There are no hard and fast rules for drinking whiskey, but in the homeland of this drink - in Scotland - there is a certain tradition called the "rule of five S". Following this principle will allow you to fully enjoy the great taste and aroma.
Instructions
Step 1
Whiskey should be drunk from special low glasses called "tubler" with a wide and thick bottom. It is believed that it is better to add ice to it, mixing it with Coca-Cola or soda. But in fact, whiskey should be consumed in about the same way as cognac - not chilled, but warmed with the warmth of your hands, enjoying the aroma. In no case should you take big sips or drink in one gulp.
Step 2
According to the Scottish rule of five Ss, the first point to taste this drink is sight, or to see. Evaluate the whiskey's clarity, rich color and viscosity. As a rule, a dark color indicates a venerable age, but sometimes the appearance can be deceiving - an old drink can also be pale if it has been aged in a bourbon barrel, and recently made ones are sometimes diluted with caramel, which adds richness.
Step 3
Smell the whiskey. Rotate it in the glass, listen to the smell. Tasters evaluate the bouquet of the drink based on the aromas of several groups: essential tones (candies, dried figs), woody (mold, rum, fresh shavings), cereal (malt, chaff), buttery (nuts or butter), phenolic (smoky peaty smell or medicines), herbal (flowers, straw), sweet (chocolate, vanilla).
Step 4
Take a sip, but do not swallow it right away. Sip the whiskey in your mouth for a complete swish experience. Let the drink touch all parts of the tongue: the tip should feel sweet, the middle should be acidic, the edges should be salty, and the back should be bitter. Evaluate the balance of these flavors.
Step 5
Swallow the whiskey. Evaluate the taste, whether it's soft or harsh. Feel the aftertaste - how long it lasts, how pleasant it is. A good whiskey has a long-lasting aftertaste, and its aroma can last several days in an empty glass.
Step 6
Add some fresh, clean water (splash) to the glass. According to the Scots, dilution with water fully reveals the aromas and taste of whiskey, which is especially important for a barrel-strength drink with more than 50% alcohol content. Drinking such a strong whiskey without dilution can numb the taste buds and reduce the ability to perceive the taste of the drink adequately.
