So you want to learn how to drink scotch? Excellent! You're in for a taste sensation.
Scotch whiskey is a complex, intense drink, and it deserves to be drunk the right way.
We've put together this comprehensive guide on how to drink scotch like an expert. Follow it, and you'll be a whiskey connoisseur in no time.
Why Drinking Scotch The Right Way Matters
It's amazing how many people don't enjoy scotch whiskey the first time they try it.
Yet, this incredibly sophisticated drink has stood the test of time, a mainstay in liquor cabinets enjoyed by countless people worldwide.
So, what's their secret? How do they actually enjoy the drink?
Well, the answer lies in the way you take your scotch. Get it right, and you'll truly appreciate its depth and character, just as the distillers intended.
Drinking scotch properly also releases its full flavor profile and allows you to savor the distinct aromas. Plus, giving the drink the respect it deserves connects you to centuries of craftsmanship and tradition.
You respect it, and it'll respect you.
How To Drink Scotch Whiskey Properly
Learning how to drink scotch starts with understanding what scotch is and the different ways to serve it.
Neat
It sounds obvious, but one of the best ways to drink scotch is to sip it neat. However, the trick is to take your time and bask in the moment. Scotch whiskey isn't fast and easy; it's a slow and serious drink.
Here's how to drink scotch neat:
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Pick the right scotch: Single malts are best for drinking neat because they have wonderfully complex flavors. For a smooth experience, go for a scotch aged at least 12 years.
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Appreciate the color: Pour a 1-ounce serving of scotch whiskey into your glass and take a few seconds to observe the color. A darker amber indicates long aging, while a light color suggests the whiskey was aged in ex-bourbon casks.
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Nose the whiskey: Bring the glass to your nose and gently inhale with your mouth slightly open. Savor the moment and try to identify the aromas. Look for notes of vanilla, honey, smoke, and spice.
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Sip and enjoy: No gulping; this isn't a shot! Take a small first sip and let the whiskey coat your tongue. Allow it to rest for a moment as you take in the flavors. Enjoy the warmth of the alcohol as you finally swallow.
When you start to drink scotch neat, it can be challenging to pick out the various flavors and aromas.
With each sip, concentrate on one note at a time. Eventually, you'll become more attuned to the different flavors and get better at identifying them. The more you can do this, the more you'll grow to love the drink.
Fine whiskey and high-end single malts should always be enjoyed neat, such as Glenmorangie Signet. After all, if you're going to invest in an expensive bottle, it makes sense to take the time to savor it.
On the rocks
Nothing beats the sound of two crystal-clear ice cubes clanging against a glass!
As refreshing as ice is, there are a few important considerations when taking it with scotch whiskey:
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The temperature change makes the flavors and aromas smoother and less intense. Therefore, it's a good option for those who find neat whiskey too intense.
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As the ice melts, it dilutes the whiskey, mellowing out the alcohol. But take care not to go overboard when adding ice—too much dilution will weaken the different flavors.
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Due to the flavor suppression of ice, it's not recommended for aged, single-malt whiskey.
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Add an ice cube to blended scotch or younger whiskey, like Johnnie Walker Black Label or Chivas Regal.
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For best results, use large ice cubes or whiskey stones. Crushed ice should be avoided as it dilutes the drink too much.
Ultimately, ice is a personal preference or a good option for the summer.
However, we don't recommend adding ice for your first whiskey experience. Taking it neat is the best way for scotch newbies, as it will allow you to appreciate the full depth of its flavor.
With a few drops of water
It sounds contradictory to add water to whiskey, especially since we've just talked about how it dilutes the flavor. But, this can be a good thing, if done right.
Adding a few drops of water to whiskey is actually a widely practiced technique among connoisseurs.
Why? Because it can enhance certain flavors that were previously hidden by others. The water also breaks up the surface tension of the alcohol, allowing extra aromas to escape and enhance the tasting experience.
But don't simply head to the nearest faucet. Follow these steps to unlock the scotch whiskey's full potential:
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Use room temperature water: If the water is too cold, it will mute the flavors too much.
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Filtered water or spring water works best: Water from the faucet contains minerals and chemicals that can interfere with the whiskey's flavor.
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Start with a few drops: Be restrained and avoid over-diluting your drink. Give it a taste to see how it is, and add a couple of drops more if needed.
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Enjoy the same way you would a neat whiskey: Slow, savoring sips.
So, which scotch should you add water to?
Definitely higher-proof whiskies since the water dulls the alcohol. These include cask-strength scotch whiskies and those with strong peaty flavors. For example, Aberlour A'bunadh (a sherry bomb whiskey) and Octomore, the most heavily peated scotch whiskey available.
With mixers
The jury's out on whether you should be drinking scotch with mixers. Purists will argue "no," but at the end of the day, you should drink what you enjoy.
Let's start with the mixers that will enhance your scotch drinking experience:
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Soda water: This has the same effect as adding fresh water but with a gentle fizz. Best for light and floral single-malt scotch.
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Ginger ale or ginger beer: The warm spicy drink pairs well with medium-bodied, blended scotch and gives it a nice kick. Try it with Compass Box The Spaniard blended scotch.
