Historically, every nation in the world honors its own alcoholic drink. The Japanese prefer sake, the Mexicans prefer tequila, and the Russians drink vodka. This is partly a stereotype, but there is some truth in this statement. As for the Scots, then, of course, they would prefer a glass of whiskey with ice to any other alcoholic drink. There is no arguing.
Origin
In addition to Scotland, whiskey is considered a traditional drink in Ireland. These two countries are considered to be the birthplace of the drink. As a rule, they use whiskey with ice, but some prefer it exclusively in its pure form. The alcohol content in the drink can reach 60%, and barley, corn or wheat are used to make the product. Typically, whiskey has a color scheme from yellow to dark brown.
Classification
To use whiskey with or without ice is a matter of taste, but they classify it according to completely different components. The drink is divided into malt, grain and blended, and the last type is considered the most popular. For its preparation use malt and grain alcohols having a long exposure. As a rule, more than 12 years.
Gamma of taste
The taste characteristics of a noble drink determine various parameters, for example, the type of grain and the quality of the water used, malt, the method of filtration, the duration of filtration, and even the features of the manufacture of the barrel. Quite often, wooden containers made from port or wine are used, because they absorb the aroma of the drink and partially convey the flavor. It also happens that different periods of aging whiskey takes place in different barrels.
Conversations and numerous disputes about which whiskey is more correct, Scottish or Irish - akin to Hamlet's “to be or not to be,” and this question is most likely a rhetorical one. If, however, draw parallels, then the Scottish drink has a slightly smoky aftertaste due to drying of malt with peat. Irish whiskey is characterized as soft, as the malt is dried in a special oven and distilled three times.
About Excerpt
Good whiskey with ice - certainly aged whiskey. In Scotland there is even a special law according to which a noble drink must be aged for at least three years. As a rule, whiskey is kept in barrels for five years. 10-12 drinks are called original, more than twenty years - exclusive. The rarest and most expensive varieties can last up to fifty years.
How to drink whiskey with ice
The noble drink has its own consumption culture and well-established unspoken rules. For example, whiskey is not drunk from glasses or ordinary wine glasses. A special type of glasses with a narrowed top is designed for this type of alcohol. It is believed that only such a container can fully reveal the aroma and taste of the drink. The volume of such a glass, as a rule, does not exceed 100 milliliters.
To add or not to add ice to the drink is another reason for debate. It is believed that it should be added only to blended varieties, and more expensive single malt can, due to water, partially lose its aroma. There are other methods of use, but we recommend that you stick to the following. The drink itself needs to be cooled to about 18 degrees. If the whiskey is warmer, it can simply be smoked with alcohol. It is best to drink this alcohol in small sips, hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before a sip. Offering whiskey to guests, ice and other additives are best served separately so that everyone can decide for himself in which form he prefers the drink.
If you consider yourself a true gourmet and do not take supplements like ice or cola, the consumption algorithm is as follows. To begin with, the glass is simply brought to the mouth. It is necessary to inhale and feel the aroma of the drink. This is followed by a small sip, and the liquid in the mouth should fall into the sky. Further, small throats alternate with approximately two-minute pauses. Sometimes in feature films, you can see how a glass of whiskey is accompanied by a strong cigar. Due to the lack of such experience, we do not undertake to recommend anything, but for a person who appreciates the smoke of good tobacco, such a combination is quite acceptable.
Tandem
Separately, a few words about the most popular method of serving a drink in our country - whiskey and cola. The proportions with ice are usually the same as without cola. Where did such a tradition come from - add sweet sparkling water to noble alcohol? There is a beautiful story about how Cola was added to whiskey by members of the legendary Beatles. Perhaps this fact really took place in history, however, it is applicable to our realities, but rather, we are talking about the lack of a strict culture of drinking this drink and the low quality of alcohol available to a wide mass of consumers. In parallel with this, one can refer to ordinary stereotypes, because we love to repeat what the “tough guys” do in the movies and not only.
As for the cocktail recipe, it is extremely simple. In a whiskey glass with ice, you need to add about the same amount of cola and garnish it with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint. The cocktail is ready, served chilled. If this is the first acquaintance with the drink and it seems too strong, you can combine one share of whiskey with two shares of cola.
And under the game?
Again, if we talk about which appetizer is suitable for whiskey with ice and whether it is necessary to eat it at all, the opponents will surely be divided into two militant camps. Some will hoarse will prove that this is a drink for real gourmets. Say, it must be exclusively relished and in no case spoil the flavor of the snack. Others will object that whiskey belongs to the category of strong drinks, so you can and should have a bite to eat. Without claiming to be the ultimate truth, we will only offer products that can combine well with a particular type of alcohol. For example, single malt Scotch whiskey can be eaten with beef steak or game, and varieties “with a smoke” - lamb. For soft varieties, seafood or dark chocolate is suitable. There are more original options. So, in the United States quite often you can see how full sweet desserts are served to strong whiskey. What is called, for an amateur. However, the taste and color ...