Is There a Wrong Way to Drink Whiskey?

Whiskey experts or "whiskey nerds" think neat is the only way to drink whiskey. They believe that adding water, ice, or mixers adulterates the taste of the whiskey and diminishes the experience. Neat means drinking whiskey straight out of the bottle, at room temperature. Many experts say that sipping whiskey neat is the best way to appreciate all the nuances of its flavor. Some people might find neat whiskey too strong, but experts say that's all part of the appeal. So if you're looking to impress a whiskey expert, you might want to try it neat.

However, many of us are not whiskey experts. So, is on the rocks bad? No, it's not bad. In fact, some people prefer their whiskey on the rocks because they find the drink to be too strong when it's neat. Adding a few ice cubes can help to dilute the whiskey and make it more palatable. Of course, there are purists who believe that adding anything to whiskey ruins the taste. If you're drinking top-quality whiskey, they may have a point, as it does alter the taste. However, sometimes it can even improve the experience, opening up the whiskey to allow more flavors to be revealed. Plus, if you're just looking to relax and enjoy a glass of whiskey without wanting to dissect it, on the rocks is perfectly fine.

While a lot of ice in a glass left unattended will leave with something too watered down, a little ice can do wonders. Whiskey is a spirit that has been around for centuries and has been loved by many for its bold flavors and the variety of ways it can be enjoyed. The magic of water and how it opens up the flavors of whiskey is like an explosion of flavor. The water opens up the whiskey and allows all of the complex flavors to come through. It's truly magical how such a simple ingredient can make such a big difference in the taste of whiskey. But be careful with too much ice, as your taste buds aren’t able to taste as well when they are overwhelmed by cold temperatures.

There's also nothing wrong with drinking whiskey in a cocktail. In fact, the right whiskey can be the secret ingredient to a good cocktail. Rye in a manhattan is undeniably a classic cocktail. The spicy notes of rye whiskey are the perfect complement to the sweet vermouth and bitters. This combination is sure to please any palate. Plus, the show Mad Men helped spur the Old Fashioned cocktail to new heights. The simple combination of whiskey, sugar, and bitters contains fertile ground for experimentation, with each different bottle of whiskey used providing its own unique flavor to the drink.

At the end of the day, there's no wrong way to enjoy your whiskey. As long as you enjoy the experience and share it with your friends, you're doing it right.

Whiskey is meant to be shared. So gather up your friends and start tasting. See what you like and what you don't. The more you try, the more you'll learn about what you like.

And don't be afraid to experiment. There are so many ways to enjoy whiskey. Try it in a cocktail or on the rocks. With a little exploration, you're sure to find your favorite way to drink it.