Contents
Briefly, what you need to know about whiskey
Whiskey – a popular strong malt drink that arose in parallel in Scotland and Ireland. In addition to Irish and Scottish progenitors, the concept of “whiskey” with a greater or lesser degree of conventionality extends to American corn bourbon, Canadian whiskey, as well as buckwheat drink from French Brittany.
The average strength of whiskey ranges between 32 and 50 degrees, although there are varieties that significantly exceed this norm. The color range of the drink, depending on the term and principle of aging, is also very large: from light yellow to brown. As for the aging period, it ranges from two or three years to twenty-one years, and sometimes even goes beyond these time frames.
more about whiskey
How to drink whiskey
The amazing variety and versatility of the drink has given rise to a number of slightly different local traditions of its use, so our review in the style of “how to drink whiskey” will mainly be based on the geographical principle.
famous brands of whiskey
Scottish canons
Since the main generally accepted rules and rituals associated with the use of whiskey were formed in Scotland, we will start with the whiskey culture of the inhabitants of this region.
First of all, the Scots never mix their national treasure with any other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, with the exception of water (but more on that below). The optimum whiskey temperature should be 18-20°C. At a higher temperature, the drink begins to give off alcohol, at a lower temperature, it loses its inherent aroma.
After reaching the required temperature, the whiskey is poured into the containers intended for it. In this case, the Scots prefer either roks – wide glasses with a thick bottom, or kveiches – local pewter mugs with two handles.
However, today, even in somewhat patriarchal Scotland, tulip-shaped (Armagnac) glasses, elongated and narrowed to the top, have begun to gain popularity, since, according to some connoisseurs, they better convey the aroma of the drink.
But, no matter what container the whiskey is poured into, it should be filled no more than a third.
Kilt wearers enjoy whiskey in 5 stages:
Admire the color of the drink.
Breathe in its fragrance.
Meditatively savor the first sip.
In small, leisurely sips, they drink half the contents of the glass.
For a full disclosure of the flavor bouquet and greater brightness of the impressions from the aroma of the drink, a little of the purest non-carbonated water, which Scotland is so famous for, is added to the remaining whiskey, and slowly drink the second half of the glass.
Whiskey in Ireland, Canada and France
Irish Whiskey, compared with its other relatives, is considered the softest. Accordingly, the creators of this drink recommend using it only in its pure form.
The procedure for its use is very close to the Scottish, but eliminates the addition of water in the middle of the process. The only exception made by the residents of the Emerald Isle is Irish coffee, a drink that, in addition to whiskey, includes: hot black coffee, whipped cream and brown sugar.
Canadian whiskey, which is also a rather mild drink, is also customary to drink in its pure form. In extreme cases, it is allowed to add a certain amount of sparkling water to the glass.
British also use their original drink in its original form, except that they allow themselves to add a few ice cubes to the glass for a taste contrast.
American bourbon
Expensive aged bourbons are drunk with the same rules as a good single malt whiskey. The only clarification: before inhaling the aroma of the drink, it is recommended to shake the contents of the glass slightly to obtain a fuller effect.
all about single malt whiskey
As for less demanding bourbon varieties, they can be drunk both in pure form or with the addition of ice, and as part of a variety of cocktails.
To be completely frank, then such very sharp, dubious taste varieties are used solely in order to unpretentiously, but thoroughly pump up.
A Few Additional Recommendations
When drinking whiskey, one should also take into account a number of minor, but at the same time important nuances.
Inexpensive egalitarian whiskey in all its manifestations is a welcome element of noisy feasts, parties and gatherings. In turn, perennial, high-quality varieties are worth savoring in a calm, peaceful atmosphere with a couple of close friends.
If simpler drinks can be consumed before, after, and during a feast, then noble varieties usually act as a digestif.
If you need to lower the temperature of a good drink, instead of melting ice cubes, you can use special stones or stainless bullets for whiskey, having previously cooled them in the freezer. At the same time, some aesthetes replace ordinary stones with fake or semi-precious minerals, such as jade.
Relevance: 26.06.2015
Metki: Whiskey and bourbon