I couldn't agree more about adding water. Definitely, if someone has tried it and it's not for them, fine. But I think many people tend to be dismissive either because their water is hard (and yes, that'll totally ruin a dram) OR because they think of water only "diluting" the ethanol. In reality it is diluting all the various flavor components, which have different perception thresholds, kind of like our hearing is logarithmic and not linear. A single drop may "turn off" that note of "acetone" (in reality it's ethyl acetate) or turn it into a tropical fruit note, which in turn will reveal something else, which was previously drowned out by it. Multiply this by several hundred - there might even be several different sweet spots in a dram. And they'll be in a different place for different people. Lots of people are just addicted to the pleasant "bite" of cask strength spirits. I can understand that, it can be enjoyable on its own, but there are simpler high abv whiskies for that. A well matured, complex bourbon or malt presented at a higher abv just have so much to offer with water. But do this: take a high quality overproof rum (like Hamilton 151 or Plantation O.F.T.D.) and keep tasting it while adding good soft drinking water (use bottled if you have to, don't use mineral water). This is a bit cheaper if you worry about wasting your malt. If you learn to do this right, it'll feel like you're "watering up", not "watering down". And fair dues: some spirits, including some whiskies, don't take water at all.

GREAT TIPS! I especially like tip 10 to SHARE the whisky, even on your own, search the whiskey your drinking, and watch videos of others drinking the same whisky as you, just BRILLIANT IDEA!

I am a former alcoholic. After 5 years of being sober I'm getting into wisky and appreciating the flavor. I limit myself to 1 glass whenever I do partake. I also only do it with my wife now, who I've given permission to hold me accountable, making sure that I have no more than a glass. It's really fun to sip and talk about what we're tasting as opposed to downing a fifth a night just to get plastered.

I don't remember what I drank last week alone, but I remember what I drank last year with my friends. Amazing what sharing a drink does!

Roy if you posted more videos you’d blow us all out of the water. You’re top notch brother. Great review. Cheers.

OK, I have just watched all of your videos in a single sitting in one Aqavitae channel binge.. I only have one word to say... *MORE!!!!* ((((( please :)))))

Great video! No water, no ice, just neat! I find that time in the glass (minimum 30-40min before the first sip) is best to get all the whisky has to offer rather than watering down a great dram.

Finally an online voice in the malt whisky community points out the possibilities on ice. A nice pour over 3 large, good quality pieces and you get a slightly different experience each sip. Doesn't replace neat, but a fine way not only to enjoy but actually appreciate, also.

A much needed alternative to those "drink whisky like a gentleman" videos out there, loved it!

I love your advice about ice adding to enjoyment. In Texas where I live it's routinely 40+ degrees C in the summertime, so adding an ice cube can make all the difference on a warm evening. Having been to Scotland twice in the last 3 years I've really started to enjoy and branch out into the world of whisky, and your video's have been a real treat. I will also start trying the shot of black coffee as a warmup, that makes a lot of sense.

with regards to coffee, that was something new I learned during the macallan tour. A sniff of the coffee beans on the table would reset my smelling senses. Quite remarkable how it worked between each dram of whisky.

I’m a huge Ralfy fan, watched almost all his videos...have been looking for a new channel to supplement it...well I’ve found it! Love your videos, such well presented, credible, insightful information. I’m a subscriber!

i totally agree the point of drinking in a larger glass esp. for cask strenght. my favorite glass for higher alcohol content malt's is the Laddie dram glass from Bruichladdich

I have to agree about various food pairings, like chocolate, cheese, etc. There's also a gentleman that reviews [mostly American] whiskeys and he usually includes separate notes when tasted with a walnut and with a dried cranberry. And I think Woodford does an extended version of that in their tastings. Well, I've tried all these things, along with fresh fruit, and I find that whisky may enhance the foods sometimes, but the food tends to dumb down the whisky. It's a bit like emphasizing a single band of a graphical equalizer while listening to music, while dialing back all the others - yes, it'll enhance that frequency, but the overall music perception will degrade. I could see doing this to "access" certain aspects, such as when a master blender is assessing various casks or batches, but not for appreciation. Just my opinion, of course :) Oh, and make sure your water isn't hard, especially the water you add to whisky. Those minerals tend to bind flavor components. The same goes for strong-tasting things like nuts (skins will contain astringent tannins, which chemically bind aromatics), chocolate (also tannins), cheese (protein and fat, which will alter flavor, but also strong glutamic flavor aka "umami"). Funny, people associate cheese with wine but cheese is more to mask ordinary wine, it will detract from good wine, especially the sharper cheeses.

