Postby Roy Hunter » Tue Oct 19, 2010 12:29 pm
My wife is more of a whisky expert than me, but if you do want to cultivate a bit of a whisky habit here's my advice:
Whisky is usually improved by adding a little water. Probably less water than there is whisky in the glass, but you can see the oils starting to separate out, and it definitely changes the 'mouthfeel' (as all the poncy books call it).
Good whisky is never improved by adding ice. Serve it at room temperature.
If the object of the exercise is to get blootered, don't get blootered on just whisky. You will end up horribly dehydrated. Whisky and beer go fine together; whisky and other spirits are usually OK; and while some people are absolutely fine mixing whisky and wine, others find that mixing the grape and the grain is a recipe for disaster. Like me, for instance.
After the first few drams, your palate will stop being sensitive to the nuances of a fine malt. So have a few nice drinks to start with, then switch to a decent blend like Bells, Whyte & Mackay, Grants etc. A decent blend will not give you the same sort of hangover you get from Tesco's Shaky Hand, er, I mean Value Brand whisky.
When you go for a poo in the morning and it smells of whisky, it is time to reconsider your lifestyle.