How to Drink Whisky

There is no right or wrong answer to the question how to drink whisky – apart from ‘responsibly’. It’s not as if the whisky police are going to rush in and catch you red-handed putting orange juice in it. (Bleaah.) But please note these remarks are intended for those who intend to drink malt whisky. If you want to drink whiskey (sic), then feel free to mix it with anything you like. I couldn’t possibly comment.

Do I add water to whisky?

…and other agonising protocols. In Scotland, you may encounter good-natured discussion on how to drink whisky: that is, with or without water, or with various mixers. Naturally, there is no absolutely correct way – though many within the trade would suggest that the addition of a little water helps bring out the complex flavour. (They call it ‘opening it out’.) Some enthusiasts prefer their whisky neat. (I note – pictured here – there appears to be some water on offer with a line of drams at the Scotch Whisky Experiencein Edinburgh. Unless someone’s opted for a very large vodka.)