How to Drink Scotch Whisky

The proper drinking of Scotch whisky is more than indulgence: it is a toast to civilization, a tribute to the continuity of culture, a manifesto of man's determination to use the resources of nature to refresh mind and body and enjoy to the full the senses with which he has been endowed.
~ David Daiches

Well, I do agree with Mr. Daiches' take on Scotch whisky and its significance to humanity besides serving as a social grease and a personal indulgence. Just for the records, the basic difference between Scotch whisky and any other whiskey (other than the presence or absence of e in the spelling thereof) lies in the fact that only that whisky which is made in Scotland qualifies to be called Scotch. Also, there are five categories of Scotch whisky - Single Malt, Single Grain, Blended Malt, Blended Grain and Blended Scotch whisky - out of which three major types of Scotch - Single Grain, Blended/ Vatted Malt and Blended Scotch Whisky - are commercially manufactured. Now, coming back to the titular question, the succeeding paragraphs contain tips on drinking Scotch whisky like a pro! Scan through the subsequent sections to find out easy and enjoyable ways to drink Scotch whisky.

Best Way To Drink Scotch

So, you just stepped into the legal age for drinking since your last birthday and, after hearing so much about the splendors of this bottled sunshine form that country uncle of yours, you're keen on trying Scotch. However, you're trapped with the predicament of how to drink Scotch whisky as you've been told that drinking it the wrong way would ruin the experience for you forever. Well, it's true to a certain extent - especially during the initiation phase. So, how to drink whiskey, especially, Scotch whisky? Let's see.

First Things First
There are certain things that you must take care of before even embarking upon your endeavor. There are two things that are of utmost importance when you intend to experience the pleasures of Scotch - a good glass and one of the best Scotch brands. Tulip glasses are considered ideal as they allow the tongue to take in a wider dash of the liquor while trapping the aroma. It would be wise to scour through a Scotch brands' list from a reliable source (any good lifestyle magazine or website) to know what brands you can choose from.

How Much?
The amount you pour into the glass depends upon how much you want to consume at a time. The ideal amount for a single helping is usually between ½ an ounce to 2 ounces. However, as a beginner, you should pour in just a little above half an ounce and slowly take in the experience before graduating to higher measurements.

Indulge in Foreplay
Indeed, having fine Scotch is nothing less than making love to your senses and for such an experience to be perfect and unforgettable, a little warm up is suggested. Start by slightly tilting your glass and turning it gently to coat the inner surface of the glass with the liquor. This widens the surface area of the whisky, allowing the alcohol to evaporate better for a richer, enhanced aroma. This also allows you to take in the splendors of this golden hued liquor through your sense of vision, thereby, creating a mental ambiance of languorous luxury.

Neat Treat?
Some people prefer their Scotch neat as adding water dilutes the flavor and aroma. However, you may add a little water if you feel the neat scotch is too strong for you. However, avoid mixing tap water as the chlorine in it will completely ruin the taste of your Scotch! Bottled Scottish mineral water is an excellent option for diluting Scotch whisky.

Playing it Hard...?
After you added water, gently agitate the Scotch for a few minutes as this enables the Scotch and water to blend better to release enhanced aroma. Take a small sip and slowly swirl the liquor around with your tongue so that each cell of your taste buds gets to take in the rich blend and flavor of the fine Scotch. Hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing it to expose your gustatory senses to the extensive joys of Scotch.

Concluding the Experience....
While swallowing, take care not to open your mouth or close your throat. Just open your mouth a little bit while you let the liquid slowly crawl down your throat to let some air in. This is necessary to ease the agitation when the fumes rise towards the sinuses. Give in to the final bouquet of aromas and take in a gentle, deep breath once they have subsided to conclude this sensory symphony. Follow this routine for subsequent sips as well.

That was all about the basics of drinking Scotch whisky. If you're wondering how to drink Scotch on the rocks, just put some ice cubes in the glass and pour the whisky upon them - your basic Scotch on the rocks is ready! Pay this sunshine liquor the same sensory obeisance as instructed in the preceding paragraphs for drinking Scotch whisky neat or with water. On a parting note, I would like to quote James Joyce on giving in to the sinful pleasures of Scotch:

The light music of whiskey falling into a glass - an agreeable interlude.