Whiskey is a very versatile spirit. You can drink it hot, cold and hey, you can even bake with it! From sweet slushes to complex vintage cocktails, whiskey drinks are a mainstay on every bar menu. But there is something to be said for appreciating it all on its own. When youre ready to become a whiskey connoisseur, this is how to drink whiskey neat.
The warmth of the whiskey can also add a delightful depth to the taste experience. If you’re the type who likes to sip and savour, drinking whiskey neat is the perfect way to slow down and truly appreciate your tipple.
Whiskey is a very versatile spirit. You can drink it hot, cold and hey, you can even bake with it! From sweet slushes to complex vintage cocktails, whiskey drinks are a mainstay on every bar menu. But there is something to be said for appreciating it all on its own. When youre ready to become a whiskey connoisseur, this is how to drink whiskey neat.
Not all whiskeys are necessarily best enjoyed neat, just like not all whiskeys should be served on the rocks. Of course, some whiskey sommeliers may disagree and believe that all whiskey should ideally be served without any impurities ruining the delicate taste, but the pro-rocks school is larger than you probably think it is. In fact, some connoisseurs swear that adding just a few drops of water actually helps to bring out more flavor notes instead of burying them. The truth is that there really is no truth, and the debate over the right way to serve a glass of whiskey will rage on forever (or, considering how mellow drinking whiskey can be, continue in a civilized manner forever, perhaps with a few cigars).
The reason why “up,” is the slightly preferred term, by the way, is because “straight up” means different things depending on what youre ordering. The two terms are not interchangeable when ordering cocktails, and even ordering whiskey without dropping the “straight” part may get you the wrong order. Bartenders can sometimes interpret “straight” as whiskey without any additives, making it the same as “neat.” To make matters even more perplexing, the term “straight whiskey” actually refers to the amount of time a batch has aged, not technically a serving method.
Maybe you dont want ice melting and slowly diluting your whiskey as you drink it, but maybe you also dont necessarily want to drink room-temperature booze. This is when you would order your whiskey straight up — although simply ordering your glass “up” is probably less confusing for the bartender. Ordering your whiskey up may look the same as neat, but the server will actually run it through an ice bath first before straining it into a glass. Although this will always dilute your whiskey ever so slightly, its a good way to enjoy the subtleties of a glass while also adding a bit of chill to your drink.
First of all, whiskey “neat” is different than “straight up” or simply just “up,” even though the two terms may sound like they both mean a lack of dilution or additives. Although you may think that there are only two ways of ordering whiskey, either “on the rocks” or just poured directly into a glass without any ice, the terminology gets more specific than this. A serving of whiskey neat is poured from the bottle to the glass without any interruptions so that the drinker can slowly sip and savor the drink. Besides the obvious absence of ice or water, this also means that a bartender technically shouldnt even be using a measurer or any sort of in-between vessel. Neat very specifically refers to pouring the whiskey right from the bottle to the glass.
If you want to start off by trying out whiskey neat, it may be wise to stick with the sweeter options, at least at the beginning of your whiskey-tasting journey. Test a bourbon out — or, if youre feeling a little more adventurous, travel down the spicier route and go with a rye. If none of these suit your palette, you can always add ice or water afterward.
How to properly drink whiskey!
FAQ
Is it OK to drink straight whiskey?
Is it safe to drink whiskey that is neat?
Is it healthier to drink whiskey neat?
Why do people drink whiskey neat?
Should you drink whiskey neat?
Drinking a whiskey neat is a beautiful way to explore the whiskey’s aromas and flavors while kicking back and relaxing. Drinking whiskey neat, in moderation, also provides health benefits, but remember, it is not without risks.
What are the disadvantages of having whiskey?
Highest percentage of alcohol in whiskey makes people lose track while drinking it, which lead to alcohol poisoning, which can induce difficulties in breathing, acid reflux and elevated heart rate. People under the influence of alcohol often make rash, risky or illogical decisions that makes them impaired while judging things. Constant abuse of whiskey can lead to damage in metabolism. The prolonged intake of whiskey leads to cirrhosis of liver. Large intake during pregnancy cause spontaneous abortion and mental or physical disabilities for the fetus. Large and regular intake of whiskey can cause stroke, serious injuries of heart muscle, and in some cases death.
Can you drink whiskey NEAT at room temperature?
Whiskey neat is served straight from the bottle, at room temperature, without any additives such as ice, mixes, or mixed into a cocktail. Drinking a whiskey neat is a beautiful way to explore the whiskey’s aromas and flavors while kicking back and relaxing.
Why should you drink whiskey neat?
It is the pure spirit straight from the bottle directly into the glass. Drinking whiskey neat allows you to appreciate its unique taste and aromas. Whiskey is in itself a complex spirit, and this method of drinking allows you to figure out its subtleties while slowly sipping your dram.