.

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Warm up with Hot Toddy spicy and sweet cocktail. Hot Toddy is a warm drink brewed with whiskey and spices, and if drunk on cold rainy days it is great. This cocktail is usually made with Irish whiskey. To make Hot Toddy, pour whiskey into a glass, then heat the following ingredients and pour over the whiskey as the mixture boils:

60 ml of water
3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 piece of ginger 1.5 cm peeled and sliced (optional)
1 string of lemon zest
60 ml whiskey
2 teaspoons (10 ml) honey (adjust according to taste)
1 -2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) lemon juice
A little nutmeg ^{[15] X Research Source}

Choose Scotch

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Choose Speyside or Highlands scotch if you prefer a sweeter taste. Scotch flavors often vary slightly from region to region of Scotland. Speyside and Highlands whiskeys are typically sweeter and more fruity than other scotch whiskeys. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Both the Speyside and Highlands regions have many distilleries, so you’ll find many variations. Experiment with different Speysides and Highlands wines until you find one you like.

Tip: If you’re new to scotch, try a Speyside whiskey like Glenfiddich or a Highlands whiskey like Glenmorangie. These are all low alcohol (40%) and cost around $30-$40 USD per bottle.

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Try Lowlands scotch with a mild flavor. If you like a whiskey that feels light and mellow with a floral aftertaste, then Lowlands scotch will be a suitable choice. This malt whiskey is milder than many other scotch whiskeys and makes a great aperitif. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Today there are not many wineries operating in the Lowlands. The two oldest and most famous factories in the region today are Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie.
As with most scotch, Lowlands whiskeys are made from single malt, which is malted barley after one distillation. People make malt by soaking grain in water to germinate before fermenting.
Most scotch malt whiskey has a milder flavor than malt whiskeys elsewhere by going through two or three distillations. In general, this wine has an alcohol content of about 40%. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

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Choose Islay, Islands, or Campbeltown whiskey if you prefer strong or peaty flavors. These regions are known for their strong and complex whiskeys, often with hints of smoke, peat and salt. This wine is a good choice if you don’t like sweet drinks or floral flavors, but it can be too strong for first-time whiskey drinkers. ^{[19] X Research Source}

Islay scotch is famous for its intense flavor of the peat fuel used in the malting process. Some of the most famous Islay scotch factories are Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can try Bruichladdich scotch. ^{[20] X Research Source}
Islands scotch also has a peat flavor but is lighter and sweeter than Islay scotch. Try a bottle of Tobermory, Highland Park or Arran if you like mellow fruit flavors. Choose Talisker if you like smoky and peat flavors. ^{[21] X Research Source}
Campbeltown scotch has a complex flavor with hints of salt and peat, similar to Islay. The major wineries are Glen Scotia, Longrow and Springbank. ^{[22] X Research Source}

Choose Bourbon

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Start with wheat bourbon with a mild flavor. If you’re new to bourbon, you might want to start with a wine with a high percentage of wheat. Wheat creates a light and smooth taste, bringing a pleasant feeling of refreshment to those who are not used to drinking whiskey. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

Some varieties of wheat bourbon include Maker’s Mark, Old Fitzgerald, and Pappy Van Winkel.
These bourbons are often flavored with caramel, vanilla, and bread.

Note: All bourbon whiskeys are made from a blend of at least 51% corn with barley and often have a third grain added for extra flavor.

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Try a traditional bourbon if you like sweet whiskey. Bourbon has a relatively high percentage of corn (about 70%) and pairs it with rye instead of wheat. ^{[24] X Research Source} Corn gives the whiskey a sweet taste, while rye adds a bit of spice. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

Traditional bourbons include Knob Creek, Jim Beam, and Wild Turkey.
If you like the sweetness of corn, try a bourbon with a high percentage of corn, such as Old Charter (80% corn) or Baby Bourbon by Tuthilltown Spirits (100% corn). ^{[26] X Research Sources}

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Choose rye bourbon if you like spicy. Bourbon with a high percentage of rye will give a spicy and rich flavor. If you prefer a stronger flavored whiskey, look for a bourbon with a 10% higher percentage of rye like Old Grand-Dad, Four Roses, or Bulleit. ^{[27] X Research Source}

Four Roses Single Barrel with 35% rye percentage is the highest rye bourbon on the market. ^{[28] X Research Sources}
If you like the spiciness of rye but also like fruity whiskey, then Bulleit is a good choice.

