- Whisky Lifestyle, Tomatin, Cù Bòcan
Ways to Drink Whisky: From Neat to Cocktails
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We frequently get asked “how should I drink whisky?” While it would be great to have a simple answer, the truth is that it doesn’t matter how to drink whisky, the main thing is that you enjoy it!
There are many ways to drink whisky, including neat, with water, over ice, or in cocktails. The best way to drink whisky depends on personal taste, as different methods highlight different flavours and aromas.
Tomatin’s light and floral whisky lends itself to drinking in a variety of different ways, so with that in mind, we’ve created a guide of the different ways to drink whisky, drawing on what we’ve learned since opening in 1897.
Drink Whisky Neat
Drinking whisky neat means enjoying it without adding water or ice, allowing the full aroma and flavour of the whisky to come to the fore.
This is one of the most popular and traditional ways to taste a whisky as it allows the natural flavours and scents of the whisky to shine through. For more information on how to taste whisky, visit our guide here.
Many Tomatin Whiskies, such as Tomatin Double Cask, are well-suited to drinking neat as they have a softer character with fruity, floral and slightly sweet notes, making them popular with whisky experts and beginners alike.
Should I Add Water to Whisky?
Adding a small amount of water to whisky is a popular way to change how it tastes and feels, often softening the alcohol and bringing forward different flavours. It can also remove some of the initial burn, which can make it a great way for beginners to enjoy whisky.
Deciding how much water to add to whisky is often a topic of debate and the answer surprises people. At Tomatin, we like to add no more than one or two drops of water to our whisky and people often can’t believe how much this changes the flavour of the whisky. Whisky doesn’t require much water to ‘open it up’, especially for lighter spirits like Tomatin. For heavier, oilier whiskies, you may wish to add slightly more water.
Whisky On The Rocks:
Whisky on the rocks generally means serving whisky over ice, or in some cases actual rocks that can be chilled, to reduce the temperature of the spirit.
The ice or rocks with whisky debate is a common one. Chilled rocks are popular as they don’t significantly dilute the whisky, however, many people enjoy the watered-down effect that ice has on their dram.
Whisky Cocktails:
Whisky cocktails are an ideal way to enjoy whisky if you’re looking for a slightly longer drink or something more refreshing. Some of the most popular whisky cocktails include the Old Fashioned, Whisky Sour or a whisky highball.
Cocktails are often a popular way into whisky for newcomers as they aren’t overpowering and use the natural flavours of the whisky to complement and elevate the drink. That said, we know plenty of experienced whisky drinkers who wouldn’t turn down a refreshing whisky sour on a hot summer’s day!
Considering the whisky to include in your cocktail is important, for instance, if you’re looking for a slightly smokier whisky cocktail, you might consider a lightly peated whisky such as Cù Bòcan Signature. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something fruitier for your cocktail, then Tomatin Legacy forms the base of many of our whisky cocktails.
If you’re looking for whisky cocktail ideas, take a look at these easy to make whisky cocktail recipes, many of which use ingredients you already have at home:
Frequently Asked Questions About Ways to Drink Whisky
These questions reflect the most common preferences and concerns people have when deciding how they like to enjoy whisky, rather than rules about how it should be consumed.
Do I have to drink whisky neat?
Not at all, as we’ve highlighted above, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy whisky, it’s all about finding one that works for you.
Does ice ruin whisky?
Ice doesn’t ruin whisky, but it does change it. As ice melts, it dilutes the spirit and can mute some flavours. Many people enjoy this smoother profile, while others prefer chilled stones to avoid dilution.
If you’re concerned about this and would like to chill your whisky without adding water, consider either putting your bottle in the fridge or using whisky rocks.
How much water to add to whisky?
As a general rule, start with one or two drops of water, then adjust gradually. Even a small amount can unlock additional aromas and soften the whisky, particularly in lighter, floral whiskies like Tomatin.
What kind of whisky to drink for beginners?
While not strictly a ‘way to drink whisky’, if you’re new to whisky and unsure which single malt whisky to buy, we’d recommend starting with an approachable style whisky, for instance one that’s sweeter, fruitier and more floral. We find that Tomatin Legacy is a popular whisky with beginners because of its accessible price point and approachability.
In Conclusion
There is no single best way to drink Scotch whisky – it’s all about finding ways to enjoy whisky that suit you. While drinking whisky neat or with a couple of drops of water is a great way to explore the notes and flavours associated with each expression, it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy a single malt whisky cocktail too!
