Do You Really Need To Add Water To Whisky? Here Are Your Most Pressing Doubts – Answered
When it comes to tasting whisky at a properly curated whisky tasting experience, questions abound around whether water should be added to the spirit, whether it should be served by itself or on the rocks and how a few drops of this mixer affect the tasting notes of a good quality liquor. While many whisky connoisseurs do stand by the idea of serving sipping whisky by itself at such tasting experiences, there are others who believe that a splash of water or a few drops of water added to whisky actually accentuate its flavours.
Here’s a look at some of the more pressing doubts around adding water to whisky and how they can be addressed based on the type of whisky and the method in which water is mixed with the spirit – and when this addition can be skipped.
Why is water added to whisky, to begin with?
Many times, water is added to whisky to open up its aroma, reduce the robust notes of the spirit and to release more of its nuanced flavours. Adding water is in fact associated with bringing forth more body of the whisky than toning its effect down.
What happens when water is added to whisky?
With the addition of water to whisky, certain compounds interact with the aqua to release fruity notes, smoky effects and the liquor’s aromas to make them more noticeable. Water accentuates these aromatic and flavourful compounds in the spirit.
How much water should be added to whisky?
Initially just a few drops of water added using a straw or a spoon are enough to open up the whisky. When tasting high proof whiskies, adding half a teaspoon more of water can better balance the liquor’s flavours.
Remember to add water slowly because its quantity can always be increased, but it cannot be taken out once mixed with the spirit.
Does the kind of water added to whisky matter?
Most definitely. At a tasting experience, use a few drops of filtered water or room temperature water which will better highlight the flavours of this spirit, without introducing its own tasting notes in the glass.
Also Read: How Much Water To Add To Your Whisky? Science Now Has The Answer
Is adding water and ice the same thing?
Put simply, no.
A few drops of water can be added to whisky to better manoeuvre the flavours released through this process. Adding a whole ice cube on the other hand dilutes and chills the drink, making its flavours more subtle and subdued.
When should water be skipped altogether?
If you prefer the neat and clean flavours of whisky, it can be tasted without the addition of water. As well, those whiskies which have light flavours and very low ABV can also be tasted without the addition of water. Avoid adding water to whisky cocktails too, where dilution is already an integral component of the recipe.
How is it possible to decipher whether adding water to whisky has helped?
Sip and smell the whisky before and after adding water to spot these differences. Citrusy and floral aromas would become more pronounced with the addition of water and the robust notes of the spirit will appear more toned down. Simultaneously you might experience more nuance and complexity with the addition of water to certain whiskies, than without.
Finally… should water be added to whisky at all?
Try it by starting with just a few drops to experience whether the whisky is blooming enough in terms of aroma and flavour. Some whiskies can flatten out with the addition of water so make a judgement call based on the ABV content in the whisky and its overall flavour profile.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
