NFR Water in Your Whisky?

Jake Watrous · May 12, 2023

Of course it was WSU who studied this. Next up, how much ice goes into your vanilla vodka.

Too much water can make whiskies taste the same

While adding a little water is popularly thought to “open up” a whisky’s flavor, a study led by WSU researchers indicates there’s a point at which it becomes too much: about 20%.

news.wsu.edu

Meanwhile at UW:

https://www.washington.edu/news/2023/05/05/nas-2023/

Go Dawgs!

Wayne Kohan · May 12, 2023

It appears the whisky study was done at the TriCities campus, if it was done at the Pullman campus it would be about how much water to add to your microbrew to make it taste like Busch Lite.

Theron · May 12, 2023

You can do what I do and never add water to your whiskey that way they all taste different. I do admit to adding a drop or two to barrel strength bourbon from time to time.

Islander · May 12, 2023

Sometimes I put a small piece of ice in mine, but I usually drink it quickly enough to not dilute it to much.

JLT · May 12, 2023

I prefer one small cube. It releases the aromas, tempers cask strength Abv, and a back bar is usually 70’+, hot whisk(e)y isn’t very fun.

Dloy · May 12, 2023

From another trusted source (Frank Sinatra): “A splash of water brings out flavor”. So, I add a half ounce some of the time, or a couple ice cubes and let it chill (more often) or just drink it neat and enjoy the burn.
Except that I haven’t touched spirits in months now.

Zak · May 12, 2023

I drink my Scotch neat, but I like Jameson's with crushed ice.

Sagebrush · May 12, 2023

A small cube of ice for me mellows the flavor and makes it more enjoyable.

RCF · May 12, 2023

If you need to add water then you are not drinking good whiskey.

If you want to add an ice cube, but do not have to, then you are drinking good whiskey.

If you must add water and ice cubes, then you are not a whiskey drinker but may have a drinking issue...

Tim L · May 12, 2023

I just stick with ones I enjoy neat and stay in that lane. Still plenty of variety.

Pink Nighty · May 12, 2023

I usually throw mine in a shaker with 2 cubes or 2 frozen rocks, depending on the bottle and my mood. Chill it down, the ice will water it a touch and the aeration does a lot for the more subtle flavors.

I understand that chilling it inherently reduces those more subtle flavors, dont @ me.

Salmo_g · May 12, 2023

It was more than a decade ago that I read about adding a bit of water (fresh spring water according to one Scottish distillery) to open up the flavor of whisky, and whiskey too, I presume. So I started doing that, and it does make a difference. The linked article is right about 20% being too much. At that point it's dilution and a mixed drink.

jaredoconnor · May 12, 2023

I sometimes dilute cheaper whiskeys as much as 1:1, so that I can drink for a long time and not lose my brain.

If I want to actually appreciate a whiskey, I always drink it neat.

Peyton00 · May 12, 2023

No need to ruin a good thing.

PhilR · May 12, 2023

You guys are missing out on a whole wide world out there. Nothing like a Chivas and water on the rocks, out on the patio on a hot summer day.
Sometimes it's dry flies, sometimes streamers or nymphing.

Dloy · May 12, 2023

I enjoy good whiskey just fine. But I’m ok with moderately priced whiskey too. I bounce around between JD, Makers, Jamison, Beam and Old Grand Dad. Some years back I went on a “Scotch Whisky Tour”, right here at home, trying several high end varieties, most in the $100 to $200 range. I learned two things: 1) This idea of having a “wee dram” is romantic bullshit. My wee dram is three fingers in a water glass. 2) I guess I’m just a cheap date. Partly because of #1 I burned through a grand+ in under 2 months. I am just as happy with my old standbys. But that’s just me. If you want to drink high end whiskey, you have my blessing

Add on: Chivas (yes, a blend) is my favorite scotch. Somehow (to me) a blended scotch has a more balanced flavor than single malts.
Perhaps a personal failing.