How To Drink Your Scotch The Right Way
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- čas přidán 27. 04. 2022
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This is why I LOVE this channel. Kurt is a true educator on how to enjoy spirits but he’s ALWAYS eager to learn something new and pass on that knowledge. BLESS you and the crew❤️👍🏾👍🏾
Thanks brother! I have learned so much from you all as well! Love this community!
I wouldn’t take the ice comment too literally, the brits drink warm beer! A splash of water or a chip of ice does change the experience.
Ha! Understood!
Highland Park 12, Arbeg 10 and Macallan 12 Double Cask For Me. I stay away from Scotch that has added color. The ones I mentioned do not have added color, many, many, many do have added color. Many Irish Whiskeys also have added coloring. Scotch and Irish whiskeys are notorious for this, but I seek out the ones which don’t. I always enjoy your topics and videos. You are always teaching us using awesome information and you are so down to earth. Keep it going!👍🥃🙏
Great list once again! Super glad you are enjoying the journey!
KURT!!!! This is EXACTLY why I love this channel!!! Like you, I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy different spirits/cocktails. I appreciate your going over the instructions with us!!! CHEERS!!!
Thank you buddy!
Kurt. As usual another great video! I must say I appreciate the enthusiasm that you and your son put into the enjoyment of fine spirits! Your honesty of each and every spirit that you present on this channel is inspiring. When I found your channel about 18 months ago I watched every single one of them. SLB Bourbon bar has become my go to channel as I enjoy your commentary and in-depth honest review whether you like it with the whiskeys or not.
Appreciate your kind words! Thank you!
Kurt, I just found your channel. Let me begin by saying I wish I knew someone like you 50 years ago. I'm 75, when I was in the Air Force I started drinking rum and coke. I had an uncle who recommended scotch, but never suggested a brand. I tried bar scotch and was horrified at the taste. Many years later I learned about single malt scotch. Since then I have learned that my taste leans towards no peat and no smoke. My current daily drink is The Glenlivet 12, my favorite is The Glenlivet 15. But having had the privilege of a meeting with staff of the Macallan Distillery I now have added Macallan 12 Sherry Cask and for VERY special occasions, Macallan Rare. I learned to add one eye drop of water to open the nose and true flavor of the scotch. What a difference. Now I'm sorry to say I've lost my sense of smell and now add one ice cube. But you are totally correct, my first love of single malt was Glenmorangie 12 year. So glad I found your website.
Thank you Bill for sharing your journey with me! Thank you for your service and for being a friend of the show!
Great video as always! I just recently started to enjoy single malts. I've got a bottle of Ardbeg 10 and have been loving that very much. I started out drinking on the rocks, then only one small cube, and now neat. But I'm with you, I'm much more of a bourbon and rye guy myself. Cheers!
Happy to hear you are enjoying the journey!
I've seen adding water to separate the oils but to not swirl it, keep the oils on top
Looks like that was my bad. Always learning with sm scotch. Thank you for the clarification.
This channel is so informative and kudos to Kurt for being so down to earth with your explanations. Your channel has made my friends think that I'm some whiskey savant lol! Thanks again!
Ha! Glad you are enjoying the channel and thank you!
Great video! Thanks so much for doing this. I'm not very knowledgeable on Scotch and am trying to slowly learn (definitely like some more than others). This is good information!
Thank you! Take your time. I am still learning with sm scotch. Way more in-depth than bourbon.
Great video Kurt, as always I really enjoy watching you guys.
Several years ago, I did a tasting at the only distillery in downtown Louisville. I’m pretty sure it was Evan Williams. They gave the exact same 2 steps (take a sip neat, then try it with a capful of water). However, they added additional steps to make the process more accessible. They said that if there’s still too much alcohol bite, you keep adding water one capful at a time until you can enjoy it, but before it gets completely diluted. Then, they encouraged the patrons to try it with two cubes of clear ice in the glen cairn to see if they preferred that. They even had cola available for those (in many cases the spouse of the enthusiast) who were still not able to enjoy the whiskey by itself. I thought this was a great way to introduce more people to whiskey. I think I might skip the last step for scotch. If you don’t like it in any of those ways, you should probably just not drink scotch for a combination of a general rule that you shouldn’t mix anything expensive (and most scotch I would consider expensive) and the extreme discomfort watching you drink a scotch and Dr. Pepper will cause others 😂. Also, please try a 1:1 mix of Famous Grouse and Dr Pepper over ice when no one is watching and tell me that isn’t lovely! 😂
Ha! I love it! Keep marching to the beat of your own drum!
