Should you add water to your whisky?
Many connoisseurs believe adding water enhances the flavour, but the amount is a personal choice. From a few drops to a splash is what most malt lovers would prefer, but there are others who just pour water till the brim, a more psychological belief, that it would cause less intoxication. ‘The more dilution, the less the hit!’ was quoted by a legendary drinker! To those who swear by the dilution theory, it’s better to add the whiskey to the water instead. That way you make a poor thing better rather than a fine thing worse.
Most people who add water to whisky just wing it. They pour some whisky, and splash in a little water. A drop or two “opens up” the whisky and enhances the flavour. However there are benefits to greater dilution too. Most malts bottled at 40% ABV plus give off an “alcohol bloom” that can block your appreciation of other flavors. Adding a little room temperature water dampens the alcohol so those other flavors can come through. Especially those who love to enjoy short bites in between their sips would appreciate the taste if water is added to the whisky. This doesn’t include the strong chicken tikkas or 65s, mind it!!
You want to taste whisky, not water, so choosing the right water to add matters. That doesn’t necessarily mean distilled water or anything fancier. The best water to use is the same water you usually drink, whether it’s bottled, filtered, or straight from the tap. That’s because you are accustomed to the flavour. Mineral waters however could impact the flavour of the whisky.
If nothing else, playing around with water is a cheap and easy way to add a little variety to your whisky drinking experience.
Have a great week! Cheers!
Comments
Well, the post came in handy. Its a weekend Ravi. I was thinking Rum but I think I will go for some blended malt whiskey. All I have left is a half bottle of Chivas.
I prefer rum to Indian whiskeys these days.
The single Malts, I like with a splash of water.
Author
Cheers Georgie!!! With your Chivas water will go well, but make sure you dont go beyond twice the quantity of the spirit. More than that, it will get diluted and lose the actual flavour. If you are adding ice, then a 1:1 spirit water ratio is good enough. If you want to really enjoy the weekend, on the rocks too is a good idea!!! Yeah the single malts are good with a splash of water anyday! Have a great weekend!!!
This doesn’t include the strong chicken tikka and peanut masala s 😂😂😂
Author
ha ha very true! the problem with these oily side eats is they are loaded with strong flavours which unfortunately overpower the flavour of the spirit, whichever may be and they also quote the palate and confuse the taste buds. So the real enjoyment and appreciation of the drink are lost unless one is drinking for the intoxication. But if you must munch something between the sips, then nuts like groundnut, almonds or walnuts are a better choice. Even chocolates and cheese too go well with the spirits, especially whisky! So better to avoid the tikkas and the masalas with whisky!