Does water make whisky taste better

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Does water make whisky taste better (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 8/20/2017 10:32:16 PM EDT

These scientists in Sweden seem to think so.

http://start.att.net/news/read/article/newser-chemists_discover_why_water_improves_whisky-rnewsersyn

Whisky connoisseurs have long claimed that whisky tastes better with a splash of water, or on the rocks with ice cubes. And while that will always, ultimately, be a matter of taste, scientists in Sweden have decided to study how the addition of water chemically alters the drink.

They report in the journal Scientific Reports that they think they've hit upon a clue: diluting whisky with water coaxes the fixed number of taste molecules to the drink's surface, where we can enjoy them infiltrating our nostrils and mouths.

To test this, scientists made their own computer model simulations to observe the water and ethanol of whisky and then watch how the molecules of those basic elements interact across different concentrations of the molecule guaiacol, which gives single-malt Scotch whisky a smoky taste, reports NPR.

It turns out that when whisky is above 50% alcohol, guaiacol lays low, resting at the bottom of a glass. A little water moves it closer to the surface for a boost in flavor, breaking dense clusters of alcohol, which cling to guaiacol molecules, and dispersing them upward.

Posted: 8/20/2017 10:34:16 PM EDT

[#1]

The Scots tend to agree as well.............

Posted: 8/20/2017 10:34:26 PM EDT

[#2]

Makers Mark makes whiskey taste better

Posted: 8/20/2017 10:34:39 PM EDT

[#3]

Hiccup (doh!)

Posted: 8/20/2017 10:36:16 PM EDT

[#4]

Whiskey on the rocks is superb. No bullshit, like an 80's battle rifle of a drink.

Posted: 8/20/2017 10:36:29 PM EDT

[#5]

I dilutes it a bit, making it easier on the palate. Simple.

Posted: 8/20/2017 10:37:16 PM EDT

[#6]

I always put a few ice cubes in and wait for them to melt. Makes a world of difference IMO.

Posted: 8/20/2017 10:41:38 PM EDT

[#7]

I usually drink whiskey on the rocks. The little water from the melting ice just takes the edge off enough to make it more palatable, and to me, it enhances the flavor.

Posted: 8/20/2017 10:42:39 PM EDT

[#8]

When the proof is considerably higher than 100, a little room temperature water helps.

Posted: 8/20/2017 11:03:16 PM EDT

[#9]

Most whiskey comes out of the cask at a much higher % alcohol than the % at which it will be bottled.

They add water to bring it down to their desired alcohol level.

Adding more water may or may not make it taste better.

The only way to know is to try it.

Posted: 8/21/2017 5:11:14 AM EDT

[#10]

It can.

J-

Posted: 8/21/2017 5:19:33 AM EDT

[#11]

A few drops in a glass of single barrel cask-strength bourbon really opens up the whiskey.

Posted: 8/21/2017 5:43:36 AM EDT

[#12]

Short answer, YES.

Try Artesia water etc. something with bubbles, mmmm good.

Posted: 8/21/2017 6:13:27 AM EDT

[#13]

It is required in a heavy, "peaty"(smoky) scotch. The spirits need to open a bit to release the full flavor of the scotch, and that is what you're looking for...flavor. A couple drops of water in a tumbler of Laphroaig will make an entire room smell like a smokehouse

Posted: 8/21/2017 6:37:03 AM EDT

[#14]

Depends on the whiskey, and depends on the person. Same with ice.

Posted: 8/21/2017 7:08:08 AM EDT

[#15]

I really like a good bourbon with water and ice. My FIL keeps a bottle of Crown in his shop along with a refrigerator.
When we go to visit he and I always go out to his shop to look at his "latest project".
The whisky over ice with water is a thing I look forward to with him.
The bottle level never seems to change between our visits because he only hits the jug when I show up.
I very seldom drink but we always go to the shop for that drink.
Yes, the water and ice makes it delightful.

Posted: 8/21/2017 7:23:02 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
I always put a few ice cubes in and wait for them to melt. Makes a world of difference IMO.

View Quote

This!

Posted: 8/21/2017 7:29:23 AM EDT

[#17]

Depends on the whisky.

Blantons? I paid for that flavor. I want it fully leaded and not adulterated with anything.

Cheap Canadian? Yeah, a couple ice cubes is in order for my tastes.

Posted: 8/21/2017 7:52:15 AM EDT

[#18]

I drink it in shots so I minimize the time I have to taste it.

Posted: 8/21/2017 7:57:17 AM EDT

[#19]

Are we talking about whisky or are we talking about whiskey?

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:02:48 AM EDT

[#20]

Watered down whiskey? What the.....

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:07:28 AM EDT

[#21]

Almost always, yes. The ideal amount varies from drops to nearly an equal measure, and it's not reliably a question of starting/target proof.
Experiment and you'll find this to be true. Ice is rarely the best form as it differentially mutes flavors. Lower quality, flawed, or peculiar whiskies tend to be more likely to benefit from ice for certain palates.

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:08:26 AM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
Watered down whiskey? What the.....

View Quote

Your penis won't dissolve. Grow up.

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:09:29 AM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
I usually drink whiskey on the rocks. The little water from the melting ice just takes the edge off enough to make it more palatable, and to me, it enhances the flavor.