Love love love this...I agree with Chad...splash of water for me...as always love to see the individuality in drinks...
Good for you!
Hi, Kurt -
Great series of posts, very entertaining and instructional, I visit regularly. My usual pours are Ardbeg10, Lagavulin16 and Caol Ila, over the years I've come to a set routine for enjoying.
In a Glencairn I pour and let sit for around 10 minutes, then add just a few drops of filtered water. I find that not only lets the slightly harsh nature settle down noticeably, it also allows nose notes and flavors come forward that are not present in a straight pour.
It is subtle, not a dramatic change, but it does make the whisky noticeably more pleasant and I think a richer dram.
Thanks for all of your efforts, please tell Trenton I haven't detected any cotton candy in my bourbon pours, guess I need to develop my palate more. ( :>)
Patrick
Hah! I haven’t either so i have some learning to do as well! Appreciate you!
I'm relatively new to Scotch, but I'm finding it more and more appealing, even the peated ones. I agree that the Glenmorangie 10 is a great starting point. But what sold me on peat was actually a blend from Compass Box--The Peat Monster. Now I'm trying the likes of Highland Park 12, Ardbeg 10, and Laphroaig 10. It's quite a journey.
Yes sir the journey is quite extensive but loving it! Several have recommended the peat monster so need to try that one soon!
Pest monster is great! Tried it the other week
Get one of the Octomore's, it will ruin every other peated whiskey for you forever 8)))
I spent a couple of years trying to develop a taste for Scotch whiskies, but it just didn't work out for me.
I still enjoy some of the heavily peated stuff on occasion, but overall Scotch is just too low proofed and high priced for me.
There are TONS of really really great bourbons and rye whiskies in the $50-70 range, while decent Scotch starts in that price range.
Whiskey is the one area where it is actually cheaper to buy American,.. so I will take advantage of that.
I understand and def respect your opinion!
Great advice!
I have done the opposite from Kurt in that I started out with scotch many years ago and in just the last few years got into bourbon. I actually am liking bourbon a little more these days and my bourbon collection is bigger than my scotch collection now.
This was another great and informative video as always. Thanks Kurt and crew!
I'm right there with you, Don...a good Scotch revealed the rabbit hole, and many good bourbons & ryes had me delve deeper. I'm trying not to leave the European/Japanese whiskies TOO far behind, but I'd say they're only 10-15% of my collection max.
Thanks Don!
Ohhh I see you back there Evan Williams 12 year! Would love to try it. I hope you do a video of it or all even Williams! Great video like always
Thank you! Truthfully the EW 12 yr hasn’t been opened yet. Hopefully soon!
Thanks...Will give this a try!
I wish this had been done prior to last weekend... i had a great Balvenie 15 single barrel last Friday, took a sip which was excellent, then i poured it into a glass and added ice, completely took away all the character so after that and Chad's advice, I'll never add ice again lol great video 👍👍
Enjoy the rest of that great bottle!
Agree with the bit about not adding ice - I always find that it dulls the flavour and experience, plus I like my scotch to be warming on the tongue.
Water is a good add to some whiskies, but you don't need much to make an impact. Typically start with 2 drops for your standard dram, and titrate up to your preference. Personally, I only ever add water to some cask strength bottlings in the 110-120 proof range.
Glad to see that you enjoyed the Bunny 12yo - it's a classic to newbies and veterans alike :)
Several of my buddies have gotten into scotch via the Lagavulin 16yo...though it's a more pricey entry to be sure. Aberfeldy 12yo is another nice entry point at a very affordable price.
Certainly appreciate your thoughts here!
There is no "right" way to drink whisky. Drink it however you want.
There are technically "better" ways to drink it to really appreciate it. But if you want to add Coke or Soda or Ice, go for it.
I'm from Scotland, been drinking Single Malt for years, and the only thing I find that really helps is to make sure to leave it in the glass, don't swirl it, for as long as it's been aged for. So a 12 year, leave it for 12 minutes, a 21 year leave for 21 minutes, etc etc. With a cap on your glass if you have it, but no issue if not. But for me it depends on the dram, and the moment for me. If I get home from work and need a drink, I'll pour a dram of one of my daily drinkers and just drink it straight away. But if I've got something special to enjoy, I'll take the time do so.
This really lets the ethanol evaporate and the flavours really shine through.
I'd only ever add water to higher ABV whisky that is a bit too hot to enjoy. Usually anything about 50-55%.
