Let’s face it, most of us didn’t grow up drinking whiskey. Our fathers or grandfathers may have drunk it, but for the most part, whiskey was something that we didn’t start drinking until later in life.
And when we did start drinking it, we had no idea what we were doing. We would pour a glass, add a little bit of water (or not), and drink it. It didn’t matter what it tasted like; we just wanted to be able to say that we drank whiskey.
Now that you’re a bit older and (hopefully) wiser, you may be interested in learning how to drink whiskey. And not just any whiskey, but good whiskey. The kind of whiskey that you can savor and enjoy, not just chug down to get drunk.
You’ll need a few things to start drinking whiskey, including a glass, water, and the whiskey itself. The first thing you want to do is pour yourself a small glass of whiskey. You don’t need a lot, just a small taste. Once you have your glass, add a few drops of water to it. This will help open up the whiskey flavors and make it easier to drink.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to start drinking whiskey like a pro. We’ll talk about choosing the right whiskey, adding the perfect amount of water, and even how to drink it properly. By the end of this guide, you’ll know everything there is to know about drinking whiskey.
First Things First – What You’ll Need
To make your first couple of whiskey-drinking experiences more enjoyable, there are a few things you’ll need. When you start out, you don’t need to go crazy, but it’s important to have the basics.
Here are some of the items we suggest you have on hand.
A Good Bottle of Whiskey
This is the most important part. You can’t drink whiskey if you don’t have any. And not just any whiskey will do. You’ll want to find a good quality bottle that you enjoy the taste of.
When choosing a whiskey, there are hundreds of different brands and types. So how do you know which one to pick? Well, the best way to find out is to try them.
Most liquor stores will have a section dedicated to whiskey. And many of them will even let you try a sample before you buy. This is the perfect way to find a whiskey that you like.
A Glass
You can drink whiskey from any glass, but rock glass is the most common. It’s a short, sturdy glass that is perfect for sipping whiskey.
A regular old drinking glass will do just fine if you don’t have a rock glass. You can even drink it out of a mug if you want. Make sure the glass is clean before you pour your whiskey into it.
Water
This is optional, but we recommend adding a few drops of water to your whiskey. This will help open up the flavors and make them easier to drink. Avoid using too much water; you don’t want to dilute the whiskey too much. A few drops are all you need.
Water is also important if you’re drinking a higher-proof whiskey. The alcohol content can be too much for some people, and adding a little water will help tone it down.
Ice
Although it’s not required, many people enjoy giving their whiskey a few ice cubes. The flavor is mellowed out and made more acceptable as a result. If you add ice, just a few cubes will do. You don’t want to water down your whiskey too much.
Once you have those three things, you’re ready to start drinking whiskey correctly. Here’s how to do it:
Getting Started on Drinking Whiskey
If you’re new to whiskey, it’s important to take your time and ease into it. You don’t want to jump in and start chugging it down; that’s not going to end well. You will be required to have some patience when first starting out.
1. Pour Yourself a Small Amount of Whiskey
Start by pouring yourself a small glass. You can always pour more if you want, but starting with less is better and working your way up.
2. Add a Few Drops of Water
Next, add a few drops of water to your glass. This will help open up the flavors of the whiskey. Drinking whiskey with water is the preferred way to do it. The water will help to mellow out the flavor and make it more enjoyable.
3. Take a Small Sip
Now it’s time to take your first sip. Don’t be afraid to let the whiskey sit on your tongue for a bit before you swallow. You want to enjoy the whiskey’s flavor and aroma, not just chug it down.
You can also chew the whiskey a bit to release even more flavor. Enjoy your whiskey and take your time with it.
4. Repeat As Necessary
Once you’re done with your first sip, feel free to have another. And another. And another. Just remember to drink responsibly.
When enjoying whiskey, it’s best to know your limit and stick to it. Drinking too much whiskey can lead to some pretty unpleasant consequences.
Takeaway
Getting started with whiskey can be daunting, but it’s not that difficult. Remember to choose a good quality whiskey, add a few drops of water, and take your time enjoying it.
Sip it slowly and savor the flavor. Remember to drink responsibly. Soon enough, you’ll be a whiskey-drinking pro.
