Whiskey (English whiskey or whiskey are different kinds) is the general name of strong aromatic alcoholic beverages obtained by distilling a fermented source wort prepared from water and various kinds of grain, sometimes using the processes of addition. The traditions of whiskey preparation come from Scotland and Ireland, whiskeys of decent quality are also produced in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and some other countries.
Whiskey must be aged in oak barrels (sometimes burned from the inside in a special way) for a long time, after which it is thoroughly filtered. In the preparation of whiskey can be used barley, wheat, rye or corn (individually or together). In Brittany make whiskey from buckwheat. The alcohol content in different whiskeys is from 32 to 50% (some varieties - up to 60%). The color of the whiskey can vary from pale straw yellow to reddish brown, sugar content is practically zero or extremely insignificant.
We will tell you how it is possible, with what it is better, how tasty and right it is to drink whiskey, what snack is suitable for this or that variety. Of course, these recommendations are more than conditional, everyone does as he likes because of individual taste preferences and own desires.
There are no special general rules, but it should be noted that a particularly expensive, long-lasting whiskey is usually drunk without anything, without eating or drinking. In the rest - every kind of whiskey is drunk in its own way. Sometimes ice, water, soda, cola and some other drinks are added to whiskey.
Whichever whiskey you drink, use capacious wide glasses with a thick bottom (not stacks). Fill the glass no more than 1 / 3-1 / 4 part. First we assess the smell and color, then we drink slowly in a few sips, if necessary, interrupt the process, assess the taste and aftertaste.
Scottish options
Scotch whiskey is drunk in any weather. Single-malt whiskey Scotch drink from large glasses with facets and a thick bottom, a glass of water or a bottle of water is served to the whiskey. Single malt whiskey is diluted with a little water.
Blended whiskey is drunk in pure form or with ice, in various cocktail mixtures.
Irish options
Since Irish whiskeys have a softer taste, they are usually drunk (sometimes with water or ice or in cocktails). The famous Irish version - Irish coffee (strong hot coffee with whiskey) - a wonderful drink for cold wet weather.
For the USA, corn whiskeys are more typical and popular (bourbon and some others). In America, they drink whiskey in their pure form, but more often - with the addition of water, ice and / or cola. Sometimes whiskey is drunk with apple juice or with some other juices.
In Canada, produce decent varieties of rye whiskey, to taste these drinks are slightly softer than bourbon, they are normally drunk in pure form.
Jack Daniels - a unique sort of long-lasting bourbon with a rich, noble, mild taste, is usually drunk. If you want to dilute, you can use apple or lemon juice, you can add a cube and another ice.
General rules for choosing whiskey snacks
It is clear that when we drink inexpensive varieties of whiskey in quantities of more than 2 servings, you want to have a snack, this is normal and natural. In the selection of snacks should be guided by the variety and traditional compatibility
To American varieties, dishes from turkey, pork, beef, polenta, tortilla from corn flour are more suitable. It is also appropriate to serve pumpkin or other fruit pie, rice, fruit, fruit juices. Under good grades, chocolate, nuts, snacks will do.
To Japanese whiskey, of course, dishes of Japanese cuisine will suit.