See i typically like whiskey most when its over 50-55% or higher. Its one of the main barriers for many bourbon nerds. You pay more for less flavor typucally unless its peated
Great advice! Appreciate you taking the time to share!
Glenmorangie 10 is a great scotch for bourbon drinkers. It's a very flavorful single malt with a lot of bourbon character.
Agreed!
Have you tried Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 year? If you have, I would be interested in your take on it. To me, the port
cask is present upfront on the palate with a mint chocolate ice cream flavor on the back end. It's very interesting stuff.
My first bottle of the Quinta Ruban was the 12 yr now 14. I love the stuff! The port cask is very present. Been a while for exact tasting notes but truly a favorite.
I agree that whatever a person wants to do regarding their whisky is up to them. For me, if I am spending $60+ for a scotch, or over $100 for a special scotch, I really want to take my time with it and enjoy it. The days of taking “shots” of booze to get toasty as fast as possible are many decades in my past. The right glass (Glencairn is best for me) with a lid is a must. I pour a dram and cover it. I let it sit for at least a half hour to an hour. From there I pretty much follow what you demonstrated in the video. Even with bourbon I use a glencairn glass. Yes, it makes a difference. Generally I drink my scotch heat but at times a drop or two of water does make a positive difference (generally with ABV above 50%). I really enjoy a good scotch and it usually takes me an hour or more to drink one dram. Why rush it?
Totally agreed! I have never used a lid or coin. I will need to try that.
I’ve really been on the Highland Park Viking Honour 12 year wagon lately started with monkey shoulder, and Glenfiddach 12. Still go back often to the Fiddach. Scotch actually got me into bourbon.
I have seen the Viking honor but have not pulled the trigger yet.
@@slbdrinks it’s really good
Glenlivet 12 was my entry point to scotch
Another excellent beginner scotch!
Highland Park is also excellent, Macallan 10 year is my go to sipper.
Great choices!
I’m not an expert, but what helps me enjoy the peat smell is to visualize I’m on the rocky coast of Scotland with the waves crashing near me. Somehow this visualization makes the peat smell come alive as if it is part of the ocean experience.
Awesome!
Chivas Regal 12 Year Blended, Macallen 12 Year Double Cask & Johnnie Walker High Rye.
The JWHR was the only one I liked.
Thank you!
Like or Dislike: Like. Exhalation (mouth and nose) is key when drinking a peated whiskey; the vapors are integral to the tasting experience. I agree there's little point in appreciating the color of a scotch, since unlike bourbon it's often artificial.
Great point! Really appreciate your view points on this channel!
I was suggested Glenfiddich 12 as my beginner scotch, but have move to their 14 and 18 yr Old. I love it with coke, but once a while drink it neat.
I'm curious on any sherry or port whiskies either bourbon or scotch you'd recommend
I love a good finished whiskey!
With coke? Always neat or add a drop or 2 of water. I’m on glenfiddich 15. I tried glenmorangie 14 last weekend and like it as all the other variants have pretty much the same profile as the 10 and the 14 is it’s own thing.
I've been drinking scotch for over 30 years and still find Glenmorangie 10 Year Old a fantastic single malt daily drinker. Wonderful nose and mouth-feel!!!!
No doubt! For the money it is remarkable!
Curt, your advice is Music to my ears.😊
Thank you!
Not quite as experienced as Chad…I’ve only been drinking single malt for 40 years (ha!). I agree with no ice…it anesthetizes the tongue, which dulls the experience, which is the whole point!
40 yrs is more than enough! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Been watching you for the last few months great show, have you ever done a tasting of flavored bourbons
Haven’t done a video on that topic but I like the idea!
I haven't had scotch in several years. However, I started drinking it in the 1960s while stationed in Germany. First, it was blended scotch and soda. Then, it was with water, on the rocks and finally straight. Of course, for decades we could only get blended whiskey here in the States. One day while in Thailand (1980s), a Scotsman told me about single malt. Never heard of it!
A few years later single malt was exported to the States. The Scotsman was right. It was a whole new drinking experience. However, by then, I had moved on to cognac and now to American whiskeys. Maybe, there's a bottle of single malt in the near future.
Now that’s a wonderful journey! Thanks for sharing!
@@slbdrinks Thanks. When I was younger I liked traveling and drinking. Now that I'm older, I've become more domesticated. Trips limited to fishing and drinks are bourbon. 🇺🇸
Does whiskey go bad? How long will an opened bottle last?