Great stuff Aqvavitae. Completely agree with your suggestions, to include the golden rule.... drink your whisky the way YOU enjoy it! 😉

I'm so glad to hear someone suggesting different glassware! In my case, I'm sure it's a psychological effect, but I find many whiskies more enjoyable when it's slightly chilled (just cooler than room temp) in a wide open rocks glass. Maybe it just softens the punch of the alcohol, or maybe it just reminds me of the bars I started drinking whisky in a dozen years ago when I knew nothing of whisky regions and flavor profiles, back when we drank purely for fun and good times with friends.

I'll add a suggestion as something maybe you can try. I find when a dram gets really low in the glass (almost empty) that the nose changes dramatically as it not overpowered by alcohol. Sometimes I keep just the smallest amount of whiskey in the bottom of the glass for hours to appreciate it. Because of this, I picked up the habit of starting a session with only 5mL or less in the glass, only pouring a proper dram once I have had a chance to really appreciate the nose. You can also use two glasses, alternating between your "nosing glass" and your "drinking glass." Great fun.

All great tips Roy. I like the pairing w/ dark chocolate, experimenting w/ blending, switching up the glassware, and most importantly sharing. Cheers!

As an Aussie I hate the whole “never put ice in whisky” bs. Yeah I love a heavily peated cask strength whisky neat but not on a 40 degree summer day. A nice easy drinking dram over ice on a hot day goes down a treat

One of the few whisky reviewers who suggested even adding ice. I know it’s sacrilege but on occasion I add a bit of ice to do two things: Adds water and chills the scotch a bit. Room temp in So. California is 80F...way to warm to drink.

Thank you for sharing. You’ve quickly become one of my favorites. I’m mostly a bourbon whiskey drinker, but now I want to try more whisky because of you. Thank you!

Having a glass of Glenffidich 12 with a flight has really helped me getting flavours. How amazing the tasting blind I attended recently was. One of the best video's I've watched, to help my appreciation of whisky. Atb Paul.

To add to the glass aspect: The Irish Tuath Glass sports a widened lip in addition to the tulip shape. This helps spread the liquid on the tongue. To me, it is mechanically upping the Glencairn. However, the latter will always be a champion in durability!!

I love your very thoughtful videos. Quite different than the Whiskey Vault videos, but equally entertaining and extremely informative.

On nights I am tasting, I work to a pour 4 schedule ... not together however. I pour, nose and taste each dram individually - make my notes then move towards the next. Usually working from something light towards bold flavours. This still works for contrasting if you have good sensory recall - the difference between each Whisky is apparent without having them side by side. It has allowed me to appreciate complexities and aspects of various Whiskies that may have gone unnoticed as you say ... great way to work. This can also lead to "Malt Revelations" ...

🙏 my no 11. If lucky enough, visit the distilleries. Did a pilgrimage to Islay 2yrs ago and every dram transports me back. The taste of Bruichladdich, Kilchoman and Bunnahabhain particularly. Then there’s the taste of home (Melbourne) with Starward... 🥃🥰 Slainte

Great tips. I totally agree with the occasional ice on ones you get real familiar with. Ardbeg 10 works surprisingly well on some ice. Tends to give it some butter. That whisky is amazing. Ice will not screw it up. It changes it in a good way. Cheers. I like your style. Great Job!

I am very impressed, and thankful for your sharing, perspective and approach to whiskies.

Fantastic video. And great comments. The whisky community all appreciating your love and respect for the product as well as guidance. Funnily the only one I don't naturally do is take notes. One more I like to do is create a solera. Obviously chucking in any old dregs will result in a mish-mash ( unless it's bourbons) but putting together the final inch of well matched whiskies into a bottle and topping up, sipping and repeating can be very enjoyable. A new flavour profile every time.

This is some, it teaches so much in 15 minutes that you couldn't learn in a life time of drinking whisky, especially when you though you knew it all. Thank you Brother

Of all your videos this is the one that had me cheering the most... I laughed out loud when you produced the oat cakes! You put things together here so eloquently and well that I couldn't think of anything that could have been added to make this video any better... Slainte!!

Good video. I often use Brandy glass for phenolic whiskies. In fact, anyone who hasn't is missing many Laphroaig nuances.

Excellent again Roy, love watching your videos, they get better and better each time. Keep them coming. Slainte!

