How to Drink Your Whiskey

Whiskey is a beverage, and like any beverage, it seems straightforward to consume. At least, one might think. At WhiskeyRaiders, we receive a surprising number of emails that wrap up with a simple question, "oh, also, how should I drink this?"

It's a fair question. If you're new to whiskey, new to the history, the production processes, or even the glassware, it can be a touch overwhelming. That said, there's nothing to be intimidated by. We've got your quick guide to drinking whiskey, no matter your style.

Drinking spirits neat is easily the most efficient way to glean the entirety of what a whiskey has to offer. Undiluted and served at room temperature, this presents the best opportunity to get the most from your whiskey and the truest sense of what the distiller was looking to create. Pouring out a flight, the whiskey lovers’ term for a collection of small pours side by side, can be a great way to compare and contrast how each bottle is drinking differently. Tulip-shaped glasses like the Glencairn or stemmed Copita will help funnel the aroma of the whiskey to your nose.

It may not seem critical, but due to the human olfactory system, smelling is just as important as tasting due to the human olfactory system. Holding a nicely shaped glass several inches from your nose will deliver the aroma of the whiskey, and smelling with each nostril will help you get a feel for everything going on in the glass. By taking small sips, it's easy to adjust to the proof —- whiskey must be bottled at a strength of at least 40% ABV and - which can often reach up to 60+% or more ABV.

While it might not be necessary, adding just one, two or a few drops of water can help open up a strong pour. By doing so, you are able to impact a few aspects of the spirit. It will lower the ABV within your glass, which will soften a potent spirit. More than that, it can also result in different tasting notes that you have for the smell and resulting taste. You can actually spend time comparing a neat pour to one with just a few drops of water to see how it impacts the flavors you are noticing, and your overall satisfaction with the whiskey.

On the rocks is probably the world's most popular whiskey-drinking style. For those who don’t know, “on the rocks” is a colloquial term for “over ice.” Toss some ice cubes in a rocks glass, pour your whiskey, let it sit a moment, and it's good to go.

Drinking on the rocks is notable because it can present a refreshing drinking experience. The ice will tame, cool, and dilute the whiskey, something that may be especially welcome if you are drinking high-proof bourbon or rye. Lower proof whiskey will take on a new presence over ice as well — you’ll find it’s softer and sweeter, and will drink more like a light cocktail. Cocktails require a variety of ingredients, but something like Maker's Mark over ice is great for a hot summer day, where a high-proof, straight whiskey isn't going to be refreshing.

Whiskey purists may scoff at drinking on the rocks, but your enjoyment is key — no matter the pedigree of the bottle on your shelf. Master blenders across the world work with heavily diluted spirits to get a feel for all of the textures and nuances in a whiskey. While ice cooling the whiskey can dull the palate a touch, when it's 100 degrees outside and you're staring down a freshly mown lawn, it's hard to find something more refreshing than a pour on the rocks.

Last and easily the most controversial, folks often wonder if mixing whiskey is a sin. The answer: hard no. While we couldn't recommend a pour of something like Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection and Diet Coke, or Macallan 30 and soda, there are combinations that work effectively. Jack and Coke is a long-time favorite of both the zeitgeist and drinkers alike, and it's a gateway to whiskey for a plethora of folks.

Rye whiskey and ginger ale is a perfect combination for spicy and sweet with room to tinker. Upgrading to a locally produced or more craft-focused ginger beer can upgrade the power of the spicy notes.

Bourbon and Cola is obvious, but a Kentucky Lemonade is also a classic. Pairing either store-bought or homemade lemonade with a generous serving of ice and your favorite Kentucky bourbon is an easy and refreshing highball that's also great for warmer weather. Winter brings plenty of opportunities as well with tea-based drinks like a Hot Toddy or spiked ciders.

In the Cocktail Lounge, there are dozens of recipes that use Bourbon & Whiskey and many that use Scotch. Be sure to search those lists to discover a few ideas for your latest bottle.

All in all, there's no wrong way to enjoy whiskey or spirits. As long as you're enjoying what's in your glass, that's all that matters. If you're looking to kick back with something easy to drink on a hot day, it's hard to overlook a refreshing whiskey on the rocks. Trying to dig deeper into your favorite brand or compare two bottles in your collection? Neat is the way to go. If you're entertaining, working towards enjoying whiskey neat or love having a highball to mix up your whiskey drinking: a cocktail is the perfect choice for you.