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Whisky On Ice: Choosing Between Cubes, Crushed Ice Or Neat

Yash Lakhan

March 25, 2025

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The method of serving whisky influences its taste, smell, and overall experience since some like it neat, while others use ice to manage temperature and dilution. The choice of ice influences the taste of whisky differently – each having its unique function, depending on the individual’s preference and type of whisky.

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Neat (No Ice)

Drinking whisky in its original form is optimal for tasting its unadulterated characteristics, maintaining original flavours, aroma and texture without dilution or temperature shift.

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Large Ice Cubes

Disappearing gradually, large ice blocks blunt harsh flavour notes while maintaining the drink’s temperature without overly diluting the whisky to destroy its intended proportion.

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Crushed Ice

Using crushed bits of ice helps chill whisky faster but also melt quickly, thus diluting the beverage and recommended for high-strength whisky or whisky-based cocktails.

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Ice Ball

Bigger than regular cubes, ice balls melt slower, chilling whisky for longer while reducing dilution for a smoother drinking experience.

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Whisky Stones

A melt-free substitute for ice, stones cool whisky without dilution and are ideal for for flavour preservation while gradually reducing temperature. *Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.