Comments on: To ice, or not to ice? http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/ Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:25:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Bill http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5632 Bill Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:44:16 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5632 I drink single malt both ways, depending on the malt & my mood. I always nose and taste a new bottle neat or with chilled water in a Glencairn glass. Likewise, I always try it with a few ice cubes, even an expensive malt. I agree that, for the most part, ice deadens ones sense of taste but in certain malts it adds something that water does not. For instance, when I add ice to Glenfarclas 105 the sweet butterscotch gives way to a lovely cereal maltiness that I enjoy. I should add that when I drink on the rocks I do so in a curved, rather than a straight walled tumbler, from a Glenmorangie gift set. I am a big believer in the importance of vessel shape. I drink single malt both ways, depending on the malt & my mood. I always nose and taste a new bottle neat or with chilled water in a Glencairn glass. Likewise, I always try it with a few ice cubes, even an expensive malt. I agree that, for the most part, ice deadens ones sense of taste but in certain malts it adds something that water does not. For instance, when I add ice to Glenfarclas 105 the sweet butterscotch gives way to a lovely cereal maltiness that I enjoy. I should add that when I drink on the rocks I do so in a curved, rather than a straight walled tumbler, from a Glenmorangie gift set. I am a big believer in the importance of vessel shape.

]]> By: Greg http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5538 Greg Wed, 27 May 2009 23:34:56 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5538 I drink my whiskey neat....always have. Higher proof may call for a little water but that's it. I'm thinking I may have to expand my horizons and try a cube or two. I drink my whiskey neat….always have. Higher proof may call for a little water but that’s it. I’m thinking I may have to expand my horizons and try a cube or two.

]]> By: Gary http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5532 Gary Wed, 27 May 2009 17:04:21 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5532 When I first started drinking whiskey I always put ice in the glass. Then as I came to really enjoy the flavor of different whisk(e)y's I started drinking it neat or with a splash of room temp water. I find I prefer it that way and don't think I will be going back to the cold. When I first started drinking whiskey I always put ice in the glass. Then as I came to really enjoy the flavor of different whisk(e)y’s I started drinking it neat or with a splash of room temp water. I find I prefer it that way and don’t think I will be going back to the cold.

]]> By: Monique at the Dell http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5511 Monique at the Dell Tue, 26 May 2009 14:34:37 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5511 Great comments so far, this is something that we go back and forth about all the time. I agree with the fact that when you buy your own bottle, or dram, you should be able to enjoy it however you like. Maybe just not a single malt on the rocks (in front of me!). Most have never even tried a single malt the way it was essentially intended-- neat. The chill of the ice and the addition of a random amount of water serve to dumb down the flavor. You wouldn't go to a five star restaurant the cover your entree in salt and pepper? Or would you? Keep trying them until you find one that you like, maybe with still water to dilute the alcohol. Maybe add the ice when I turn my back. Great comments so far, this is something that we go back and forth about all the time. I agree with the fact that when you buy your own bottle, or dram, you should be able to enjoy it however you like. Maybe just not a single malt on the rocks (in front of me!).

Most have never even tried a single malt the way it was essentially intended– neat. The chill of the ice and the addition of a random amount of water serve to dumb down the flavor. You wouldn’t go to a five star restaurant the cover your entree in salt and pepper? Or would you?

Keep trying them until you find one that you like, maybe with still water to dilute the alcohol. Maybe add the ice when I turn my back.

]]> By: Todd http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5505 Todd Tue, 26 May 2009 01:35:11 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5505 I very rarely drink whisky on ice but several summers ago on a very hot day, I tossed a couple of big cubes of freshly made ice in a tumbler and added a generous pour of Ardbeg 1977 OB. I sat down to watch the sun set and the drink was exquisite. The ice brought out different flavors in the Ardbeg that I had never experienced. Not something I'd do everyday, but I have no regrets about this thoroughly enjoyable drink. I very rarely drink whisky on ice but several summers ago on a very hot day, I tossed a couple of big cubes of freshly made ice in a tumbler and added a generous pour of Ardbeg 1977 OB. I sat down to watch the sun set and the drink was exquisite. The ice brought out different flavors in the Ardbeg that I had never experienced. Not something I’d do everyday, but I have no regrets about this thoroughly enjoyable drink.

