For a variety of reasons, people dilute fine whiskeys with water. In addition to reducing the alcohol burn and enhancing the whiskey’s flavors and smells, adding water actually makes it more appealing to sip sometimes, especially to the novice palate. True whiskey connoisseurs also slightly dilute whiskey because it makes it easier to taste and distinguish and enjoy various flavor nuances.
To Dilute Or Not Dilute?
You can absolutely decrease the intensity and make whiskey more pleasant by adding water if you feel it to be too harsh or overpowering. This could allow you to gradually get used to the proof of whiskey if you’re new to it. Some whiskies are just bottled with alcohol-by-volume (ABV) levels that are too high for novice drinkers and to be fair, not all whiskeys are suitable for full proof levels or cask strength. As a rule of thumb, higher proof whiskey often benefits more from adding splash of water, while lower-proof expressions usually require less.
However, there’s no need to add water if you like your whiskey neat and find it enjoyable. Enjoying your drink anyway you choose is the ultimate goal. A little water can reveal more complex flavors, but there’s no right or wrong, it’s all about what you like best. To discover your perfect balance or personal preference, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to experiment with adding water to your whiskey, just follow these steps.
High-Quality H2O
Selecting the right water is essential. To ensure purity, use bottled water, however, filtered water from your tap is sufficient in most cases. Chemicals in unfiltered tap water may alter the characteristics of whiskey, so avoid using this. Soft water is preferred as it helps bring out the subtle flavors of whiskey best.
Basically, you want the perfect water, Goldilocks water if you will. Not too cold, not too hot, just right! When diluting whiskey, room temperature water works best. Your palate may become numbed or badly influenced by cold water, masking the subtlety of the whisky. Hot water would be worse and, to be honest, unusual, unless you’re constructing a hot toddy. Use ice instead if you prefer your pours cold, as the ice will gradually dilute the whisky as it melts. Just be mindful and don’t add too much ice or make sure to sip frequently!
Progressively Diluting Your Dram
Consider this step similar to one’s approach when adding salt to meals. Once it has been added, it cannot be removed. However, you can always add more if you start in small increments. Be mindful and start out slowly. Swirl the glass while adding a few drops of water, then taste and make adjustments. More accurate control can be accomplished using a pipette. Adding a few drops at a time with a pipette allows for gradual adjustments without running the risk of over-dilution.
By giving you more control, these instruments can improve your tasting experience, allowing you to concentrate on how the flavors change with each sip. Although it’s a trial-and-error process, this method’s progressive approach lets you experience firsthand how the whiskey changes as water is added, while easily avoiding over-dilution. You’ll be adding the perfect amount in no time, knowing precisely how much water you prefer to add…or not.
Savor Each Sip
Enjoy each sip slowly, breathing in the aromas. You’ll begin to take notice of the changing nose and notes as you modify the dilution. Having fun yet? The technique of perfecting the dilution of whiskey with water is straightforward, but somehow satisfying, as you can further enhance your enjoyment of your favorite drams and uncover new levels of flavor and character with each pour.
Tour & Taste With B&B
Let’s toast together to a more sophisticated and flavorful whiskey experience! Sign up on our website and join us for a tour of the back of our distillery and see the process behind crafting our award winning spirits firsthand! You will receive a pour of whiskey in a Kenzie glass and a guided walk through the life of our distillation process, from grain to bottle. Also included in this tour is a flight of our handcrafted Spirits as well as a signature Branch & Barrel engraved Kenzie Glass to take home with you as an included bonus!
Visit our tasting room to explore and purchase from our portfolio of premium whiskeys and begin your dilution-tasting journey! Bring some friends or family and enjoy flights of our Award-winning releases! You can purchase limited and special release bottles right from our Tasting Room at the Distillery as well. Visit us soon, experience the Best Damned Whiskey in Colorado for yourself and grab a few bottles for Christmas presents. Choose from our assortment of Flagship bottles, remaining “Last Call” bottles, and Limited Editions, cheers friends!