Guide To Whiskey
It’s the stuff that has made legends out of mere men. That smooth amber liquid that burns a warm, fiery trail from the moment it touches your lips until it reaches the depths of your belly. Without a doubt, whiskey is one of the most loved spirits in the world. Who would have thought that a pile of mashed grains could be fermented and distilled into something so sublimely perfect?
The image of a dashing, sophisticated man with a whiskey glass in his hands has featured in movies, television shows and advertisements for several decades. It’s an image many men today aspire to. The way a man enjoys his whiskey can clearly set him apart from other mere mortals. So before you grab a bottle of ‘el cheapo’ whiskey and guzzle it down like there is no tomorrow, have a look at this gentleman’s guide to whiskey and get a real appreciation for this magical drink.
A True Gentleman Appreciates Whiskey
A true gentleman simply does not drink whiskey. He appreciates it. Good whiskey is enjoyed and appreciated. It’s not the type of drink you just slug down. You need to swirl it in around in the glass a little and really get your nose into it. Inhale those gorgeous aromas and get a real understanding of what you’re about to partake of. Then, and only then, sip it slowly, savoring your glass of whiskey down to the last drop.
The Right Glass Makes All The Difference
Just like a good wine glass can enhance the flavor of a quality glass of wine, a good whiskey glass can do the same for your spirited amber beverage. Good quality whiskey glasses should be slightly curved. If you really want to taste the different accents of your favorite whiskey, look for an ISO (International Standards Organization) as these have been specifically designed to truly make whiskey an experience, not just a drink. Some people drink whiskey out of shot glasses, but you just don’t get the same enjoyment as you would with a proper whiskey glass.
Learn How To Mix And Match
Most men don’t really like to drink cocktails. Well, not in public anyway, because cocktails are generally considered to be something for the ladies. The good news is, you can make some really manly cocktails when whisky is the main ingredient. In particular, some of these cocktails have really cool names like Whiskey Smash, Godfather and Rusty Nail. These whiskey cocktails come in manly glass tumblers making them a perfect drink for a gentleman.
If cocktails still aren’t your thing you can enjoy your favorite whiskey neat or “on the rocks”. Add a cube or two of ice and pour a splash of whiskey. Then sit back and enjoy. Don’t add too much ice though. You don’t want to end up drinking watered down whiskey and missing out on all that fantastic flavor. You can also add a tiny splash of water to your whiskey. A small amount of water will enhance the flavors swirling around in your glass, without taking anything away from the flavor profile.
When it comes to whiskey cocktails, don’t use the really expensive whiskey, but don’t opt for the low budget brand either. The expensive, good quality stuff needs to be enjoyed as is and mixing it is almost sacrilegious. But if you wouldn’t drink a brand of whiskey because you consider it to lack the qualities a gentleman enjoys in whiskey, why on earth would you contemplate using it in a cocktail? You should also avoid whiskey that has aged in oak barrels as they tend to have a smoky flavor that tends to clash with other ingredients you may use in cocktails. These are best enjoyed neat, or with a bit of ice or water.
Pricey Doesn’t Always Equal Quality
A high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a better bottle of whiskey. Some mid-range bottle can be just good. An 18-year-old whiskey is going to be more expensive than an 8 or 12-year bottle but this is mainly because of the additional time it’s in storage. Other whiskey brands are also considered high end because of the packaging. A fancy looking bottle often attracts a higher price tag but doesn’t necessarily mean the whiskey is exceedingly more superior. What it actually comes down to is personal preference. A real gentleman knows which whiskey is his favorite and that means is not settling for less than that.
You may also have heard the term “single malt” bandied around when people are discussing whiskey. A single malt whiskey often has a complex flavor profile and is usually come from barley. Once again, this doesn’t automatically equate to a better drop. Some of the blended whiskeys can be of exceptional quality because the ingredients used are very high end. It will also depend on the manufacturer and the distilling process.
Knowing Where Whiskeys Are Made
Many countries around the world make whiskey these days but the origins of whiskey come from Ireland and Scotland. Interestingly, on that side of the globe, the spelling is whisky and it refers to what many of us call scotch. In the USA, the type of whiskey made is often referred to like bourbon. Bourbon is a little sweeter than scotch or Irish whiskey which tend to have complex flavors. There are many similarities between all the types of whiskey, yet they all have some interesting geographical uniqueness.
You’re Never Lost With Whiskey
Think of the dude who is always at the end of the bar in your local watering hole. You know, the one who always sits alone with a beer looking a little sad. You’ll never look that way if you’re a whisky connoisseur. You can hold your whiskey glass facing the room, and even though you may be alone, you don’t look sad and lonely. A whiskey drinking gentleman oozes confidence and never looks out of place.
We all have that one friend we never know what to get for his birthday, promotion at work or birth of a child. Whiskey makes the perfect gift. Whiskey producers have made it simple and gift packs are readily available where you can choose your favorite whiskey, complete with a couple of glasses. If you’ve already purchased one of these, there are dozens of alternative gifts for whiskey lovers.
Whiskey Has A Number Of Health Benefits
Whiskey lovers rejoice! This amazing drink is actually good for you. That is, of course, only if you drink it in moderation, like a true gentleman. It’s great for keeping cholesterol levels in check and it reduces stress, to name some of the health benefits. It will also boost your immunity and decrease the risk of a number of ailments.
In this fast-paced world, we are living in, it’s great to slow down for even a short amount of time and really enjoy one of life’s guilty pleasures. End a difficult day with a glass of your favorite whiskey, get comfortable and enjoy. A gentleman knows when to make time for himself so bring time to a standstill and savor your glass of whiskey, right down to the last drop.
