Last Updated on December 16, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Whiskey, as strong as it can be, isn’t for everyone. It comes with a searing warmth that could wake up your senses in just one sip. And for some, it’s hard to improve a bottle of neat whiskey.
But why take it neat when you can make whiskey taste better?
Table of Contents
6 Ways To Make Your Whiskey Taste Better
1. Use A Whiskey Glass
The first easy option you could try is to use a whiskey glass when taking a slow nibble of your whiskey dram. This may sound a little bit gimmicky, but have you ever wondered why professional tasters use them? It’s because they actually work!
A good whiskey glass allows you to swirl your alcohol around, letting the less pleasant aromas escape. It lets you have the best stuff all for yourself. Our team recommends using a tulip-shaped glass.
2. Dilute It By Adding Water
You can also dilute it using a few drops of water. Adding a few drops of water to your whiskeys can open your liquor up and dissipate ethanol. Drinkers simply add water to allow various flavors such as citrus, oak, caramel sweetness, and baking spices to shine through.
3. Chill It With Big Ice Cube or Whiskey Stones
You can also use a huge ice cube or add whiskey stones to chill your glass of whiskey.
A big chunk of ice melts slower than small cubes, chilling your whiskeys and adding less water so their alcohol content won’t be diluted.
On the other hand, whiskey stones can also make your bourbon, rye, or whiskey chilled. They may not be as effective as ice cubes in making your whiskeys cold, but at least they won’t affect your whiskey’s flavor, aroma, and color. It doesn’t melt as ice does. Nevertheless, whiskeys on the rocks are lit, so just serve it.
4. Garnish It
Sometimes, a bottle of whiskey or bourbon needs a little extra oomph of aroma to make your spirit dance in delight whenever you take a sip. There are different types of garnishes that you could drop for your co*cktail recipes. You can use cherry, an orange, or lime/lemon peel, to give your whiskeys an extra special finish and flavor.
5. Go For Bitters To Personalize The Flavor
You can also try to mix bitters to personalize your single-malt whiskey’s aroma. These alcoholic-based flavoring agents are made to infuse a neutral spirit with any number of aromatics such as tree bark, roots, and herbs.
Bitters are very potent, and dosing and frequency will vary on what you’re using them for. But often, a few drops will do. [1] It also enhances the underlying notes of fruits or baking savoriness. You may taste a bittersweet or bitter sour zest when adding them to your whiskeys. But, what does whiskey really taste like?
6. Use Mixers To Your co*cktails
Yes, you can actually make co*cktails using single-malts. If you aren’t brave enough to try tasting this scotch neat, you can always pour in mixers to make your co*cktail recipes. This is one easy way of making your bad-tasting/cheap whiskey or cheap scotch taste really good in almost an instant.
Feel free to use soda, sparkling water, mountain dew, muddles, sugars to make it sweet, and its ever-famous partner, Coca-Cola/co*ke. You can also use ginger ale, which is spicier and sweeter than ginger beer. But what’s the best way to order whiskey at a bar?
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FAQs
What is the best way to enjoy whiskey?
The best way to enjoy whiskey is to relish its flavor profiles and aromas. Pour it on the glass. Swirl it around until it coats the glass, breathe deeply with your nose and smell your whiskey, just about an inch, take a chew, and breathe through your nose.
Is whiskey better to drink straight?
Somehow, yes, it is better to drink whiskey straight. Most experts encourage first-timers to try drinking whiskey neat first. However, everyone has the free choice of drinking whiskeys the way they want to, with or without any aroma enhancers to make it a little sweet.
Does whiskey taste better the more you drink?
Yes, whiskey tastes better the more you drink if you refer to how your palate gets acquainted with its authentic aroma. Cold or garnished whiskeys are awesome options, too. But, how much whiskey does it take to get you drunk?
In Conclusion
To sum it up, there are six easy ways that you can make your bad whiskey taste better. You can add ice, a little water, use whiskey stones, whiskey glass, bitter agents, mixers like ginger ale, and garnish it however you want.
Some drinkers want to improve their whiskey’s taste because it had somehow gotten “bad” due to a long air exposure or improper storage. Whichever you prefer, making your whiskeys taste better is optional and possible.
Reference:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/how-to-use-bitters#bitters-101
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of whiskey, I've explored the intricate nuances that contribute to the enjoyment of this refined spirit. The article you've shared delves into enhancing the whiskey-drinking experience, and I'd like to elaborate on the concepts mentioned.
1. Use A Whiskey Glass: The choice of glassware plays a crucial role in whiskey appreciation. The tulip-shaped glass, as recommended in the article, is designed to capture and concentrate the aromas. This shape allows enthusiasts to swirl the whiskey, enabling the release of less pleasant aromas while retaining the desirable ones.
2. Dilute It By Adding Water: Adding a few drops of water to whiskey is a common practice among seasoned drinkers. This process helps open up the flavors by dissipating ethanol, allowing intricate notes such as citrus, oak, caramel sweetness, and baking spices to become more pronounced.
3. Chill It With Big Ice Cube or Whiskey Stones: The use of a large ice cube or whiskey stones serves to chill the whiskey without overly diluting it. The slower melting rate of a large ice cube ensures that the alcohol content is preserved, providing a chilled yet robust drink. Whiskey stones, while not as effective in temperature reduction, maintain the beverage's flavor, aroma, and color.
4. Garnish It: Garnishing adds an extra layer of aroma and flavor to the whiskey. Options like cherry, orange, or citrus peels provide a finishing touch that complements the spirit, making each sip a delightful experience.
5. Go For Bitters To Personalize The Flavor: Introducing bitters into your whiskey can be a sophisticated way to customize its flavor profile. These potent, alcohol-based flavoring agents, derived from various aromatics like tree bark and herbs, add complexity and depth to the whiskey's taste, enhancing underlying notes.
6. Use Mixers To Your co*cktails: For those who prefer a more adventurous approach, incorporating whiskey into co*cktails opens up a world of possibilities. Mixers like soda, sparkling water, or even Coca-Cola can transform a basic whiskey into a refreshing and enjoyable concoction.
Additionally, the article addresses frequently asked questions, providing insights into the best ways to enjoy whiskey, whether it's better to drink straight, and how the taste evolves with continued consumption.
In conclusion, the six techniques outlined in the article offer diverse ways to elevate the whiskey-drinking experience, catering to individual preferences and ensuring that even a bottle of seemingly "bad" whiskey can be transformed into a delightful libation.
