How To Drink Whiskey | Whiskey Guide | Johnnie Walker US (2024)

What is the best way to drink whisky?

How to drink Whiskey

Drinking whiskey is a personal experience - there's no right or wrong way to drink whiskey as long as you savor the flavor. However, there are some ways to enhance your appreciation. Try experimenting with different glasses, serving temperatures, and adding water or a mixer. Get creative and mix up a whiskey co*cktail. Ultimately, only you can decide the best way to enjoy your whiskey. Here are our few tips to help you get started.

A guide to whisky tasting

How To Drink Whiskey | Whiskey Guide | Johnnie Walker US (1)

1. Choose your glass01/04

For neat whisky, make it a tumbler (a short glass with a heavy bottom). For long whisky drinks, use a highball glass that’s tall, slim and straight-sided.

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2. Inhale the scent02/04

A huge part of the flavor of food and drink comes from the way it smells – and whisky is no exception. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma.

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3. Savor the taste03/04

Take a sip and allow the whisky to roll over your tongue, before letting it slip smoothly down.

4. Take your time04/04

See what flavors you recognize – some will be unique, or come across stronger, to you. Try discussing what you can taste with friends.

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How to drink whisky in co*cktails

Whisky has a whole range of flavors, textures and scents, which means it works well in many different ways. You can get creative and try it with unexpected pairings in a Highball co*cktail. Or stick to classic co*cktails like a Whisky Sour and Scotch Old Fashioned to bring out a complex flavor profile. Whether you like your co*cktail sweet, spicy, sour or bitter, whisky makes a perfect base.

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Common tasting questions

  • Is it better to drink whisky neat or with water?

    Both have their benefits. The simplest way to enjoy your whisky is neat, cleansing your palate with cool water between sips. Some people also add a few drops of water to their whisky, which can open up the flavors as the liquids combine. Experiment to see what works for you, but go slowly. Don’t add too much water at once.

  • Should I drink whisky with ice?

    Adding ice to Scotch instantly makes for a more refreshing experience, but it can also significantly change the flavor as it dilutes the whisky. To find a balance that works for you, consider the amount and shape of the ice, as well as the measure of whisky. The more ice in the glass or the bigger the cube, the slower it’ll melt. And the impact will be greater on a single measure than a double.

  • Should I ever drink whisky with a mixer?

    Combining Scotch with a mixer is a good way to ease yourself into the world of whisky, without compromising on flavor. And it lets you experience whisky paired with unexpected flavors. Try it in a Highball co*cktail: simply fill a tall glass with ice, add a measure of your favorite Label, then top with your mixer of choice and a garnish. Nothing’s off the table – from classic ginger ale to sweet iced tea to elderflower cordial.

How To Drink Whiskey | Whiskey Guide | Johnnie Walker US (2024)

FAQs

How To Drink Whiskey | Whiskey Guide | Johnnie Walker US? ›

The simplest way to enjoy your whisky is neat, cleansing your palate with cool water between sips. Some people also add a few drops of water to their whisky, which can open up the flavors as the liquids combine. Experiment to see what works for you, but go slowly. Don't add too much water at once.

How is Johnnie Walker served? ›

Preparation. Pour 50ml Johnnie Walker blue label in a Rocks Glass. Serve 50ml of Water in an Ice-filled Rocks Glass on the side.

How best to drink Johnnie Walker Blue? ›

Savour this smooth, rich and rare blend from Johnnie Walker, served accompanied by a glass of chilled water on the side to reveal a symphony of powerful flavours including dried fruit, dark chocolate and rich spice flavours.

What to mix with Johnnie Walker? ›

As a result, the best mixers for Johnnie Walker Black label are citrus-based sodas and mineral tonics. Is Johnnie Walker good with ginger ale? A favourite for whisky fans, the Johnnie Walker Ginger Highball is the best example of using Black Label with ginger ale.

Can you drink Johnnie Walker red straight? ›

One of the best ways to appreciate the flavors of Johnnie Walker Red Label is to enjoy it neat. Pour a measure of the whisky into a clean, high-quality glass, and take a moment to appreciate its aroma. Then, take a small sip and let the whisky linger on your palate.

How do you serve Johnnie Walker? ›

The simplest way to enjoy your whisky is neat, cleansing your palate with cool water between sips. Some people also add a few drops of water to their whisky, which can open up the flavors as the liquids combine. Experiment to see what works for you, but go slowly. Don't add too much water at once.

How to drink Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky? ›

Method
  1. I. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
  2. II. Add 25 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label.
  3. III. Add 75 ml soda water or fill to the top.
  4. IV. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

What is a good mix with Johnnie Walker? ›

Johnnie & Blood Orange Highball

The Highball drink is simply one part Johnnie, three parts mixer, fresh garnish and lots of ice. It's inviting and easy-going, an explosion of flavor you only get from the bold taste of Johnnie Walker paired with the sweet, floral, fruity or fiery.

How to order Johnnie Walker at a bar? ›

11 WAYS TO ORDER YOUR WHISKEY: BASICS
  1. 1) On the Rocks: Served over ice.
  2. 2) Neat: Served without ice (meant to be sipped)
  3. 3) Up: Stirred with ice and then strained into a chilled stemware co*cktail glass (this would be appropriate if you order a whiskey-based martini like a Manhattan)

Is Johnnie Walker good with co*ke? ›

Enjoy the spicy and refreshing taste of Johnnie Walker Red Label with the added sweetness of cola.

Should Johnnie Walker be chilled? ›

Savour the best way to enjoy the rich, complex and full-bodied flavours of Johnnie Walker Black Label, chilled by ice.

Is Johnnie Walker a sipping whiskey? ›

Johnnie Walker Black Label is one of life's true icons. A masterful blend of single malt and grain whiskies from across Scotland, aged for at least 12 years. The result is a timeless classic with depth and balance of flavor. Drink it with ice, neat or in a Highball.

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