If you are into drinking whisky, then you know how it can be an amazing experience. You can enjoy it with other people and create new friends and unforgettable memories, or you can enjoy it alone and relax after a day of hard work.
It feels like this drink can truly make life that little bit better. It is all the better that there are many different ways in which you can consume your whisky. Each way holds a unique and different taste that can leave an unforgettable mark on your taste buds.
But what some people fail to appreciate is the original, pure taste of whisky. If you want to experience that traditional way of drinking whisky, then you should definitely try your whisky neat.
Ways of Drinking Whisky
The great thing about whisky is that you can tailor it to your preferences. If you don’t like the taste of whisky on its own, then you can add mixers to create a whisky cocktail.
If you prefer your drink cold, you can add some ice cubes to cool it down. You can also add a few drops of water into your whisky since it is commonly believed that it will expand the aroma and taste of the drink. But what if you don’t want to dilute your whisky? What if instead, you want to get its true and pure taste? Then you should try drinking your whisky neat.
So, What Exactly is Whisky Neat?
Whisky is served neat when it is poured directly from the bottle into the glass. This means that it is not diluted with any water, ice or any other flavouring or mixing. The whisky should be served at room temperature without any other additions.
This is pure whisky. Drinking it neat will allow you to enjoy and savour the authentic taste of the drink the way it was meant to be out of the bottle.
Why You Should Try Whisky Neat
So, if you have never tried your whisky neat, why should you? While no one should ever tell you that there is a right or wrong way to drink your whisky (you should drink what you enjoy), there is definitely no harm in seeking out new unique tastes and trying out your whisky neat just might be that magical experience you were looking for.
Without diluting the drink with other substances, you will be able to taste the fine nuance that comes straight out of a whisky bottle. Adding water or ice to your whisky can significantly dilute the drink, and you won’t be able to get that coveted, original, “neat” taste. Give it a chance, enjoy, relax, and appreciate the wonders of whisky.
Straight Up vs Neat
Now there can be some confusion when it comes to the difference between having your whisky straight up versus neat. Some people believe that they are synonymous and there is no difference between the two; meanwhile, others say that straight-up means served with ice, as opposed to straight from the bottle, which would be considered neat.
Whichever case it may be, if you are ordering a drink at the bar, make sure you specify to your bartender how you want your beverage served, whether it is with ice or without.
How to Drink Whisky Neat
To drink your whisky, you want to pour straight from the bottle, at room temperature, into the glass. The standard serving size is 25ml. Now it is ready to drink. The important part is to take a sip at a time and then enjoy and savour the warm taste on your tongue.
You do not want to take large gulps and down the drink straight away. Since whisky usually has an alcohol volume of at least 40%, it may be hard for beginners to drink to take in all of that alcohol.
In that case, you can add a little bit of water or ice to dilute it and make it easier for your throat. But be sure to first take a couple of sips without any mixer in order to first appreciate the true taste of the whisky.
FAQs
Is it ok to drink whisky neat?
It is ok to drink whisky neat as long as you practice moderation. This way, drinking whisky can even have positive effects on your health such as better blood circulation and prevention of blood clots. Remember that whisky has a very high alcohol ratio, and you should take care not to drink too much.
What is whisky with ice called?
It is usually referred to as “whisky on the rocks”. This means whiskey poured into a whisky tumbler glass on top of ice cubes. You want the ice cubes to be large and the size around 2 inches. This will allow you to chill your drink. If you want to avoid diluting the drink as well, you can add whisky stones instead.
Why do you put water in whisky?
Water in whisky can enhance the flavour of the drink. The makeup of whisky is hydrophobic, which means it repels water. Adding a couple of drops will start a chemical reaction that in turn releases new flavour compounds that can highlight new aroma in the drink.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, you should experiment and find what taste of whisky you like best, whether it is with water, ice, a cocktail or other. You should definitely try your whisky neat, even if only to experience it once.
If on its own and it is hard to drink, then you can always add water or ice, whichever is to your preference. Regardless, remember that whisky can help you relax and reduce stress after a hard day. Take the time to savour and appreciate the true taste of whisky.