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Try single-barrel bourbons (wine bottled from a single barrel) to discover unique flavors. If you’re up for adventure, sample different types of single-barrel bourbon. As the name suggests, they are taken from a single cask for bottling, without the mixing of multiple casks. The taste of wine bottles will be influenced by factors such as aging time, the type of wood in which the barrels are aged and the conditions of the cellar. ^{[29] X Research Sources}

Some typical single-barrel wines are Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old, Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit, and Eagle Rare.
The taste of this wine is quite diverse, from woody and smoky to mellow and spicy-sweet.
Although the price tag can be quite high, “single-barrel” wine is not always too expensive. You can buy a bottle of Eagle Rare 10 Year Old for about $20 USD (VND 450,000).

Choose other whiskeys

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Choose Irish whiskey if you prefer a mild one. Irish whiskey usually has a fruity flavor and is lighter than its American and Scottish cousins. Because of its more mellow flavor, Irish whiskey is a good place to start if you’ve never had a whiskey before. ^{[30] X Research Source}

Irish whiskey is usually aged for at least 3 years in wooden casks, giving them that characteristic mellow flavor.
Jameson and Bushmills White Label are the two most popular Irish whiskeys. Whiskey connoisseurs also recommend trying Greenspot, Redbreast 12 Year Old, or Clontarf.

Note: Irish whiskey typically contains a blend of malted or unmaltized barley and is usually distilled in copper vessels. Whiskey distilled in a vintage distiller is usually very strong and full of flavor.

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Choose Canadian whiskey if you like unique combinations of flavors. Canadian whiskeys are often blended, meaning they include malt whiskeys and grain blends. ^{[31] X Research Source} You may find that many blended whiskeys have a mellower taste than single-distilled whiskey. ^{[32] X Research Source} In addition to a blend of grains, Canadian whiskey may also be fortified with other ingredients, such as two-year-old wine or spirits. ^{[33] X Research Sources}

Because there are so many different blends and distillation techniques in Canada, the flavor of Canadian whiskey is incredibly rich. For example, you can try buying a bottle of JP Wiser’s 18 Year Old if you like the earthy and smoky flavors. If you like sweet and fruity flavors, then Corby’s Pike Creek is the choice for you. ^{[34] X Research Source}

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Try rye whiskey if you want a rich, spicy taste. Like bourbon, rye whiskey is an American spirit aged in American oak barrels. To be considered rye whiskey, the wine must be at least 51% rye. ^{[35] X Research Source} Rye is spicier and more intense than many other whiskeys, so maybe you should opt for a bottle of rye if you don’t like sweet wines very much. ^{[36] X Research Source}

Popular barley brands include Old Overhpt, Wild Turkey and Bulleit.

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Buy longer-aged whiskey if you like a milder aftertaste. If you don’t like the strong alcohol taste, look for whiskeys that have gone through a longer aging process. During the aging process, the wood of the barrel will soften the harsh taste of the wine. ^{[37] X Research Source} While reducing the intense flavors in whiskey, the distinctive woody flavor also permeates the wine. ^{[38] X Research Source}

Wine aged longer does not necessarily taste better. Whiskey that is aged too long (for example, 23 years instead of 15) sometimes soaks up too much tannin in the wood and creates an unpleasant taste.

Note: Unlike wine, whiskey doesn’t taste better when it’s been stored for a long time in the bottle. An important part of whiskey aging is in casks before bottling.

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Try a whiskey with each style. Even with the same whiskey, you will come across many different variations. For example, don’t just try a bottle of Irish whiskey and conclude you don’t like it – maybe you’d prefer another bottle that’s aged a little longer or has a higher or lower alcohol content. ^{[39] X Research Sources}

If possible, compare cheaper and more expensive types. You may find that the higher priced bottles are not necessarily your favourite!

Advice

While some connoisseurs may have very strong opinions about how best to drink whiskey, there are really no strict rules here. If you like to drink whiskey with ice or enjoy the taste of whiskey in fruit cocktails, don’t let anyone stop you. Enjoy your favorite drink!
Choose foods that pair with whiskey. Light, sweet whiskeys like Dalwhinnie or Glenkinchie go well with sushi and salmon or goat milk cheese and cream cheese. Medium-bodied whiskeys like Bruichladdich go well with smoked fish or duck and venison. The rich Macallan whiskey goes well with sautéed or grilled pork as well as desserts like chocolate and gingerbread.
By law, bottled whiskey must be at least 40% alcohol. Most whiskeys have an alcohol content between 40% and 60% ABV. ^{[40] X Research Source} You can halve the proof of whiskey to get its ABV.

Warning

Always enjoy whiskey responsibly. Don’t drink and drive, and try to limit yourself to 1-2 drinks a day. (For whiskey, one cup is about 45 ml.) ^{[41] X Research Source}
Note that, even with the lowest alcohol content, whiskey has a higher alcohol content than many other alcoholic beverages. Beer has an alcohol content of about 4.5%, and the alcohol content of wine is 11.6%. ^{[42] X Research Source}

Steps