With regards to whisky, as you’ll in all probability know, I’m a agency believer in having fun with a wee dram nevertheless you want. Inside motive, there’s no proper or unsuitable option to get pleasure from whisky. So long as you get pleasure from it, that’s all that counts.
With that stated, should you’re new to the thrilling and great world of whisky, it could typically assist to know the lingo when ordering a whisky, particularly should you’re at a bar within the coronary heart of whisky nation. Understanding the totally different phrases and phrases related to whisky not solely helps you perceive extra about this beloved drink, it additionally helps just remember to order appropriately and get the drink you need.
For at this time’s publish, I wish to take a barely lighter hearted have a look at whisky, and assist you perceive the lingo when ordering a whisky at a bar, restaurant, pub, membership, or wherever else.
Ordering a Whisky Neat
You’ve in all probability seen folks on TV or in movies and films ordering a whisky ‘neat’ every time they go right into a bar. However what precisely does this imply?
Nicely, very merely, should you order a whisky neat, you’re ordering a whisky in its purest, unadulterated type. With nothing added, and nothing taken away. Only a superb dram of whisky, and nothing else.
Many Scotch whiskies are loved neat because it means that you can totally admire the complexities of the whisky. You get to odor each scent and aroma and benefit from the totally different tastes, the end, and the mouthfeel that the whisky gives.
If you wish to get pleasure from a superb single malt in its purest type, neat is the way in which to go.
Ordering a Whisky Cocktail
Some folks consider that whisky has no place in a cocktail and may primarily be loved neat. Others factor that whisky can work nice in a cocktail. You realize who’s proper? Each units of individuals, that’s who. Susceptible to sounding like a caught CD (sure, CDs are nonetheless a factor) folks ought to get pleasure from whisky nevertheless they like.
For those who’re seeking to get pleasure from a superb whisky/whiskey however don’t wish to get pleasure from it neat, go forward and order a whisky cocktail as an alternative. Three well-liked whisky-based cocktails embrace the Rob Roy, which is made with Scotch, together with vermouth and a contact of bitters, the Whisky Bitter, and naturally, the Previous Original.
Check out the cocktail menu, and don’t be afraid to attempt a unique cocktail if it occurs to incorporate whisky.
Straight Up
For those who order your whisky ‘straight up’ you’re mainly asking for it to be served chilled, with out ice. Normally that is achieved by shaking or stirring the whisky with ice after which straining the liquid right into a glass.
Whereas it’s uncommon to get pleasure from a Scotch chilled, many bourbon whiskies are sometimes served chilled and truly work finest when chilled, because it brings out the totally different notes and traits of the whiskey.
Once more, should you like your whisky chilled, however don’t wish to take care of the melted ice, straight up is an effective way to go. Simply remember that the whisky will nonetheless be a barely diluted down.
On the Rocks
For those who actually wish to sound fancy, maybe in an effort to impress your date, or showcase in entrance of your mates, you may order your whisky ‘on the rocks’.
Whisky served on this means is often served over ice cubes, which discuss with the ‘rocks’. Chilling the whisky will once more alter its profile and should assist you to get pleasure from totally different layers and parts of the whisky. The draw back is that the whisky will likely be diluted down because the ice melts.
For those who get the selection, one massive ice dice versus a handful of smaller cubes will work higher because the ice will dilute slower.
With Water
Not solely is it completely acceptable to get pleasure from a Scotch with water, it’s typically inspired. Some Scotch whisky is usually a little too harsh, particularly a cask energy, and if there may be an excessive amount of burn, a few drops of water will work wonders.
Ordering a whisky with water implies that your whisky will likely be diluted down ever-so-slightly with mineral water. This helps to mellow out the cruel and fiery alcohol notes so you may benefit from the totally different tastes and notes that the whisky gives.
With a Twist
Lastly, should you like your whisky to have a barely fruity end to it, go forward and order it ‘with a twist’.
Ordering with a twist implies that the whisky is served with a twist of citrus peel, often lemon or orange, although typically lime as effectively.
Numerous the time, whiskies, particularly single malts, can present citrus notes so having fun with them with a twist is an effective way of highlighting these flavours and actually bringing them to the forefront of every sip.
For those who’d prefer to be taught extra about your favorite whiskies, or just deal with your self to a dram or two on the identical time, head on over to GreatDrams.com and check out what now we have to supply.
With a powerful collection of limited-edition, uncommon, and award-winning whisky, in addition to heaps of whisky data on our weblog, it’s the right spot for any whisky lovers on the market.
