W – like drinking whisky properly
How to drink whisky properly?
There is no set “right” or “wrong” way to enjoy whisky. Nevertheless, there are some helpful recommendations for experiencing the best possible aroma and flavour from this spirit.
In what mood should you enjoy whisky?
Whisky is not simply consumed, but celebrated. We are talking about enjoyment here. The optimum state of mind for this pleasure is a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. It’s the same with enjoying whisky: in peace, without stress or time pressure, and you should do what feels right for you.
How important is the whisky glass?
The glass with which the whisky is smelled and tasted – known in specialist circles as a nosing glass – plays an important role. A whisky glass usually has the shape of a tulip, with a slightly wider diameter at the bottom that tapers towards the top. These tulip-shaped glasses include, for example, the long-stemmed snifter or the Glencairn glass with a sturdy base. In contrast, a classic tumbler has a cylindrical shape, is significantly wider in diameter than a nosing glass and is ideal for enjoying whisky with ice cubes.
What is the advantage of a tulip-shaped whisky glass?
The unique shape of the glass gives the whisky a larger surface area at the bottom. This allows flavour compound to escape more effectively from the liquid and pass into the gas phase. Similar to a flower, the tulip-shaped whisky glass tapers upwards, concentrating the rising aromas of the whisky and bringing them to the nose.
What do circular movements of the whisky glass do?
Many whisky connoisseurs swirl their filled glass, which also wets the glass wall and increases the surface area of the whisky. This means that more flavours can evaporate and pass into the gas phase, giving the whisky a more intense aroma. However, alcohol also evaporates due to the increased surface area when swirling. This can result in a pungent sensation in the nose and prevents a clear perception of the whisky flavours. In this case, a short blow into the glass will help the alcohol to escape and the flavours of the whisky can be perceived more clearly by the nose.
Does the drinking temperature of a whisky play a role?
In any case. The cooler the whisky, the lower the perceived flavour compounds when smelling and tasting, as these evaporate more slowly at low temperatures. The whisky then appears more reserved and does not fully reveal its secrets. It is therefore important that the whisky reaches the optimum drinking temperature. In general, this is referred to as room temperature, which should ideally be between 18°C and 20°C. If the whisky is too cold, you can warm the glass in the palm of your hand to bring it to a suitable temperature.
Can you add ice to whisky?
One principle applies to whisky: whatever you like is allowed! So feel free to add ice to your whisky. However, a tumbler is recommended for this, as the opening of a classic nosing glass is often too small for ice cubes. Ice has two effects on the whisky: it dilutes the whisky by melting the ice cubes with water and at the same time cools it down. As a result, fewer flavours are perceived and the whisky has a less intense taste.
What influence does water have on whisky?
Adding water to whisky changes the perception of flavour compounds. The whisky obviously shows a change. Scientific studies on this subject have shown that the drinking alcohol ethanol does not mix ideally with water, but forms clusters of ethanol molecules. In cask strength whisky with an alcohol content of 59 % vol. and more, these clusters are found in the centre of the liquid in the glass. When the whisky is diluted, to around 27 to 45 % vol., these clusters increasingly migrate to the surface of the whisky, i.e. to the boundary with the air. Due to their physicochemical properties, the flavour compounds in the whisky tend to stay close to the ethanol clusters. In cask strength whisky, the flavour compounds congregate around the ethanol clusters in the centre of the liquid and rise to the surface with them after water is added. This gives the volatile flavour compounds easier access to the gas space and they can be better perceived in the nosing glass. In summary, the dilution of a cask strength whisky leads to a change in the sensory effect of the spirit, as a result of which the flavour is generally perceived more clearly.
How does our brand ambassador enjoy his whisky?
Our St. Kilian brand ambassador, Christoph Albietz, prefers to enjoy his whisky in a relaxed atmosphere, free from any preconceptions about what has already been said or written about this whisky. He experiences the optimum enjoyment of a whisky when he drinks it from a long-stemmed, tulip-shaped glass or a Glencairn glass and the whisky is at room temperature. For cask strength whiskies, he occasionally adds a few drops of tap water, finely dosed with a coffee spoon. However, Christoph has one no-go when it comes to whisky: no cola in the whisky!
