In order not to spoil the delicate bouquet and not to lose the exquisite notes of taste, it is customary to drink whiskey in its pure form. However, a lot depends on the type of drink and the personal preferences of the taster: it is one thing to dilute aged scotch, and quite another to cheap American bourbon. Next, we will figure out how and with what they drink whiskey in different countries.
Scotland. Single malt whiskey does not tolerate impurities, the maximum that you can afford is a little mineral water, and you need to serve water in a separate decanter, and not pour it directly into a glass. Blended varieties are cheaper and simpler, they can be mixed with water (plain, carbonated or mineral), cola, ice.
Ireland. In this country, whiskey is also drunk with water, ice or cola, it is also added to espresso, and topped with heavy cream, getting the famous Irish Coffee cocktail.
USA. Local bourbon can be diluted with both ice and cola at the same time. It is not forbidden to add even cranberry or lemon juice to corn whiskey – this will only benefit the bouquet.
Whiskey drinks
1. Water. For the most expensive varieties, just a few drops of pure spring water (optimally the same on the basis of which the tasting whiskey is made) is enough to open the bouquet. Cheaper types can be diluted with soda (be careful, “sparkling” cocktails are absorbed by the body faster, causing intoxication, and can cause severe hangovers). Water temperature – room temperature, proportions – to taste, from a few drops to 50 to 50.
2. Syrup (equal parts water and sugar). Mixed with any whiskey in a 1:4 ratio, you get a classic Old Fashioned cocktail (Old Fashioned).
3. Sweet vermouth. Blended with whiskey (proportion 1:2) gives a Manhattan cocktail (Manhattan).
4. Lemon or cranberry juice, the usual ratio with whiskey is 1:2.
5. Cola, sprite or any other lemonade. Suitable for cheap bourbons and scotches, which are difficult to drink neat due to harshness. You can dilute it as you like, especially since soda completely neutralizes the taste of alcohol.
6. Ginger beer. This is a non-alcoholic carbonated drink with a rich taste of ginger. The proportions with whiskey are 1:2. A popular combination in the USA with an interesting, hard to compare taste. At least once I advise you to try.
7. Coffee and tea – whiskey is added to a hot drink to taste. Usually it is a few drops for flavor or 1-2 teaspoons to tone up.
What is the right way to eat whiskey
The most strict connoisseurs will say that nothing – good whiskey is beautiful in itself, and bad whiskey is not worth drinking at all. However, not all whiskey dishes drown out the delicate bouquet of the drink; there are snacks that only emphasize the nuances of taste.
- Cheese. “Smoky” scotches with peaty notes go well with odorous cheeses like Roquefort. Sweeter Irish whiskey is served with soft varieties – Brie, Camembert. Gouda, Cheddar, Swiss cheeses are also suitable for any whiskey. If you are planning a long evening, it is better to collect a cheese plate so that each guest can choose an appetizer to their taste.
- Chocolate. The darker – the better, ideally, when the mass fraction of cocoa exceeds 80%.
- Fruit. Contrary to popular belief, citruses will not work, it is better to stay on apples or pears.
- Salty snacks like chips, bouffant, peanuts, bread sticks, etc. It does not look very solid and noble, but goes well with bourbon.
- Fried pork ribs. A tasty and satisfying snack, which, moreover, does not allow you to quickly get drunk.
- Smoked fish or meat. Works well with tape.
