Often the culture of drinking whiskey is formed by Hollywood films, in which it is mixed with cola, soda or ice. From television screens, these methods have “migrated” to bars, restaurants and our homes, becoming the norm. Now many believe that this is the right way to drink whiskey. In fact, everything is somewhat different.
You can add ice, dilute with soda and mix with cola only whiskey of low quality, the aromatic bouquet and taste of which are of no value, their task is to quickly intoxicate. A good drink is drunk in its pure form, adhering to the following six rules.
1. The situation. Whiskey is better to taste at home with loved ones. First, turn off the TV and close the windows. Then turn on calm music and relax, forgetting about everyday problems. Since this is strong alcohol (40-60% by volume), it is customary to drink it in the afternoon or evening.
2. Temperature. Whiskey is cooled to +18-20 °C before drinking. A warmer drink strongly reeks of alcohol, and at temperatures below +18 ° C, the aroma of even the best whiskey is not felt.
3. Glasses. There are two different opinions on this. The first group of tasters believes that it is right to drink whiskey from roks (tumblers) – special glasses with a wide thick bottom. Other experts advise using wine glasses, as they convey the aroma better due to the tapered top. The choice depends on individual preferences, there is no significant difference.
A compromise between the first and second group of tastors was the Glenkern glass, which combines the advantages of the thick bottom of traditional glasses and the curved shape of wine glasses.
4. Serving on the table. A chilled bottle of whiskey is wiped with a towel and placed on the table. It is very important that there are no flowers or other sources of strong smell nearby that will interrupt the aroma.
In a male company, the owner pours whiskey or each guest pours it for himself. For a normal perception of the entire gamut of the drink, the glass is filled with a maximum of a third. If there are ladies in society, a man watches over their glasses.
5. The process of tasting. Whiskey is drunk in small sips. First, the aroma is evaluated, then they hold the drink in their mouth for a few seconds and take a sip, this enhances the pleasant aftertaste.
According to the classical canons, it is customary to drink whiskey undiluted. If several different varieties are tasted at a time, then after each bottle you can drink a glass of non-carbonated mineral water to clear the receptors for the perception of a new taste.
The Scots use the five “S” rule:
- Sight (admire) – evaluate the color;
- Smell (inhale) – smell;
- Swish (savor) – sip and feel the taste;
- Swallow (swallow) – take the first sip;
- Splash (dilute) – dilute with water to fully reveal the taste and aroma.
If you don’t know how your guests like to drink whiskey, it’s better to let them decide this issue themselves by putting mineral water, soda, cola and ice on the table. Then no one will be offended.
6. Breakfast. Usually whiskey is not eaten, combining it only with a fragrant cigar. But in our reality, where a large amount of drunk alcohol is considered the norm, it’s still worth thinking about a good hearty snack.
Remember that the very process of drinking should bring pleasure and contribute to the spiritual atmosphere in the company. And to dilute (snack) whiskey or not, this is already a matter of habit and taste.