Have you done a Scotch for beginners video? Some nice budget Scotches that I have enjoyed include: JW Red, Grand ol' Parr, Teacher's, and John Barr. There are fine Scotches out there under $40. 🍸
I have done a cheap blended show but a good starter scotch show is a good idea!
There are three camps when it comes to drinking scotch. Those that want to make cocktail mixture of scotch and soda of their choice and ice, those that drink neat just because and then there those that take the time to let qualities of scotch open up to them, nosing, tasting neat, adding a drop or two of water slowly and repeat nosing, tasting and enjoy what the scotch truly has to offer. I have tasted mine neat most of the time regardless of the proof but I began to experiment by adding tiny dashes of water especially with those with the abv of 46% and greater. The worst you can do is bring it down to 40% and still get some decent notes out of a scotch. But I agree it's entirely upto each enthusiasts' own personal preference about how they like to drink their whisky. Sla'inte Kurt!
Appreciate your well thought out comment! Thank you!
Kurt… (Trent look away) I would love to see some more scotch videos from this channel. You should make it your mission to convert Trent to a scotch drinker 😅
When adding water make sure to let the glass settle for at least 5 minutes before drinking. A $5 water dropper is a must for adding water.
Thank you for the heads up!
The first Glencairn Whisky glasses were produced in 2001. You don't need a Glancairn to drink whisky.
No you absolutely do not. However, to thoroughly enjoy the process I would suggest any type of glass that funnels to the nose.
BTW it really do love the comment and review ..A++
This might already be in the comments section, but the aversion to ice is pretty typical in proper European drinking circles. Ice in drinks is a distinctly American trend. That's why it's so frowned upon to drink European liquors over ice.
From all my communications on this channel I agree with you. Ice is def a US thing.
After you add water your not supposed to stir it up that's why he said watch the oils separate it pushes the oils to the surface and you'll be drinking the essence of your single malt by stirring it you just reduced it in proof and let the stronger malt shine threw not the oils (when you add water don't ever stir)
Hey, always looking to learn more so thank you for this!
@@slbdrinks that's perfectly fine no one knows everything I made the same mistake when I first started drinking scotch, i don't add water normally unless over 100 proof hope it helps love you channel can't wait for the video
Thanks so much! Truthfully, I usually never add water either.
I haven't been watching from the beginning...but, SLB Basement Bourbon Bar my name is Curt (Kurt?)... how does this all come about or go together?
Welcome back to SLB basement bourbon bar, in other words welcome back to another video from my home. Saying my name as to introduce myself for those who maybe watching for the first time.
I'd be interested in hearing more about WHY your contributor feels his way is the "right" way to drink scotch. I've been putting my left shoe on before my right one for more than 50 years. But does that mean that's the only way to do it? And that everybody must do it that way, or be wrong? Nonsense. Perhaps I overlooked them, but I don't remember hearing any reasons for why his method is better than anybody elses? Pray, elucidate.
BTW, I love your content! And when I start gesticulating broadly while talking, with both hands; my wife says, "Oh, are we Kurt, now, and going to drink whiskey?" Hahahaha! :-)
Ha! You have to express yourself with your hands 😂😂😂. I always try to stress that only the consumer can determine their preferred way of consuming spirits.
A splash of water to any whiskey just opens it.
Get some Scotch water to add for authentic Scottish experience. There is a difference in the water. Love your channel! Really enjoyed March madness tournament taste off.
Awesome thank you!
Look for Royal Brackla Cawdor Estates 12. It is a very bourbony scotch. I also really like the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban and Lasanta varieties.
Would love to try the RB! The Quinta Ruban is fantastic!
I like the saying (usually heard from Rex and Daniel), Drink the whisk(e)y you like the way you like to drink it. So add ice if that’s your way, I wouldn’t to any whisky, not even Bourbon, but that’s me. Cola? NEVER, that’s for rum in my opinion 😊
Great video Kurt, The Bun 12 is really great. I love scotch and have been drinking it for many years. I dabbled with Bourbon for a bit and really never found anything good.
I truly like both. Scotch imo though has a more complex drinking experience. Love it!
Hello . just wondering, as you are new to the SCOTCH world. Have you ever tasted a rusty nail? As my father said up your kilt :)
I like cheaper blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder, Shackleton or Sheep Dip. And while I would definitely use a glencairn for a well-aged single malt and drink it neat, I strongly prefer a blended scotch and soda with ice. And I love scotch cocktails like Penicillin, Rob Roy, Rusty Nail, or Blood & Sand. I rarely spend the $60-$70 and up for an entry-level quality single malt - I’d rather spend that on two bottles of decent bourbon. The value just isn’t there for me. But that’s just me.
