Whisky for Everyone

'Should I add water or ice to my whisky?' is a question has been asked times. Adding water or ice changes whisky in positive and negative ways. Most whisky that has an alcohol level of between 40 and 45% and already has some water added. This process is called 'cutting' and is done before bottling in order to bring the alcohol down to a more acceptable level for the majority of consumers. The water used is usually spring water that is found locally to the distillery.

Adding nothing
Many whisky connoisseurs believe that you should not add any water because you are tasting the whisky in its true natural form with all of the original distillery characteristics and flavours.

Adding water
By adding a small dash of water to a whisky, you can open up different, new and subtle flavours that you previously hadn't experienced. This is especially true when drinking cask strength whiskies that have higher alcohol levels (this can be up to and over 60% ABV in some cases). With cask strength whisky the alcohol and resulting burning in your mouth can overpower even the most prominent flavours. By adding some water, this dilutes the alcohol and reduces its effect, giving both the prominent and more subtle flavours a chance to shine. Imagine drinking orange squash concentrate without any water and then with water, it's essentially the same idea. How much water you add is entirely up to your taste.

Adding ice
Ice is slightly different. rather than enhancing flavours, it actually inhibits them as the ice makes the temperature of the whisky drop rapidly. It is the same as when you drink a good white wine that has been chilled down too much. It will be more refreshing and calm the burn, but can make the taste dull and flat. The taste will start to open up and reveal its full character once the whisky starts to warm up.

Different whiskies deserve different treatment
Don't feel ashamed to drink a cheap American bourbon or Scottish blended whisky with a mixer as they are often produced for this treatment. If you plan to drink an expensive single malt avoid adding any other flavours, as you are buying this whisky for its unique flavour. If you can, try a sip before adding ice or water. You will often be surprised at the difference in the flavours and you will learn more about the single malt you are drinking.

It is up to you!
Ultimately, what you add to your whisky is all down to personal taste and there are no right or wrong answers.