]]> By: Jon W http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5487 Jon W Sun, 24 May 2009 15:08:32 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5487 My father always drank Glenlivet 12 on the rocks. So that's how I drank it until after college when I worked in an office with some guys from England and Scotland. They would very politely drop hints that ice wasn't the way to go. I eventually came around. Now I typically drink it neat, only occasionally adding some water. (even more occasionally, really only on extremely hot days, I'll drop an ice cube in my glass for certain malts) But in the end I'm with the majority here that one should drink whisky the way they enjoy it. (although I also agree with the sentiment that if I pour someone a glass of one of my better whiskies, there will be no ice) Regarding whisky and Coke: I agree that using quality ingredients is necessary for a quality product. And I am sure there are items (sodas, juices, etc.) that one could mix with a fine whisky and have amazing results. I just don't think Coke is one of them. If you make a soup with top of the line prime meat but use low quality, processed vegetables and spices, etc., I don't think the soup will be very good. Chilling isn't something I do regularly, but I've experimented a little and I think it works well with sweeter scotches. Glenlivet 18 and Balvenie Doublewood are two that come to mind. It definitely has an effect on the flavor and mouthfeel. It's interesting to work your way through a glass as it warms to room temperature. I have been told at tasting that Johnny Walker recommends their Gold Label be served chilled. My father always drank Glenlivet 12 on the rocks. So that’s how I drank it until after college when I worked in an office with some guys from England and Scotland. They would very politely drop hints that ice wasn’t the way to go. I eventually came around. Now I typically drink it neat, only occasionally adding some water. (even more occasionally, really only on extremely hot days, I’ll drop an ice cube in my glass for certain malts)

But in the end I’m with the majority here that one should drink whisky the way they enjoy it. (although I also agree with the sentiment that if I pour someone a glass of one of my better whiskies, there will be no ice)

Regarding whisky and Coke: I agree that using quality ingredients is necessary for a quality product. And I am sure there are items (sodas, juices, etc.) that one could mix with a fine whisky and have amazing results. I just don’t think Coke is one of them. If you make a soup with top of the line prime meat but use low quality, processed vegetables and spices, etc., I don’t think the soup will be very good.

Chilling isn’t something I do regularly, but I’ve experimented a little and I think it works well with sweeter scotches. Glenlivet 18 and Balvenie Doublewood are two that come to mind. It definitely has an effect on the flavor and mouthfeel. It’s interesting to work your way through a glass as it warms to room temperature. I have been told at tasting that Johnny Walker recommends their Gold Label be served chilled.

]]> By: Best in Blog #4: Tasting Notes and Whisky News on the Web | Whisky Party http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5479 Best in Blog #4: Tasting Notes and Whisky News on the Web | Whisky Party Sun, 24 May 2009 04:10:24 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5479 [...] at John Hansell’s Malt Advocate blog, discussion continues about the acceptability of serving scotch on the rocks. Lots of good [...] [...] at John Hansell’s Malt Advocate blog, discussion continues about the acceptability of serving scotch on the rocks. Lots of good [...]

]]> By: two-bit cowboy http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5469 two-bit cowboy Sat, 23 May 2009 14:46:50 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5469 I'm a little surprised that nobody has mentioned chilling whisky without ice. Several folks have told me they treat their single malts like a German Gasthaus serves a perfect Himbeergeist: they put them in the freezer! I prefer room temp, but I know, too, that the flavor changes when I hold a glass in my hand for an extended time to raise the whisky's temp. Maybe the same type of change happens in the freezer. Never tried it, don't plan to, but it's a way to get that summer cooler without diluting your dram. I’m a little surprised that nobody has mentioned chilling whisky without ice. Several folks have told me they treat their single malts like a German Gasthaus serves a perfect Himbeergeist: they put them in the freezer!

I prefer room temp, but I know, too, that the flavor changes when I hold a glass in my hand for an extended time to raise the whisky’s temp. Maybe the same type of change happens in the freezer. Never tried it, don’t plan to, but it’s a way to get that summer cooler without diluting your dram.

]]> By: sam k http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5468 sam k Sat, 23 May 2009 13:27:55 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5468 Bless you, Willie! And Red, when you get those bottles sent to you, give me a shout and Ill be happy to join you in drinking them neat! 100% agreement with you both. None of us would expect to drink a truly exceptional whisk(e)y on ice or in a cocktail, but for the average (or even above-average) dram, what the heck? I'm not a Jack Daniel's fan, but whenever I hear someone order a Jack and Coke, it amazes me. The house bourbon at the bar would work equally as well when drenched in flavored sugar water, and would cost less, but I'm not going to argue with someone else's personal preferences. Fine whiskey and freedom of choice...no wonder Al Quaeda hates us! Bless you, Willie! And Red, when you get those bottles sent to you, give me a shout and Ill be happy to join you in drinking them neat! 100% agreement with you both.

None of us would expect to drink a truly exceptional whisk(e)y on ice or in a cocktail, but for the average (or even above-average) dram, what the heck?

