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Scotch is one of the most popular types of whiskies. A glass of scotch in itself is a symbol of sophistication. However, sipping scotch is much more than drinking any other spirit. It’s a wholesome experience which can engage all your senses. Whether you appreciate the smoky notes of single malt or the smooth textures of blended scotch, each dram brings you something unique.
If you are a beginner who has just been introduced to scotch, you should note that enjoying the spirit is much more than mixing a shot in your cola and gulping it bottom up. To make the most of your glass of scotch whisky, here are some tips for beginners shared by Jonas Ax, Head of Advocacy, Bacardi India and other neighbouring countries.
A Beginner’s Guide To Scotch
With more than 20 years of working in bars and the whisky industry across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and India, Jonas has gained his fair share of experience around scotch. When asked about the common mistakes beginners make while trying scotch, he said, “People usually treat scotch like a dare and drown it like a shot. Even though I have a sweet spot for picklebacks, I would recommend taking it slow.”
One of the other often made mistakes that Jonas talked about is chasing older and more peaty scotch under the impression that it’ll be a better pick. He recommends that you give yourself time to experiment with the spirit, add water or ice and get to know about your preferences.
How To Pick The Right Scotch?
Single Malt VS Blended Scotch
If you’re exploring scotch for the first time, you would come across two broad categories: single malt and blended. Giving out a clear picture, Jonas says, “Single malt comes from one distillery, Blended Scotch is a mix of usually grain whisky plus one or more single malts. Single malts often have more distinct character. Blends aim for consistency and balance.”
Neat, With Water, Or On The Rocks
While drinking neat scotch gives you the purest expression, adding a few drops of water can open up the whisky, releasing more complex aromas and softening the alcohol’s bite. If you want a lighter taste of the whisky, you can add ice. As per Jonas, ice will mellow the strong taste, bring out the sweet profile, but also dull the aroma a bit. If you are a beginner, you can try all three ways and then pick the one that works best for you.
Age Of Scotch
Busting a myth, Jonas addresses that the quality of scotch does not always depend on its age. Elaborating on the misconception, he says, “Age tells you time in a cask, not how good it is. Some 8-year-olds hit harder and cleaner than 18-year-olds. It’s more about cask quality, spirit character, and what the blender or distiller was going for.”
Steps To Taste Scotch
Jonas, who has trained bartenders, hosted tastings, visited distilleries in Scotland, and built cocktail programs with whisky at the centre, shared the right steps to nosing and tasting Scotch.
- Swirl gently, don’t go tornado mode.
- Nose with your mouth slightly open, don’t shove your nose in too deep.
- Sip small, let it coat your mouth.
- Wait. Breathe out through your nose. That’s where the magic kicks in.
- And go back in. Scotch opens in layers; give it time.
