Does water make whisky taste better

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

Palooka84

Joined Feb 2014
Posts 2830
EE Offline

USA

Posted: 8/20/2017 9:32:16 PM EST

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.

sca037 Member Joined Dec 2010 Posts 2753 EE Offline MI, USA	Posted: 8/20/2017 9:34:16 PM EST The Scots tend to agree as well.............
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armoredsaint Sic vis pacem, para bellum Joined Apr 2003 Posts 65332 EE Offline USA	Posted: 8/20/2017 9:34:26 PM EST Makers Mark makes whiskey taste better
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sca037 Member Joined Dec 2010 Posts 2754 EE Offline MI, USA	Posted: 8/20/2017 9:34:39 PM EST [Last Edit: 8/20/2017 9:35:52 PM EST by sca037] Hiccup (doh!)
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Cole2534 Member Joined Jan 2008 Posts 19528 EE Offline USA	Posted: 8/20/2017 9:36:16 PM EST Whiskey on the rocks is superb. No bullshit, like an 80's battle rifle of a drink.
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basp2005 Gypsy Joined Nov 2007 Posts 11898 EE Offline MI, USA	Posted: 8/20/2017 9:36:29 PM EST I dilutes it a bit, making it easier on the palate. Simple.
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SamBram Member Joined Jan 2012 Posts 1661 EE Offline IN, USA	Posted: 8/20/2017 9:37:16 PM EST I always put a few ice cubes in and wait for them to melt. Makes a world of difference IMO.

mosseybuck Member Joined May 2007 Posts 824 EE Offline CO, USA	Posted: 8/20/2017 9:41:38 PM EST 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.
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ken_mays The Power of Browning Compels You Joined May 2001 Posts 35198 EE Offline USA	Posted: 8/20/2017 9:42:39 PM EST When the proof is considerably higher than 100, a little room temperature water helps.

TN-MadDog Team Member Joined Mar 2003 Posts 4230 EE Offline TN, USA	Posted: 8/20/2017 10:03:16 PM EST 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.
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jjc155 NRA Life Member Joined Dec 2006 Posts 12347 EE Offline MI, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 4:11:14 AM EST It can. J-
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Ironhandjohn Enjoying the Schadenfreud... Joined Oct 2001 Posts 16629 EE Offline TN, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 4:19:33 AM EST A few drops in a glass of single barrel cask-strength bourbon really opens up the whiskey.
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wolfjflywheel Joined Jan 2014 Posts 968 EE Offline TX, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 4:43:36 AM EST Short answer, YES. Try Artesia water etc. something with bubbles, mmmm good.

tarfu64 Neurotic OCD Gunplumber Joined Jun 2002 Posts 1739 EE Offline USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 5:13:27 AM EST 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
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ZMV It is what it is. Joined Apr 2011 Posts 8138 EE Offline OH, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 5:37:03 AM EST Depends on the whiskey, and depends on the person. Same with ice.

daa9mm

Joined Jan 2008
Posts 5203
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OK, USA

Posted: 8/21/2017 6:08:08 AM EST

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.

RobertL Now is the time to join the NRA! Joined Jan 2005 Posts 9980 EE Offline MO, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 6:23:02 AM EST Quote History Originally Posted By SamBram: I always put a few ice cubes in and wait for them to melt. Makes a world of difference IMO. View Quote This!
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Ridgerunner9876 Member Joined May 2009 Posts 36815 EE Offline OH, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 6:29:23 AM EST 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.
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VBC U Lucky This Is Personal Joined Feb 2005 Posts 48796 EE Offline VA, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 6:52:15 AM EST I drink it in shots so I minimize the time I have to taste it.
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pale_pony Be bloody, bold, & resolute. Laugh to scorn. Joined Oct 2002 Posts 37071 EE Offline OK, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 6:57:17 AM EST Are we talking about whisky or are we talking about whiskey?
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MRHP Joined Dec 2008 Posts 388 EE Offline KY, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:02:48 AM EST Watered down whiskey? What the.....