I especially enjoy adding club soda and a big ice cube to even my most prized whiskies. I no, it's sacreligious, but I love it that way. Also, I love to mix a sweet whiskey with a peated whisky, 3 to 1 and add bitters with a big ice cube.

Nice one Roy. Have been collecting/drinking whiskies for a few months now and I always learn something new from people like yourself and Ralfy etc. Keep up the good work. Slainte.

Grand,that’s a double measured wisdom . As different lengths fingers serves us much better, It’s more enriches watching different reviewers. Keep those Tube “drams” coming🥃

We have a whiskey bar at home. Hubby drinks his with water. I drink mine with a cube of home made ice. It melts slower than fridge made ice and the whiskey opens up as I drink it. He thinks I’m crazy. Thanks for proving me right 👏🏾

I agree about the rocks glass and a little ice for just enjoying good whiskey! I think it’s interesting how the flavor changes as the ice slowly melts and changes the dilution.

I`m a newcomer to your site and find it enjoyable and informative in the most positive ways. Thank you, good Sir!

Mate, this was absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for your wisdom and advice! Cheers!

Thank you Roy. I've just watched this following a binge watch of your recycled reviews and it certainly adds to my overall intell / whisky journey. I've discerned so much from Ralfy since I re-discovered single malts, but it is always good to listen to another man's opinions. Slainte Mhath 👍.

Another RALFY caliber whiskey channel! How did I not discover this earlier? Thank you Sir!

Awesome video Roy! I love your passion, knowledge, and practical wisdom. The thing that makes you and your videos amazing is that you know so much about whisky but still don't have that scotch snobbery thing going on:) Slainte my friend!

Well put, Enjoyment vs Analysis, two very different things. The "moment" matters so much and I cannot agree with you more, experiment with it. I must compliment you on your voice. Your delivery, cadence and tone are mesmerizing. If I had your voice my kids would have been asleep long before the chapter ended on the bedtime stories. Great Job!

Hello Roy: More experimenting, I had an Ice-cream soda (Mint Chocolate-Chip) with Doctor Pepper and Templeton 4 y.o. Rye as dessert tonight. Enjoyed the Rye note backing up the Mint. Finished the heel of the bottle. Dr. Pepper is a Spicy soft drink. On a separate note, learned that the name Campbell in Gàidhlig is CAM=Crooked or Rye BUEL= Mouth COOL. SLÁINTE Mike

Wonderful, very informative and really clearly put. I'll be trying all these things over the festive period.

Excellent video. I did not know about the coffee or oat cakes. The glassware does make a huge difference.

Truly enjoy your videos. You speak very well. Spot on with this one! I’m going to enjoy some whisky with my brother tonight!! Keep up the great work!

Very informative. Thanks for doing these Roy

Wow, I'm the 55th comment. The people love you. Some great tips there. My big tip is simply enjoy it if you do enjoy it. It's not compulsory to like whisky. Some people bend over hoops to like wine and whisky like it's part of finishing school. Whisky is an amazing and life enhancing drink though and your advice is top notch. Cheers. WelshToro

This was great. Thank you for your advice and wisdom.

Roy: Forgot to mention that your point about sharing whisky is Right on! I went to a Bottle share Birthday and brought two whiskies not many had tried ISLE OF JURA Duirachs' Own and Té Bheag. They were both a hit. It was a pleasure to see people find new whiskies to enjoy. Mike

Great video Roy! Thanks!

Love it! Agree with all. Cheers!

An honest man, drink it as you wish.,always best with good company. Excellent Video keep them coming

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing - a bit cheeky nicking the oatcakes at the end...this video should be watched by anyone who drinks whiskey for whatever reason.

Found your channel from watching foodquig and your videos are ace. Pleasant to watch and nicely informative. And the beard suits you, too!

These are Great Tips! Regarding Blending, I Blended a 1/2 Tasting Snifter pour of REDBREAST 12 Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey with a Tablespoon of LAPHROAIG 10 Whisky and got a dram which merged the best of both! At least to my palette! SLÁINTE Mike

Thanks, I really appreciated this. I'm going to try the coffee tip. Blind tasting is really enlightening it gives a whole new insight.👍

I will you Roy when you are on holiday with your family but I plan on watching all your recorded shows and drink along just like you were live. Who knows I might be better on the quiz the second time around :D

New to your channel and LOVING it! Looking forward to many more videos to come! Cheers...

Really great suggestions! Solid video....I've spread the word to the Whiskey Tribe!

A great and educational video. You just missed mentioning a knowledgeable and professional whiskey master, Horst Lüning. He is undoubtedly one of the bests in the business.

