5 Best Ways to Drink Scotch Whisky

If you’re new to Scotch whisky or you’re looking for new ways to spice up your drinking experience, you’ve come to the right place.

Whisky can be enjoyed in many ways; however, there are a few dos and donts for getting the most out of your experience. 

While there’s no wrong way to drink whisky per se, our guide will walk you through six ways to ensure a delicious drinking experience. So kick back and relax with a dram as we open up new doors for whisky tasting.

What is Scotch Whisky?

Scotch whisky originates from Scotland, but it’s beloved by whisky enthusiasts across the globe. 

This distilled alcoholic beverage is made from water, yeast, and malted barley. The production of Scotch whisky is highly regulated to maintain its quality and authenticity. 

The distinctive taste of Scottish whisky is influenced by the distillation process, the grains used, and the type of cask used for maturation. 

There are five main whisky-producing regions in Scotland:

• Highland
• Lowland
• Islay
• Speyside 
• Campbeltown

1. Enjoy it Neat or With a Splash of Water

The easiest way to enjoy Scotch whisky is by drinking it neat or adding a splash of water. 

Alternatively, you could drink it neat and have a glass of water on hand to cleanse your palate after every sip. Water helps to diminish whisky burn, making it easier to handle.

Not only does it diminish the burn, but water opens up the complex flavours and aromas of Scotch whisky. We recommended drinking out of a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aroma of the whisky.

2. On the Rocks (or Not)

If you prefer a drink with a more subtle taste, Scotch whisky on the rocks is ideal. 

Adding ice can dilute the flavour, making it less strong and intoxicating to drink. This also makes the drink colder, adding a fresh and cool touch to each sip.

You can experiment with and without ice to see which one you prefer. If you would like to taste each flavour in the whisky, we suggest drinking it at room temperature. 

Whisky stones are a great substitute for those who want to enjoy a chilled beverage without diluting the flavour. Made from materials like soapstone or stainless steel, whisky stones can be placed in the freezer and then added to a glass of Scotch to cool it down.

3. In a Classic Whisky Cocktail

What better way to enjoy your favourite whisky than creating a delicious cocktail?

This is perfect for those who love experimenting with various flavours, concocting their ideal drink. There are a few popular whisky cocktails that work well with Scotch whisky. This includes:

• Whisky Sour: This timeless cocktail includes Scotch whisky, lemon juice, pure cane syrup, and egg white. Shake it with ice afterwards for intense flavours and a refreshing drink.
• Rob Roy: This Scotch take on classic Manhattan involves combining Scotch whisky with sweet vermouth and a couple of dashes of bitters. Once mixed, stir it with ice and strain it into a chilled glass. 
• Scotch Whisky Highball: This is a lighter and more refreshing cocktail featuring Scotch whisky, ginger ale, or soda water over ice. You can also add a wedge of lime for a subtle tang. 

4. Experiment with Whisky Pairings

Scotch whisky is best enjoyed alongside a delicious meal or snack. However, certain pairings have become popular for Scotch whisky, one of which is whisky and cheese. 

A light, floral Scotch from the Lowlands pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert. Strong cheeses like mature cheddar or blue cheese blend well with bold or smoky Islay Scotch. 

Whisky and chocolate are another fan-favourite pairing. Speyside scotch, with its hints of honey and vanilla, works well with milk chocolate. Opt for dark, bitter chocolate when drinking a whisky with strong notes of coffee, spices, or smoke.

If you’re a seafood lover, try a light-peated Speyside malt with salmon. For those who enjoy fresh oysters, a smoky Islay Scotch will highlight the dish's natural saltiness.

5. Scotch Whisky in Food Recipes

Scotch isn’t only consumed by drinking neat or adding it to cocktails. It’s also a great addition to many food recipes, including meats, desserts, and stews.

Here are some new ideas to try out in the kitchen:

• Whisky-glazed chicken or ribs: For a caramelised coating for your ribs, create a glaze using Scotch whisky, brown sugar, mustard, and a hint of chilli. 
• Beef stew: A shot of Scotch whisky enhances the savoury flavours of beef stew. The whisky's peaty tones combine beautifully with the soft bits of beef and root vegetables to create a hearty and flavourful stew.
• Whisky-infused chocolate truffles: To enhance the rich, smooth chocolate, add a touch of Scotch whisky to the truffle filling. This balances the sweetness with a hint of smokiness.

Explore Our Collection of Old and Rare Scotch Whisky

Dive into the world of old and rare Scotch whiskey’s with the Whisky Tasting Company. 

Our carefully curated selection of whisky-tasting kits brings you some of the finest and most distinguished Scotch whiskies.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast looking to expand your collection or a curious beginner eager to explore, our range offers something for every palate.