Anyone can enjoy whiskey. You don’t need a bunch of special equipment, and you don’t need to put in a lot of time and effort (we put that in for you). However, there are a lot of opinions on the correct way to drink whiskey, and we acknowledge that can be…intimidating.
So, we at Jameson Irish Whiskey thought we’d share this easy-to-follow beginner’s guide on how to drink whiskey. While we will focus on how to drink Irish whiskey, you can apply the same methods to whiskey from anywhere in the world.
It’s a “clean” whiskey that isn’t muddled by too many flavors. It goes well with spicy, tangy, citrusy, caramel, coffee, and bitter flavors. Try your Jameson neat, on the rocks, with water, or whip up a Jameson mixed drink or shot!
How to Drink Whiskey with Water
You may have seen people order whiskey with water, but did you know these two drinks are served separately? When you order whiskey with water at a bar, you get a neat whiskey and a small glass or pitcher of water. Many regular whiskey drinkers consider this the best way to drink whiskey because it lets them control the flavor and intensity.
The whiskey is usually served in a rocks glass or a Glencairn glass. We always recommend tasting the whiskey before adding any water. Then, add a few drops of water. This opens up the whiskey and allows different flavors to emerge and separate, becoming easier to identify and more pronounced. A splash of water will also dilute the whiskey and reduce the burn of alcohol, which some people find harsh when they first start drinking whiskey.
At What Temperature Do You Drink Whiskey Neat?
We recommend drinking your whiskey at room temperature (60 – 70ºF). Cold subdues whiskey’s flavors and heat makes them more pronounced. Room temperature is ideal for bringing out a whiskey’s aromas and flavors.
If you’re serving whiskey to a guest, we recommend starting them with a room-temperature, neat whiskey. You can always add drops of water, ice cubes, whiskey stones, or a mixer later.
Irish People Try Jameson Irish Whiskey
FAQ
Should Jameson be on the rocks?
Is Jameson a good sipping whiskey?
What is the best way to drink Jameson?
Should you drink Jameson straight?