I’m not a Jack Daniel’s fan, but whenever I hear someone order a Jack and Coke, it amazes me. The house bourbon at the bar would work equally as well when drenched in flavored sugar water, and would cost less, but I’m not going to argue with someone else’s personal preferences.

Fine whiskey and freedom of choice…no wonder Al Quaeda hates us!

]]> By: Aye Willie http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5466 Aye Willie Sat, 23 May 2009 09:33:16 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5466 With all this bogging when do you guys get the time to enjoy a wee dram. Remember whisky is for YOUR enjoyment. Jura 10yr is nice with ice, on warm hot days in Scotland. We should be so lucky With all this bogging when do you guys get the time to enjoy a wee dram.
Remember whisky is for YOUR enjoyment.
Jura 10yr is nice with ice, on warm hot days in Scotland. We should be so lucky

]]> By: Josh_Bacarolle http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5465 Josh_Bacarolle Sat, 23 May 2009 06:20:22 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5465 I think it goes without saying that people can enjoy whiskey however they see fit. But imagine if everyone in the whiskey world decided that they could only drink whiskeys on the rocks--it would be a lot more difficult to make meaningful distinctions and describe the amazing range of flavors that exists in the WOW (World Of Whiskey) I think it goes without saying that people can enjoy whiskey however they see fit. But imagine if everyone in the whiskey world decided that they could only drink whiskeys on the rocks–it would be a lot more difficult to make meaningful distinctions and describe the amazing range of flavors that exists in the WOW (World Of Whiskey)

]]> By: Red_Arremer http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5463 Red_Arremer Sat, 23 May 2009 02:17:41 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5463 Right on sam k! I agree, BUT all drinkers of good single malts who plan to ice or mix should please disregard sam k's comment. Instead mail your bottles of scotch to me ASAP via overnight ups and I will mail you a bottle of Old Forester in return. Right on sam k! I agree, BUT all drinkers of good single malts who plan to ice or mix should please disregard sam k’s comment. Instead mail your bottles of scotch to me ASAP via overnight ups and I will mail you a bottle of Old Forester in return.

]]> By: sam k http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5460 sam k Fri, 22 May 2009 20:08:41 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5460 To each his own. You like single malts on ice? Go for it. You like bourbon with soda AND ice? Enjoy! You like yours neat, at room temp? Be my guest. Nobody's wrong here...everybody's right! You all get a gold star! Enjoy your whiskey over the holiday weekend any way you like. To each his own. You like single malts on ice? Go for it. You like bourbon with soda AND ice? Enjoy! You like yours neat, at room temp? Be my guest.

Nobody’s wrong here…everybody’s right! You all get a gold star!

Enjoy your whiskey over the holiday weekend any way you like.

]]> By: Matt G. http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5459 Matt G. Fri, 22 May 2009 16:50:08 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5459 One thing I haven't seen mentioned is the matter of "room temperature." The folks in the UK usually suggest drinking their whisk(e)y and beer at room temperature. Here in the US, people scoff at drinking "warm" beer or whisky. Let's remember that room temperature on Jura is a bit cooler than in Kentucky. Dropping the temperature a little on your dram shouldn't be laughed at, especially in the heat of a Southern summer. Personally, I sometimes stir my whisky with an ice cube and then toss the ice cube out. This lowers the temp on a warm day and keeps the whisky from getting too much water. I don't know about you, but I don't want to drink whisky that is 98 degrees fahrenheit. One thing I haven’t seen mentioned is the matter of “room temperature.” The folks in the UK usually suggest drinking their whisk(e)y and beer at room temperature. Here in the US, people scoff at drinking “warm” beer or whisky. Let’s remember that room temperature on Jura is a bit cooler than in Kentucky. Dropping the temperature a little on your dram shouldn’t be laughed at, especially in the heat of a Southern summer. Personally, I sometimes stir my whisky with an ice cube and then toss the ice cube out. This lowers the temp on a warm day and keeps the whisky from getting too much water. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to drink whisky that is 98 degrees fahrenheit.

]]> By: B.J. Reed http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/2009/05/21/to-ice-or-not-to-ice/#comment-5456 B.J. Reed Fri, 22 May 2009 14:04:59 +0000 http://blog.maltadvocate.com/?p=969#comment-5456 One other comment - Bill Lumsden did say at Whiskfest that certain Glenmorangies are good with ice - Of course a gasp went up from the crowd :) One other comment – Bill Lumsden did say at Whiskfest that certain Glenmorangies are good with ice – Of course a gasp went up from the crowd :)

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