Q. Should single malt scotch be served a special way?
A. Some popular ways to drink single malts are: straight up, over ice, or with a splash of water or club soda. The addition of carbonated mixers is generally considered to interfere with the qualities of the scotch.
Q. What is a snifter glass and how do I use it?
A. A snifter is a short-stemmed glass whose main vessel has a wide bottom that narrows at the top. The large surface area allows you to swirl the spirit and gather the aromas around the rim.
Q. What is the proper way to taste scotch?
A. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind when tasting scotch:
The Nose
Take note of the tingle you get at the back of your nose when you first sniff scotch.
The Aroma
Next, swirl the scotch in a glass and sniff it carefully. Evaluate its intensity and complexity. Now, add water, little by little until any nose prickle disappears.
The Mouth Feel
Take a sip large enough to coat your tongue. What is the intensity and texture of the scotch?
The Taste
Take another sip. What is the balance of sweetness and saltiness? How sour is it? Is it creamy or dry?
The Overall Flavor
The mark of a good scotch is balance. Make sure the flavor balances its aroma. One should not overpower the other.
The Finish
This is the length of time the flavor of the scotch remains after swallowing. Pay attention to how pleasant it
is and what feelings change in your mouth.
Q. How many brands of scotch whisky are there?
A. More than 2,500 brands of scotch whisky are sold all over the world.
Q. What are the best blends?
A. This is entirely a matter of taste. All the well-known brands on the market are blended
by experts with many years experience.
For a complete list of scotch available at the New Hampshire State Liquor & Wine Outlets
click here.
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