SHOULD YOU HAVE WHISKY WITH ICE OVER SUMMER 2023?

Should you add ice to your whisky? This is one of the most controversial questions in the whisky world, akin to whether you should add cream or jam to your scone first! In this blog, we dive into the heart of this topic.

The Ice Dilemma: A Conundrum for the Ages

The Great Divide

The debate rages on—ice or no ice? A realm where personal preferences reign supreme. Advocates of ice argue that it lends a smoother and cleaner taste to the whisky, while staunch traditionalists consider it a cardinal sin. So, as the sun beams down, even seasoned enthusiasts might contemplate a cool touch to their cherished drink.

Balancing Act: Ice Lovers vs. Purists

This blog weighs up the pros and cons to adding ice to your whisky, empowering you to decide—should your whisky adventure include a rendezvous with ice this season?

The Case Against Whisky with Ice

Savouring the Nuances

Sipping whisky is an art of appreciation, and how you serve it can elevate its essence. Adding water can amplify flavours, enhancing the experience. But what about ice? After all, it’s just frozen water, right? The truth lies not in the water, but in the temperature. Think back to science class—the warmer, the faster the molecules dance; the cooler, the slower they groove. Yet, cooling whisky alters the delicate dance of flavours, depriving your taste buds of their full potential.

Warm Coke and Chilled Whisky

Ever had a lukewarm Coke? It’s worlds apart from its crisp, chilled version. Similarly, cold whisky dilutes its own potential. Just as warm soda overwhelms the palate, icy whisky underwhelms. The verdict? Spare your whisky from the ice this summer.

The Case for Whisky with Ice

Melting the Ice Barrier

Is the case against ice airtight? Not quite.

The ice tale shifts when you consider quantity. While an avalanche of ice dampens flavours, a mere one or two cubes can elevate your experience. These cubes delicately cool the whisky, and as they melt, unveil hidden aromas and nuances. Adding a touch of ice is akin to sprinkling a bit of water—a compromise that retains the whisky’s essence.

Elevating Your Whisky Game

Water: The Ultimate Ally

Elevating whisky’s nuances is an art, and water is your best accomplice. A few drops of water will help to seamlessly cut the strength of cask-strength whiskies while preserving their character.

In Conclusion

To cut to the point, the verdict is pretty simple: enjoy your whisky as you like it, no one can tell you otherwise. As the old saying goes, one man’s liquor is another man’s poison (aka what you might like someone else may think the total opposite!).

The the choice of whisky—ice or no ice—is yours. Your experience should mirror your desires. If summer breezes and the clink of ice beckon, relish in the moment. If your heart yearns for the traditional whisky journey, embrace the warmth. The whisky universe is vast, and each pour tells a personal tale. Cheers to you and your summer sips!