You’ve probably already acquired a fine single malt bottle, and you’re eager to sample it. Even yet, it’s not a good idea to get ahead of yourself! There’s a proper method to sip your first single malt whisky if you want to receive the greatest enjoyment from it.
One of the most important aspects of Scotch drinking is to learn how to recognise and enjoy the distinct flavour qualities of each bottle of Scotch.
And now that you know how to drink single malts, let’s get started. We’ll discuss everything from the dispute over water, ice, and mixers to temperature, cups, and drinking practices!
Scotch is served at what temperature?
One can serve single malt whiskey best at room temperature, unlike many other alcoholic beverages. Your single malt should be served at room temperature and not refrigerated if you want to get the most out of it when it comes to its flavour.
Why? According to The Macallan’s chief distiller, Nick Savage, freezing Scotch makes the tastes “contract.” It’s best to drink your whiskey at room temperature because it causes the aromas and tastes to “volatilise,” allowing you to enjoy them more clearly.
To further enhance the whisky’s flavour, you may even wrap your palm around the glass before taking a sip.
So, as a general rule, Scotch should not be refrigerated. Keep it at room temperature to get the most out of your drink.
What Type of Glass Do You Use?
Whiskey drinkers may assume that a conventional whisky tumbler is the glass of choice. It’s a common sight to see Scotch being served in movies and on television.
Scotch drinkers, on the other hand, aren’t so sure. A tulip-shaped glass is an ideal container for your dram.
There are two reasons for this:
- With this, you may swirl the whisky without fear of it spilling (useful for releasing the flavours of the whisky)
- In the neck of the glass, smells are concentrated.
A difficult to locate tulip-shaped glass is definitely worth the effort to get the maximum flavour out of your Scotch.
Stages of Scotch Whisky Drinking
Make sure it’s at room temperature before pouring it into a glass to get the most out of your whiskey. Then follow these simple instructions.
The colour is checked:
Check the colour of your whisky by holding it up to a light source. It’s a myth that this helps you figure out how old your malt is, but it’s true for specific individuals. The colour of your drink will tell you how well it has aged. Generally, sherry oak barrels are used for golden single malts and bourbon for pale ones.
“Nosing”
After determining the age and provenance of your whisky, it may be tempting to begin the tasting process immediately. The nose is the most crucial part of the process when it comes to a drink.
To “nose” a whiskey is to simply inhale its aroma. Holding the glass away from your face and passing it under your nose while taking a deep breath is the proper method to accomplish this.
Make a mental note of what the fragrance reminds you of on your first trip. Then, try it again to see if you can pick up any more notes.
Nosing your Scotch may seem unusual initially, but it is an important part of getting the most out of your dram’s taste profile.
Tasting:
Finally, the tasting begins. Take a drink from your glass and form your tongue into a little spoon shape. Let the whisky sit on your tongue rather than swallowing it right immediately.
Here, your mind begins to focus on the different smells in your whisky and how they make you feel. Especially for a novice whiskey connoisseur, this procedure might be daunting. However, keep in mind that your taste receptors are uniquely yours, and there is no right or wrong way to identify flavours in a dram.
The ability to tell one Scotch from another while tasting is an essential part of the experience. That single malt should be easy to recognise when you drink it again.
