Looking for a Whisky Debate? – Try Bringing Up These 4 Topics
Over the last decade of being in the whisky business, I’ve heard pretty much every opinion on whisky you can possibly think of. Some I’ve found interesting, some I found revolutionary, and some, well, let’s just say I didn’t exactly agree with them.
One of the best things about whisky, though, is that it’s universally adored and can be as inclusive as you like. You can enjoy it however you like, whenever you like, pretty much wherever you like. For me, that’s very important. Regular readers of the GreatDrams blogs will know that I’m all for inclusivity in whisky. I know there’s a certain degree of snobbery in whisky, but that’s finally on its way out, which is great for the business and wonderful for whisky drinkers.
The snobbery associated with whisky may be on its way out, but that doesn’t mean that people aren’t entitled to their own opinions regarding this amazing tipple. Every so often, I like to get together with a few friends, pour a few drams, and chat whisky. It isn’t long before we inevitably end up engaging in a very civilised debate on all manner of different topics.
If you enjoy talking about your favourite drams, here are 4 topics perfect for a whisky debate.
Ice or No Ice in Whisky?
It wasn’t too long ago, that ordering a single malt Scotch with ice in the heart of one of Scotland’s whisky regions was considered the ultimate cardinal sin. It was seen as the equivalent of ordering Gordon Ramsay’s beef wellington and asking for it to be cooked very well done.
While not quite on the same level as ordering a pint of Guinness and blackcurrant in Ireland, there are still a select few seasoned Scotch drinkers that believe that ice has no place in a dram of whisky. Others, though, are more open to the idea.
Adding ice to a whisky changes its flavour profile completely. Some believe it dulls down the flavours while others believe it awakens new ones. Some whiskies are considered to be at their best when enjoyed with ice. A great of bourbon whiskies being great examples of this.
But what do you think? Do you think that ice in all whisky is a definite no-no, or are you open to the idea of ice in certain drams? Personally, I think ice has its place in the whisky world, even when it comes to Scotch. It can dampen down harsh burning sensations from the alcohol and can also change the mouthfeel.
Do I think that all whiskies would benefit from being served on the rocks? Absolutely not. Do I believe that ice can help make some drams more enjoyable to certain drinkers? Absolutely!
Which is the Best Cask Type?
Want to really set the cat amongst the pigeons? Sit a group of whisky lovers around a table, get a few drams inside them, ask them which is the superior cask type when it comes to whisky maturation, and watch them go!
Me and my friends from the industry often discuss what we believe to be the best cask type for certain types of whisky, and do you know what? We rarely agree. Why? Because there is no one true answer. It’s like some types of art out there and is subjective and purely down to personal taste.
Some believe that sherry casks are best for sweeter, fruitier drams like those synonymous with Speyside while others think that ex-Bourbon barrels work best as they can help mellow out the fruitier notes and balance everything out.
I do believe that some types of whisky with specific flavour profiles work best with certain cask types, but that’s literally a part of my job. Others no doubt disagree with me now and then, and that’s perfectly fine as well. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I do enjoy discussing topics like this now and then as I usually end up learning something new, or at the very least, getting a new idea for a future release.
Single Malt or Blended
This next topic is another one that’s sure to get people riled up and spark some very interesting takes. Get a few pals together and ask them whether they believe single malt or blended whisky is superior.
Single malt whiskies are generally considered to be more intense and complex, while blended whiskies are less harsh on the palate, smoother, and less intense. Single malt whiskies are made from a mash made completely from malted barley from just one distillery. A blended whisky is made from a blend of different whiskies, usually by combining a single malt with grain whiskies. It could be made from a combination of two whiskies, or several, in different ratios.
What I tend to find is that people prefer either one or the other. A blended Scotch drinker for example, will gravitate towards blended drams instead of single malts, and vice versa. Again, it’s down to personal preference. Things will get interesting when you ask them why they believe their dram of choice is superior.
It doesn’t have to be single malt or blended either. You could talk about Scotch vs Irish whiskey, Japanese vs Bourbon, or any other type of whisky you can think of. It’s interesting to hear people’s different opinions and why they believe their whisky of choice is superior.
Mixer or Neat
Finally, you could ask people whether they believe their whisky/whiskey of choice is at its best neat, or when combined with a mixer.
Obviously, the majority of single malt Scotch drinkers you talk to are going to prefer their whisky neat. Some, though, may enjoy it with a mixer. Over the years, we’ve released a fair few drams that worked great with a mixer, or as part of a cocktail. Last year for example, our Summer of Sport release proved a huge hit. Though it could be enjoyed neat, it worked just as well over ice, in cocktails, and with certain mixers. Ginger ale being a great example.
When you talk about whiskey with a mixer, Bourbon is probably going to be mentioned the most. Everybody has their own opinion of which mixers work best here. Some enjoy cola, others prefer lemonade, and others enjoy it neat. Don’t just ask people which they prefer, ask them why. I’ve learned a lot by doing this over the years, which I believe has helped grow the business.
If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.
With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.
Greg
You might be interested in
More from the blog
Follow greatdrams
latest articles
Latest whisky
exclusively from GreatDrams
