Monday, January 24, 2011

Adding Water to Scotch?

We know by now that adding ice to scotch is not the recommended route to take if you truly want to appreciate the raw character of the whisky (read here), but what about adding water?  I have heard varying opinions on whether to add water to your scotch.  Some prefer to drink it neat, some with a splash of water, and even others who drink their scotch with an equal mix of water and whisky.

Generally, it is true that adding a few drops (literally, a few drops) of water can "open" the whisky.  What this means is that the water can help release the aroma (or "nose") and flavor from the drink.  Some also add water to their scotch if the flavor is too bold, and they desire to reduce the intensity a little. 

Overall, there is no hard and fast rule about adding water.  It all boils down to personal preference.  Personally, I seldom add water to my scotch with the exception of the real peaty ones. 

If you are undecided whether to add water, do not be afraid to experiment!  A big part of the appreciation of scotch is the never-ending journey of self-discovery.  Trying drinking the scotch neat first, then add a few drops of water (preferably at room temperature and filtered) to it and decide for yourself which one do you prefer.

65 comments:

  1. i don't add water, only because i find that the ice in the scotch does the job when it starts to melt.

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  2. soo, how many drops are we talking about here ?

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  3. I dunno, adding water to my alcohol seems really counter-intuitive to me. That and I doubt I have the taste buds to notice such a difference.

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  4. i'm on the same boat as erics.. ice reall does that trick for me

    oh and i think i hit a milestone here, im your approximately 500 viewer

    keep it up and good luck


    xchodax.blogspot.com

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  5. how often do u drink scotch?

    supporting the blog bro.

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  6. Adding ice, even if it's just one cube, can dilute your scotch by too much. When adding water, all you are really adding is a few drops (2-3).

    to thegoldenchild: I drink a little scotch every night. In b4 "you are an alcoholic!".

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  7. What if I add scotch to my water? :)

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  8. innerestinn

    forkfantasy.blogspot.com

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  9. adding water to some nice alcohol seems like a slap in the face to the alcohol

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  10. It does release the flavor a bit in some cases. However, I kinda pass on doing it when it comes down to some more expensive drink ^^

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  11. Nice tip! and love the blog :) Following and supporting!

    http://blazaimagenes.blogspot.com/

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  12. I like to add a little tape to my scotch... ಠ_ಠ

    Following and supporting!

    http://autotunedsoul.blogspot.com

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  13. Good recommendations. I remember the first time I had scotch, I was blown away by the intensity of the flavor. However, when I added ice, I found that the additional water distilled the flavor too much and I didn't enjoy it anymore.

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  14. I stopped adding ice to my drinks a long time ago. Those fuckers always heap it in and it makes it taste like shit. I have experimented with water too, but it's not for me. Strictly neat.

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  15. my hubby is convinced that me reading your blog all about scotch makes me tipsy. i of course tell him no i've always been this much of a dork

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  16. I add water because I haven't acquired the taste of scotch. I drank some of the scotchiest scotch first off, and I couldn't take but a few sips.

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  17. As an avid shower drinker, I'll remember to put my scotch in a sippy cup next time.

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  18. I knew I'd learn something new if I stopped by here. :)

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  19. Adding water in scotch actually brings out the flavor...try it out. luke warm water. don't use cold water.

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  20. I love some nice scotch and a cigar :D

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  21. I would never mix water to any form of alcohol...

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  22. adding water sounds phaggy

    brotosterone.blogspot.com

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  23. mmmm scotch... keep it up!
    evanztories.blogspot.com
    ducks2nucks.blogspot.com

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  24. Well if scotch guy says to add water I'm gonna add water that settles it

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  25. i like my whisky with ice.

    or with coke...

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  26. I hate ice in my scotch. And have never heard of someone adding water.
    Neat is the way to go! :)

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  27. If I ever drink scotch I will be sure to try a little water

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  28. i didnt know these man
    nice info for me
    thanks

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  29. im a scotch and water person myself. taste better to me, kinda like letting a glass of wine breathe for a second

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  30. I heard adding a little bit of water brings out the sweetness per say in scotch

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  31. Ineteresting take man.

    Following and supporting

    http://jomak412.blogspot.com/

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  32. always add water... that and to my whisky! great blog -- following bro

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  33. Hold the phone add water? thats ballsy dude

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  34. I dunno man, water is pretty riskay.
    We'll see how it goes I guess. It is Australia Day after all...

    Followin for more advice.

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  35. If a scotch needs to be watered down, I usually just put a couple extra ice cubes in it and let that water and cool it down a bit.

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  36. I've only added a few drops of water to some peat scotch. I'm a Canadian Whiskey fan and I love me some ice in it though. If it's really good, I don't bother though.

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  37. I'll try this approach of scotch one day! It's good to try new things!

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  38. Thanks for supporting my blog! Doing the same :)

    You have good taste!

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  39. I've always wanted to know why people are so fascinated with scotch, I will be following

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  40. some practical info that will be useful in the future (srs). thanks brah.

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  41. I'm telling you, there should be a tape section on the flavor map.

    Supporting as always.

    http://autotunedsoul.blogspot.com

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  42. The amount of water to add will also depend on the wood the Scotch was aged in. Whisky aged in ex-bourbon casks can handle the water if you accidentally add a drop too much. A sherry cask whisky will "drown" a lot more easily so watch the water (with the exception of Aberlour A'Bunadh which can handle extra water thanks to the higher ABV).

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  43. Adding a drop, or 2 drops of water to release the aromas sounds like bull to me. Everyone is aware that when scotch is bottled from the cask it is diluted with spring water. How can 2 drops more of water dilute it any more than a fraction?

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  44. Alcohol is a POLAR SOLVENT.
    That is why alcohol burns your nose, throat, and stomach.
    It instantly bonds with the moisture in all of those sensitive areas.

    Try this: a few drops filtered water to your scotch (watch the bonding take place before your own eyes.)

    (it seasons or bonds to the alcohol) and before tasting sip, I mean just a sip of filtered water, swish and swallow. Then watch you love for scotch grow by 2 or 3.

    ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

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  45. For a bit if science and connoisseurship, see http://www.scotchdoc.com/tsd/ask/index.html

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  46. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  47. Adding just a touch of room temperature water is better than adding ice. Leave the ice for mixed drinks, scotch doesn't need ice at all.

    How much to add really depends on the Scotch. Anywhere from a few drops to a couple of teaspoons depending on a variety of factors. Check out the Ralfy.com vlogs for tips on Scotch.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C7O3DC_NxA

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  48. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  49. Thank you sharing with us..its very informative.How Much Water to Drink

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