Whisky Sipping Essentials: How to Elevate Your Enjoyment

Recently, we released the article: The Dont's: 5 things you'd better not do when drinking whisky. Now we will tackle the 5 do's that you should indeed be doing.

Whisky is a magnificent product. But as we all know, it is also heavy alcohol, only to be considered as so when it contains at least 40 percent alcohol. Thus, it goes without saying: only start drinking when you're 18 years or older, make conscious choices, and enjoy!

Now, let's talk about 5 things to consider if you want to enjoy a fine glass of whisky.

The first tip begins even before you have a single drop in your glass (although this does not always apply if you're having a glass at a whisky festival): observe. Feast your eyes and think.

Whisky is indeed a beverage to drink, but it's also craftsmanship. It's often the story that begins with people passionately working on such a product for years. So ask yourself: what am I looking at? Where does the whisky come from? What kind of climate was the drink manufactured in? A warm or cold country? Everything influences the maturing of a spirit in a barrel.

And when you finally have the bottle in hand, what does it all say? Where does the name come from? You will find that nearly everything has been intentionally chosen. Each detail exemplifies thoughtful consideration.

And then the fun begins in the glass. Tilt your glass, swirl the drink, and let the 'tears' flow, as we so eloquently put it. Scrutinize how it runs down. This too often tells you something about the whisky, specifically its age. And what does the color tell you?

So, you can spend several minutes engaged before you've even had the first sip.

We're going to continue along these lines. Because after your eyes, it's also wise to indulge your nose. Whisky has aged for years in wooden barrels and is often stored in multiple barrels (there are exceptions).

This means the drink obtains not just various flavors, but also aromas.

And believe us: it's a delight. There are people, for example, who do not drink alcohol, but can enjoy a glass of whisky for a long time just by smelling it.

As indicated in our overview of the dont's: do use a proper glass. A Glencairn or copita, for example, are ideal glasses to swirl a whisky in, allowing you to pick up a myriad of aromas.

You will find that there's a great diversity among whiskies and their scents. Don't think everything just smells like vanilla (which is logical with bourbon barrels). There's a whole world to discover.

For instance, take tasting notes of a whisky and see if you can discern the described aromas from your glass before you drink. Everything you smell deposits a memory and there is a good chance you will recognize more the next time.

Now it's time to really taste. The next tip is not only about responsible drinking, but also intended to boost flavor discovery. Make sure to drink your whisky in small sips and let the drink linger in your mouth. Whisky is not a drink meant to be gulped down quickly - you would miss all the flavors it has to offer.

Once you sip gently and let the drink move around in your mouth, you will keep discovering new flavors. Don't be surprised if you extract notes of fruit from your whisky. Maybe you'll discover lychee, peaches, or pineapple. Some people detect very specific things in their drams, such as leather or a special type of tobacco. Take all the time you need for exploration.

Of course, there's nothing wrong if you want to enjoy a fine glass of whisky alone. This tip is a bit like going to the movies or dining out: things we can absolutely do alone, but most people prefer to do them together. Sharing the experience has the benefit of exchanging impressions.

Are you a novice drinker? Maybe try a whisky festival or tasting with an experienced drinker and see if you discover the same things from a whisky glass as they do. Discuss it and you'll find that drinking whisky is more than just enjoying a beverage.

The final tip is about pairing. A setting has a significant effect on people. How often do you hear that a particular whisky has been influenced because someone was allowed to taste it directly from a barrel at a distillery? Or because they were sitting around a campfire with remarkable people? The location impacts people, just like food and drink, and possibly the sum of all parts.

The taste and experience of whisky usually come to life even more when the divine drink is served during whisky dinners (or is incorporated in the food). The use of particular ingredients can intensify (or conversely, weaken) a whisky's flavor, a fact that chefs often play around with. The same applies on a smaller scale: try tasting chocolate alongside a glass of whisky and observe how different types influence the same flavor in your glass.

In short, whisky is a drink that keeps you exploring and gives hours of pleasure.

What's your ultimate tip? Please share it with us in the comments below.

Slainthe!