The Iceman Cometh To Whiskey Drinking
THE ICEMAN COMETH TO WHISKEY DRINKING
While some people enjoy drinking their bourbon neat, many prefer it with ice. Let’s discuss the importance of ice when drinking premium bourbon expressions like Varchas Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Varchas Straight Rye Whiskey, and how it enhances the experience.
One of the most significant benefits of adding ice to bourbon is that it helps bring out the subtle flavors and aromas that are present in the whiskey. When bourbon is chilled, it can become slightly thicker, which can help to release the volatile compounds that give the whiskey its unique flavors and aromas.
By adding ice to bourbon, you can experience the full range of flavors and aromas that the whiskey has to offer. That may seem contrary to one’s instincts—“Wouldn’t I get the full flavor profile drinking it neat?. But it is true.
Varchas Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Bourbon Rye do not have an especially high alcohol content, because we want it to go down smooth whether you drink it neat or on the rocks. We still think it is best, though, with at least a few ice cubes, or one large ice cube. With higher-proof whiskies, like Varchas Reserve 102, ice can also help to balance out the heat and spice that is often present in high-proof bourbons.
Of course, some people just prefer their whiskey chilled because they do.
Finally, adding ice to your bourbon can help to create a more enjoyable drinking experience. Many people enjoy sipping on a cold, refreshing drink, especially on a hot day. By adding ice to your bourbon, you can create a chilled, refreshing cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a summer afternoon or evening.
Whether you prefer your bourbon neat or on the rocks, it is ultimately up to personal preference.
Now, about the ice you are using…
Large round ice cubes have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the world of cocktails and spirits. When it comes to bourbon, using large round ice cubes can have several benefits that can enhance your drinking experience.
Take the time to make clear ice in your home bar.
First and foremost, large round ice cubes can help to keep your bourbon colder for longer. When you use small ice cubes, they tend to melt more quickly, which can dilute your drink and impact its flavor before you finish the glass. In contrast, large round ice cubes have a lower surface area to volume ratio, which means that they melt more slowly and keep your bourbon colder without watering it down as quickly.
Another benefit of using large round ice cubes is that they can provide a more aesthetic appeal to your drink. The large, crystal-clear ice cube can be a visually stunning addition to your glass of bourbon and can make for an impressive presentation.
Additionally, because the ice melts more slowly, it can create an interesting and dynamic drinking experience as the bourbon gradually opens up and changes as the ice melts.
How do you get crystal clear ice? It’s pretty simple. Buy some gallon jugs of distilled water, put it in a kettle to boil, and fill your ice trays or molds with it. When it freezes, you should have beautiful crystal-clear ice.
Ice Without Water
If you want your Bourbon cold without any melting ice, you can try whiskey stones, which Shankar Distillers sells at our merchandise shop. Whisky stones are small, soapstone cubes that are designed to be used in place of ice when chilling whisky.
Whisky stones are designed to be reused. Once they have been used, they can be rinsed off and stored in the freezer until they are needed again. Whisky stones can be chilled in the freezer in a matter of hours, which means that they can be ready to use whenever you want to enjoy a cold drink.
While whisky stones are primarily designed for use with whisky, they can also be used with other spirits or non-alcoholic drinks that you may want to chill without dilution.
Whiskey stones will keep your whiskey chill without adding ice if ice is not your thing
A sip, a dram or a glass of Bourbon or Rye straight or mixed is one of life’s great pleasures. A bit of ice or cold stones added to the experience only makes it better. But mind your ice. Making ice from unfiltered tap water, for example, will add chemicals and impurities–like chlorine and fluoride, which are added to municipal water supplies for other benefits—that will alter the purity of the spirit’s expression.
When it comes to water and ice…be as pure as you can.