Some fantastic tips there that I'll use in future undoubtedly.

Great video. Hope you’ll get the inspiration and time to produce more of them. I’m not so crazy about the 1-2 hour long live videos. Cheers, Claus from Copenhagen, Denmark

Great video. I think you should mention the oxidation and how different the taste can be if you leave the glass for 10 minutes before you drink it. Newly opened bottles never taste as good as when you taste it again a few weeks later, in my experience.

Well spoken and spot on with a lot of these recommendations. It’s funny you mentioned the coffee, as I do find that a shot of black espresso prior to whisky tasting leaves my palate better suited to picking up nuances. I’ve gotta seem out these oat cakes, but when sitting for enjoyment, dark chocolate and shortbreads are quite good pairings without preparation. I always have something on hand to snack on late nights while sipping on a dram or three.

Very Good tips Roy. Gave me some ideas. Tapadh Leat/Thank you Mike

Great suggestions, great ideas!

Well done 👍 excellent video. Keep making more.

Superb video Roy, love it keep up the great videos

Great Video Roy, really enjoy your KZfaq Chanel, keep up the good work

Wonderful videos on my new hobby....thank you!

Great ideas and stellar video as always. Thanks!

Great tips Roy, thanks for doing what you do.

Very entertaining and informative video.

Great video, Roy. Keep it up!

The late lamented anCnoc 16 was sublime over ice. Arran 12 is too. Still haven't tried the shot of coffee idea!

This was great. Thanks. New to whisky so picking out the flavours and aromas is not easy. But as you say (and Ralphy also) it should always be about enjoying the experience. No frowny faces😂. Hey I was given some whisky stones made in Vermont from soap stone. I’m guessing these should Not be added to a glencairn glass. 3 of them wouldn’t fit anyway. So a rocks glass it will have to be. Won’t dilute the dram but the cold might dull it down maybe. I’ve heard there’s a bit of history around using rocks to chill whisky. Will see how we go. I’ve started with a whiskey club at work which gets you going with different drama for little money. And so far only a few different bottles around regional lines to get a range at home and see what I prefer. The jury is still out on that as I actually like them all! Ardbeg, belvenie, benromach, Bunnahabhain, Laphroaig. I’m in my whisky nappy pants but enjoying the rebirth!🇳🇿👍

Couldn't agree more about blind-tasting! Used to sit down wit some buddies to taste beers, we always drank blind; it stops you from label-focus and makes you really taste what's in the glass. we often found that the famous, "top-rated" spirit or beer would not come out on top..

Aqvavitae I completely agree with you. It's better to taste without knowing the brand. I find the results are very surprising. For me i like to cleanse my plate with a shot of tequila. I actually prefer my whisky with no water. I want to enjoy it in its natural form. Diluting it in my opinion ruins the flavor but Great Review.

Coffee really makes any spirit that much better. I discovered that with cognac after dinner. It’s amazing!

Very well done, Roy! Mark

finally someone who shares the curiosity i have for whiskey!

Glad I found this one. Some great ideas friend. I really like the notion of watching a tasting while doing your own. Really good content. Thanks.

Awesome vid Roy!

I really like the fact you love to share your Whisky, chap 😂

you are a pleasure to listen to and are very informative .cheers

Not sure why this only now came up on my suggested videos but I enjoyed it. If I added an 11th thing. It would be "change things up".. I was getting a little tired of whisky, so I swapped to some nice rums for about 4 or 5 month.. Now I drink everything really.. It's probably extremely bad for me. If they made apple flavoured lighter fluid i'd probably give it a try.

Roy: I found Ralfy's review #711 of which you spoke. Look forward to viewing it later.Thanks for the tip. SLÁINTE Mike

I sip my glen morey here - smoke a robusto zigar and i Need Go Thank you so much vor the video and greetings, love Form Bavaria germany ❤️

You are a wise man - with an awesome accent ;) Good video!

I've never met a man with whom I see more eye to eye with on whisky. I could go on. PS. That plant over your left shoulder intrigued me without end.

This is fantastic!! Thank you!

Nice video, thanks for sharing it!

Awesome video Aquavitae!! Subscribed based on this video. It’s top notch and a great video . Hope to see many more from you . Love the recycle reviews too!!!

another helpful post thanks

what an excellent video, thank you ! btw Foodquig is a good friend ! I noticed that your flavour wheel is swiss

Excellent Whisky Evangelism - THANKS!!

Thank you Roy for a very interesting and practical video. Loved your suggestions. Thanks and slainte from India!