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Coca-Cola: If you find whiskey too harsh, coke will provide a sweet taste. Use with affordable blended scotch brands like Famous Grouse or Ballantines.
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Lemonade: For a summary twist, add a splash of lemonade to bring out the whiskey's vanilla and honey notes. Best for smooth, mellow scotch like Glenfiddich or Dewar's 12-year blends.
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Apple juice: This goes surprisingly well with sherried or lightly-oaked whiskies. Pair it with fruity scotch like Aberlour 12.
Now, let's get into the definite no-nos that should be avoided at all costs:
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Strong fruit juice like orange, pineapple, or cranberry: They're too acidic and clash with the whiskey flavors.
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Tonic water: The bitter, herbal taste overwhelms the whiskey aromas.
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Syrup or artificial flavors: Too sweet and claggy. It'll coat your tongue in all the wrong ways.
In cocktails
While bourbon and rye are typically used in the more classic cocktails, scotch whiskey also makes a sensational base. This is largely thanks to its wide variety of flavor profiles.
While there are no hard and fast rules on how to drink scotch in a cocktail, our best advice is to follow the recipe to the letter. If you get the balance wrong, it could ruin the outcome.
Our favorites include:
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The Old Fashioned: Angostura bitters, scotch, sugar, and an orange peel garnish.
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Whiskey sour: Scotch, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
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Penicillin: Scotch, honey-ginger syrup, and lemon juice.
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Rusty Nail: Scotch mixed with Drambuie.
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Blood and Sand: Scotch, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and orange juice.
In a hot toddy
Did you know you can drink scotch warm?
It's true! And it's famed for its ability to ward off colds and sniffles. Many also drink scotch in a hot toddy to unwind after a hard day.
You need a mellow scotch, though. For instance, Monkey Shoulder (made from blended malted barley) gives a smooth spicy note.
Here's what you need to make a scotch hot toddy:
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2 oz of scotch
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3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
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4-6 oz hot water
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1 cinnamon stick
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2 cloves
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Optional: Lemon slice for garnish
And it couldn't be simpler to make:
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Heat the water, but do NOT boil it. Otherwise, you'll kill the flavor of the scotch.
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Mix in the ingredients and let the spices infuse for a few minutes.
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Pour and enjoy!
Choosing The Right Glass For Scotch
Learning how to drink scotch properly doesn't start and end with the drink itself.
Choosing the right whiskey glass is also crucial, allowing you to make the most of the different flavors and nose the aromas properly.
These are the four most common glasses used to drink scotch:
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Rocks glass: This squat, wide-mounted glass fits ice easily. Use the rocks glass for blended whiskey and whiskey on the rocks.
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Glencairn glass: This tulip-shaped glass is best for aged, single-malts. Its unique shape concentrates the aromas for better nosing.
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Highball glass: The tall shape of the highball whiskey glass easily accommodates mixers and ice, making it the best option for cocktails and blended drinks.
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Copita glass: Whiskey professionals use this glass to drink scotch during tasting sessions. The narrow rim allows you to appreciate the complex flavors of fine whiskey.
Pairing Scotch With The Right Foods
Although wine is the de facto beverage to have with food, scotch also pairs wonderfully with certain flavors.
Try drinking whiskey with these foods:
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Dark chocolate: Goes incredibly well with sherried, rich-flavored single malts. Try it with the Macallan 18 or GlenDronach 15.
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Cold meats: Drink scotch with charcuterie, salami, pastrami, etc. Scotch aged in oak barrels is a great choice.
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Cheese: Smoked cheddar, blue cheese, and aged gouda complement smoky, peated scotch.
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Seafood: For pure decadence, pair Islay scotch such as Laphroaig or Lagavulin with sushi, oysters, or smoked salmon.
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Brisket and BBQ: Go for an intensely peated and earth scotch like the Ardbeg 10 or Polly's Casks.
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Wagyu beef or dry-aged steak: Fine food deserves a fine, smooth whiskey like Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
FAQs
What is the best way to drink Scotch?
The best way to drink scotch is neat because it allows you to experience the flavors and aromas to the full. However, it's perfectly acceptable to drink scotch with a couple of drops of water or on the rocks.
Ultimately, it's down to personal preference and whether you prefer the full flavor of the drink or like it slightly diluted.
Do you drink scotch straight?
Yes, many people drink Scotch straight (neat) to experience its full complexity. It is especially recommended to drink scotch neat if it is a high-end or long-aged whiskey.
How is scotch supposed to be served?
Scotch is traditionally served neat in a Glencairn glass to concentrate aromas. A rocks glass is used if it's served over ice and a highball glass if served with a mixer or as a cocktail.
How do the Scots drink their scotch?
Scots typically drink Scotch neat or with a little water. Some also enjoy it in a highball with soda water. The whiskey is often sipped socially and slowly; never taken as a quick drink or shot.
Final Thoughts
Once you learn how to drink scotch, you will realize its full potential and appreciate it at a much deeper level.
With its rich 500+ year history and the distinct characteristics of the different scotch regions, every sip tells a story.
Explore how to drink scotch in multiple ways, try different pairings, and find what suits your palate.