View Quote

Same here

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:09:55 AM EDT

[#24]

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cCZrlgNpak

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:10:40 AM EDT

[#25]

A splash of water (and I mean a splash, not filling the tumbler) helps to discriminate and appreciate all the subtle earthy flavors.

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:29:04 AM EDT

[#26]

Usually prefer mine neat.

Now there is a TINY caveat to that.

Take 1 Glencarin glass.

Rinse with filtered water.

Shake upside down.

There maybe the TINIEST bit of water remains on the glass itself.

THAT is all the water that touches my Scotch and all that I feel is needed.

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:31:39 AM EDT

[#27]

Adding a dash of water cuts the alcohol from 40 to 35%, making it more palatable

how to drink whiskey like a sir

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVG1U-faqHY

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:40:27 AM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
Makers Mark makes whiskey taste better

View Quote

This.

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:46:43 AM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
Watered down whiskey? What the.....

View Quote

I guess that you only drink cask strength whiskey?

Posted: 8/21/2017 9:17:10 AM EDT

[#30]

With the least expensive Scotches, I've found that they are already diluted to the point that even a drop of water diminishes the taste. With mid-level and up Scotches, a drop of water does bring out more flavor.

Posted: 8/21/2017 9:29:49 AM EDT

[#31]

Drink your whiskey however you enjoy it. I usually do mine neat. If it's over 100 proof I'll add 2-3 drops of water.

Posted: 8/21/2017 9:32:15 AM EDT

[#32]

I do not. Pour in glass. Drink. No ice, no water. If a whiskey needs water or ice......it's not going to be one I buy again. Same goes for the highly diluted stuff that is below typical whiskey proof........like when Makers diluted their stuff and caught hell for it.

Posted: 8/21/2017 9:35:40 AM EDT

[#33]

I like mine with some ice.

Posted: 8/21/2017 9:37:20 AM EDT

[#34]

"When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey; and when I drink water, I drink water."
Michaleen Oge Flynn

Last time I checked, whiskey already contains water.

Posted: 8/21/2017 9:49:19 AM EDT

[#35]

NO!

Posted: 8/21/2017 9:49:58 AM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
"When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey; and when I drink water, I drink water."
Michaleen Oge Flynn

Last time I checked, whiskey already contains water.

View Quote

Great movie!

Posted: 8/21/2017 9:57:44 AM EDT

[#37]

I prefer a splash of soda water. Even bought a siphon to make my own.

Posted: 8/21/2017 10:01:53 AM EDT

[#38]

"Would you like a stick to beat the lovely lady"
-some old Doreen
side note, een, in gaelic just means little. Oge means son of.

Posted: 8/21/2017 10:38:16 AM EDT

[#39]

Just recently got into whiskeys, so far have been drinking neat.
I may try the water.
I like the cask strength best so far.

Posted: 8/21/2017 10:43:25 AM EDT

[#40]

It can, depending on the whiskey.

Posted: 8/21/2017 10:48:43 AM EDT

[#41]

It's the other way around.

Whiskey makes water taste better.

On the rocks only.

Posted: 8/21/2017 10:56:17 AM EDT

[#42]

There is no simple yes or no answer.

At about 15min this vid explains how adding a few drops of water can affect different whiskys, even intensify the flavors on the surface for some. It comes down to trying different things with different whiskys.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwFjhXC-qZ8

Posted: 8/21/2017 10:59:49 AM EDT

[#43]

Some yes, some no. Just depends. A little ice opens the flavor up on some. Makes others just taste watered down.

If it's 80 proof, no need for water. If it's 120 proof, a little water really helps with flavor.

Or mix with some simple syrup and bitters.

Posted: 8/21/2017 11:02:17 AM EDT

[#44]

A teaspoon does wonders for the flavor profile.

Posted: 8/21/2017 11:07:08 AM EDT

[#45]

Straight or nothing

Posted: 8/21/2017 11:11:37 AM EDT

[#46]

I'm no "connoisseurs"

but i I have found whiskey to taste the best to me straight out of the freezer onto a few ice cubes.

Poison of choice is Jameson or eagle rare.

Posted: 8/21/2017 11:12:41 AM EDT

[#47]

Well keep in mind that anything other than "Cask strength" whiskey has already been diluted with water.

Also, I have never heard a whiskey expert recommend ice cubes.

Posted: 8/21/2017 11:14:52 AM EDT

[#48]

I am going with "yes it does" on this one.

With a nice bottle of Scotch, the water "spreads the flavor throughout your whole mouth".

Meaning, it seems to enhance the flavor profile by getting all the taste buds involved and really adding depth and a cool mellow vibe to the drink.

I like a few ice cubes, but I think drinking it at red wine temp with a 80:20, 75:25 or 67:33 mix of Scotch to water makes for a better experience. The ratio is dependent on the brand.

I was never a "let's do shots" kinda guy. Savor the flavors man, especially on the higher quality stuff.

Posted: 8/21/2017 11:20:41 AM EDT

[#49]

So, this works best for whiskey over 100 proof? That would be about 50% ish.
Bourbon and ice for me. It thins a bit from melting.

Posted: 8/21/2017 11:22:34 AM EDT

[#50]

I like mine with a cube.
Wild Turkey 101 being a go-to.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Does water make whisky taste better (Page 1 of 2)

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