You keep being you! I also love scotch cocktails! Plz educate me on scotch and soda. What amounts do you use of each?? Never tried it.
@@slbdrinks Hey thanks! Well, whether it’s the Savoy Cocktail book or Diffords or Mr. Boston or any other classic bartending book, the Highball is essentially whiskey (or rum gin or brandy) and soda (or ginger ale cola or tonic). The question is in what proportions. Some say equal portions others say two soda to one whiskey. I myself like it in equal proportions if not slightly less soda to whiskey. I found club soda (not sparkling water) works best with scotch, Diet Coke is a classic with bourbon, and diet ginger ale works great with Irish whiskey. Note that I say diet because I found the addition of sugar can leave me with a bit of an upset stomach. The great thing about this is it’s a classic long drink and whether you’re at a wedding reception, backyard cocktail party, office mixer, concert or whatever, you can enjoy your favorite whiskey all night long and still be standing at the end :-)
Drink your scotch however you please.. back in the day it was right out of the bottle!
Hey, always drink it the way you like it! I would be a liar if I said I have never took a nip out of a bottle 😉
How to drink Scotch? Get a glass and use your mouth. Don't be a lush about it either.
Direct and to the point! I like it!
Don't forget to try the aerator, instead of water, as I mentioned a few weeks back.
I need to do a show on the aerator.
@@slbdrinks try it first! I'd hate to be embarrassed!!
Will do! Always appreciate recommendations!
BTW, I recently saw an "article" about the 10 bourbons you should never buy. Well, SLB was mentioned. I forget the site and what bourbon you apparently don't endorse. It seems like it was the Larceny.
Update! It was a Mashed article. 21 bourbons you should never buy. You're mentioned under the first one, Oceans.
Exceedingly informative, now to go get some scotch
Hope you love it!
hey guys. Thanks for the vid. Yep, one needs to add something if one wants to enjoy scotch! (: Bourbon takes it, by a NOSE!!(:
All good! Lol
3rd!
You da man!
great review, I agree 100 %, "don't even put ice in your scotch, chilling your scotch will diminish or mask the true flavor and nose of the scotch, also scotch is better taste it indoors, being outdoor with your dram of scotch will change the taste and nose of it as well,
Great point! Thank you
Give your whisky a minute in the glass for every year of age.
I have heard that as well. Takes patience lol
I never liked Scotch. Now maybe I will try.
Start with an easy sipper and see what you think.
Good advice..
I must admit...I am not really into adding water....
I admit is is my personal preference.
Watch Ralfy....he would show you how to be a real whisky drinker.
But, I am not going to add anything to my single malts...
These same water lovers can stretch a cask strength bottle further and perhaps find a sweet spot they prefer.
For me, I love high ABV/proof and do not want to alter it ...
I will just drink mojitos or margaritas if I want a cocktail.
Jeff, I am very similar to you. I have never added water to my sm scotch before this video. Ice, never.
Ralfy is fantastic! I truly don’t have a lot of extra time on my hands so I tend to get the “highlights” of his video but I have learned a lot from him.
@@slbdrinks You busy busy man before SLB...
I just retired old Kansan drinking old whisky with young Cambodian ladies..
The best way to drink anything is… the way you like it. I am in the camp of drinking single malts neat with water as needed to “open it up” and get those aromas and flavors that are not quite there without the water. It doesn’t take much but can add greatly to the experience! One other tid bit I learned from Ralfy… when you first pour the glass, let it sit and air “one minute in the glass for each year in the cask”. In other word, your Bunnahabhain 12 would “air” for 12 minutes before nosing and tasting. I have found this to my liking, plus the anticipation makes me drool, just a little. 😂
If you request ice with your whisky at my house, you get a pour of something cheap. Same if you want a mixed drink. No need to give you a fine expensive single malt. Pearls before swine, is the phrase that comes to mind. May I offer you a shot of vodka from a bottle in the freezer? OK, now let me enjoy my dram in peace…..
Ha! I get it lol!
What about Monkey Shoulder 👍🏽
Quality malt blend for a good price! I always have a bottle on hand!
easiest way to drink scotch is you don't 😂
Ha! To each his own brother! Trent doesn’t drink it either.
I would not recommend adding water to a whisky that is under 90 proof!
Good thought!
Too long-winded!!!
Lol thanks for your input! Good or bad I appreciate solid opinions!