Utah Bob #35998 Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 Quote So, according to a Scottish bartender...... SERVED WITH WATER Water opens up new whisky flavors while decreasing the intensity of the alcohol. The Society of Chemical Industry studied this phenomenon in a paper published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. The scientists found that water chemically suppresses ethanol molecules (alcohol) as well as the flavors extracted from the wood barrels. Specifically, water decreases the “impact of undesirable, immature aromas when wood matured spirits are consumed.” The stronger whiskies, such as whiskies with more barrel influence, improve with water. Take cask strength, or barrel proof, whiskies, for example. The alcohol percentage decreases as Scotch ages in barrel, so the liquid is typically put into the barrel at around 60 to 65 percent alcohol by volume. That’s why Linstead suggests adding a couple drops of water to your dram if you’re drinking cask-strength Scotch. In other words, contrary to what you may have thought, adding water to your whisky isn’t for people who can’t handle their whisky; it’s for people who want to take stock of every flavor the whisky has to offer. During a VinePair tasting at the Glenkinchie distillery in Scotland, everyone — from the distillery workers to our tour guide to the global brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker — used a small pipette to add some water to their Scotch. So I tried it with some Mcallan and Balvenie tonight. It works! My education continues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MizPete Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 1 thing Scotch snobs don't want you to know: Scotch mixes well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Eye Jim Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 Pouring over 1 large ice cube has the same effect for me, although I prefer bourbon over scotch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 1 hour ago, Red Eye Jim said: Pouring over 1 large ice cube has the same effect for me, although I prefer bourbon over scotch. Bourbon over scotch? In what proportions? Both are aged? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catlow4697 Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 2 hours ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said: Bourbon over scotch? In what proportions? Both are aged? Sounds good shaken or stired? is that equal amounts of each? what size ice cube ? what size and type of glass? thankyou while I still can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 I prefer most of my liquor "on the rocks". My usual is two or three ice cubes and about three fingers of whatever hooch I'm drinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chili Ron Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 Howdy, Now that I have a nice supply of steel cubes...... But haven't folks ordered scotch and water about forever? Do we need people with beakers and Bunsen burners to tell whats good? Best CR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedalia Dave Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 An ice cube is way too much water for Scotch. They are referring to several drops of water in the glass. 9 hours ago, Utah Bob #35998 said: That’s why Linstead suggests adding a couple drops of water to your dram if you’re drinking cask-strength Scotch. 9 hours ago, Utah Bob #35998 said: used a small pipette to add some water to their Scotch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatwater Monte Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 I was taught that your drink Scotch with a splash of water. It still smells like dirty socks but it doesn't taste that way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 Odd, it has been mentioned here several times over the years that a touch of water "opens" the scotch for better flavor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted June 8, 2019 Author Share Posted June 8, 2019 1 hour ago, Subdeacon Joe said: Odd, it has been mentioned here several times over the years that a touch of water "opens" the scotch for better flavor. I must have missed it. I miss a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tascosa, SASS# 24838 Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 I like blended whiskey, like 40 Creek or Crown. I probably don't have good taste. (But my wife does, she married me didn't she?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 1 hour ago, Tascosa, SASS# 24838 said: I like blended whiskey, like 40 Creek or Crown. I probably don't have good taste. (But my wife does, she married me didn't she?) She lost a bet........... BTW-Try the Scotch in a chilled glass-To me, does the same as water. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish ike, SASS #43615 Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 I was at a Scotch tasting as part of a fund raiser for a local pipe band. The guy had me try X straight. Then he added a few drops of water and while I'm no expert it did modify the taste for the better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShadowCatcher Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 Scotch does benefit from added water, no more than %20 by volume. Ice doesn't help because the chill keeps the aromatics suppressed. Cool water added is nice, especially with the Island scotches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muley Gil SASS # 57795 Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 I served under a crusty old Marine major, who had been a cannon cocker in Viet Nam. At a party, he walked up to the bar and ordered Scotch. The young bartender asked, "On the rocks?" The major roared, "If I want a d****d mixed drink, I'll order one! SCOTCH!" The shaken barkeep poured him a goodly amount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-BAR #18287 Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 One drop of water per shot is sufficient. And make it good water, not chlorinated, softened or hard water. It makes a difference. Distilled water is fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 8 hours ago, Utah Bob #35998 said: I must have missed it. I miss a lot. And you, an officer of cavalry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Falcon, SASS # 46139 Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 I think a barrel of water to a jigger of Scotch would be an OK mixture for me! PF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted June 9, 2019 Author Share Posted June 9, 2019 2 hours ago, Phantom Falcon, SASS # 46139 said: I think a barrel of water to a jigger of Scotch would be an OK mixture for me! PF I used to think similar. But I learnt. Never drink cheap Scotch. Life is too short. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.D. Daily Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 I am not a single malt scotch fan. For my distiIled libations I prefer a charcoal, cactus or grape skin taste to that of dirt (peat). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chili Ron Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 Howdy, Thanks. I will have a try during the Canadian gp this afternoon. Is it time to crack open the Pappys??? Best CR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 On 6/8/2019 at 7:14 AM, Utah Bob #35998 said: I must have missed it. I miss a lot. Thought that was only when you're shoot'n a match....... OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted June 10, 2019 Author Share Posted June 10, 2019 On 6/8/2019 at 8:19 PM, J.D. Daily said: I am not a single malt scotch fan. For my distiIled libations I prefer a charcoal, cactus or grape skin taste to that of dirt (peat). I too am not fond of that. I stick with the smoother non bog-like brands, which compare well to fine bourbons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-BAR #18287 Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 Not to hijack the topic, but my daughter gave me a bottle of Slane for my birthday. It is an Irish Whisky aged in 3 different barrels, the last being sherry barrels. I find it tastes pretty close to McCallan 12 yr. Scotch at about 1/3 the price. Just in case any of you are in an experimental mood... And now back to water: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-BAR #18287 Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted June 10, 2019 Author Share Posted June 10, 2019 5 minutes ago, J-BAR #18287 said: Not to hijack the topic, but my daughter gave me a bottle of Slane for my birthday. It is an Irish Whisky aged in 3 different barrels, the last being sherry barrels. I find it tastes pretty close to McCallan 12 yr. Scotch at about 1/3 the price. Just in case any of you are in an experimental mood... And now back to water: Let the record show that I am also fond of Irish whiskey. It may be genetic. There are Kelly’s in me ancestry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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