VelveteenMole What goes down must blow up. Joined Jun 2008 Posts 9280 EE Offline TX, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:07:28 AM EST 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.
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VelveteenMole What goes down must blow up. Joined Jun 2008 Posts 9281 EE Offline TX, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:08:26 AM EST Quote History Originally Posted By MRHP: Watered down whiskey? What the..... View Quote Your penis won't dissolve. Grow up.
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Nailcrusher Member Joined Apr 2014 Posts 16347 EE Offline TX, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:09:29 AM EST Quote History Originally Posted By mosseybuck: 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

Artillary Member Joined Aug 2009 Posts 1556 EE Offline AR, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:09:55 AM EST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cCZrlgNpak

Makarov Member Joined Apr 2001 Posts 16037 EE Offline USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:10:40 AM EST [Last Edit: 8/21/2017 7:11:34 AM EST by Makarov] A splash of water (and I mean a splash, not filling the tumbler) helps to discriminate and appreciate all the subtle earthy flavors.
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Nulltime Joined Nov 2008 Posts 2526 EE Offline USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:29:04 AM EST 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.

Bradders Member Joined Sep 2001 Posts 42269 EE Offline GBR	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:31:39 AM EST Adding a dash of water cuts the alcohol from 40 to 35%, making it more palatable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVG1U-faqHY

Hoji Member Joined Dec 2007 Posts 3211 EE Offline TX, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:40:27 AM EST Quote History Originally Posted By armoredsaint: Makers Mark makes whiskey taste better View Quote This.

TN-MadDog Team Member Joined Mar 2003 Posts 4231 EE Offline TN, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 7:46:43 AM EST Quote History Originally Posted By MRHP: Watered down whiskey? What the..... View Quote I guess that you only drink cask strength whiskey?
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Anti_Russian Joined Jul 2017 Posts 114 EE Offline FL, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 8:17:10 AM EST 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.

Punkface Ricer Joined Sep 2010 Posts 5659 EE Offline CO, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 8:29:49 AM EST 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.
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fla556guy Member Joined Oct 2005 Posts 41726 EE Offline TUN	Posted: 8/21/2017 8:32:15 AM EST [Last Edit: 8/21/2017 8:33:39 AM EST by fla556guy] 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.
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Bama-Shooter You do your thing. I'll do mine. Joined Apr 2004 Posts 134531 EE Offline AL, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 8:35:40 AM EST I like mine with some ice.
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callgood Forget it, Jake, it's GD Joined Oct 2004 Posts 47338 EE Offline AL, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 8:37:20 AM EST "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.
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atram6 Joined Mar 2009 Posts 4003 EE Offline YUG	Posted: 8/21/2017 8:49:19 AM EST NO!

atram6 Joined Mar 2009 Posts 4004 EE Offline YUG	Posted: 8/21/2017 8:49:58 AM EST Quote History Originally Posted By callgood: "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!

motoguzzi Member Joined Mar 2001 Posts 6892 EE Offline AZ, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 8:57:44 AM EST I prefer a splash of soda water. Even bought a siphon to make my own.
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del Joined May 2006 Posts 413 EE Offline PA, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 9:01:53 AM EST "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.

RWM Member Joined Mar 2009 Posts 5659 EE Offline TX, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 9:38:16 AM EST Just recently got into whiskeys, so far have been drinking neat. I may try the water. I like the cask strength best so far.
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jeepnstein Member Joined Jun 2007 Posts 17775 EE Offline OH, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 9:43:25 AM EST It can, depending on the whiskey.

Indrid-Cold Joined Feb 2008 Posts 2669 EE Offline NV, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 9:48:43 AM EST It's the other way around. Whiskey makes water taste better. On the rocks only.

wintermute Joined Apr 2007 Posts 4186 EE Offline TN, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 9:56:17 AM EST 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwFjhXC-qZ8

bcmrofl Joined Feb 2015 Posts 479 EE Offline KY, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 9:59:49 AM EST 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.

htusa Welcome to my lawn! Joined Sep 2012 Posts 3150 EE Offline USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 10:02:17 AM EST A teaspoon does wonders for the flavor profile.

DefenderAO Member Joined Dec 2008 Posts 9355 EE Offline TX, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 10:07:08 AM EST Straight or nothing

Diesel_Maximus_2992 ARF Callsign: Jambalaya Joined Jun 2011 Posts 16807 EE Offline LA, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 10:11:37 AM EST 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.
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djkest Joined Jan 2008 Posts 9611 EE Offline CO, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 10:12:41 AM EST 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.

Righteous

Joined Apr 2008
Posts 1970
EE Offline

WI, USA

Posted: 8/21/2017 10:14:52 AM EST

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.

lostintejas Joined Mar 2016 Posts 572 EE Offline TX, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 10:20:41 AM EST 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.

ORARGB Shall not be infringed! Joined May 2005 Posts 14699 EE Offline OR, USA	Posted: 8/21/2017 10:22:34 AM EST I like mine with a cube. Wild Turkey 101 being a go-to.
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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Does water make whisky taste better (Page 1 of 2)

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