Should I Add Water or Ice to my Scotch Whisky - Whisky University

[@tjazzmcneil5514]

I love how he makes the distinction between enjoying and appreciating.

[@El.dude97]

In other words: if we’re talking wells, just enjoy it

[@TheNeonRabbit]

I like this guy. He's knowledgeable without coming off snobby.

[@brownpunk1794]

Exactly..a rare combo..most ppl are either cocky or dont know how to explain..this guy is on point

[@ItsRud1]

That stache distills its own scotch.

[@raizumichin]

Differentiating between appreciating and merely enjoying is something I hadn't though of. Great way to explain being a spirits geek.

[@cutlerylover]

fantastic explanation thank you!

[@Sorrowsoul]

I must admit I enjoy listening to this man talk. His accent and his soft tones of voice make me pay more attention to what he's trying to teach.

[@Cypeq]

1:45 lol don't ever forget to spill when swirling it's very important for full appreciation.

[@JacStance]

That makes his point all the more valid; that was the straight-sided glass, it's not optimized for swirling like the nosing glass is.

[@Ayesuku]

Best video I've seen regarding the use of ice and/or water in scotch. Very informative and helpful.

[@Cocktailnyymi]

I work at a saloon bar which stocks a lot of whiskies of different types. When we give our customer a whisky and a glass of water on the side, some have asked "why the water?" What I've done is pretty much explain this clip to them. For some, I've even told them to see this video. It is so good.

[@marioasmrsvlogvideos3821]

His voice is so deep and nice, i like how he said drink whiskey how you like

[@michaelwestmoreland2530]

I was taken aback when he said basically "Your way is the right way." I was expecting "If you add ice to whiskey, you're basically what's wrong with the world." But no. Bravo. Also yes, more of this guy. Man's voice is the audio version of a smooth single malt. Also, honestly you could make an entire video SERIES on the difference between enjoyment and appreciation. VERY insightful. Glad I found this place.

[@Akhil2481]

learnt a valuable lesson in life - I will never ever ever add too much water my whisky...thanks!

[@ezralimm]

This guy. White Morgan Freeman. I could watch nature documentaries narrated by him... I hate nature documentaries.

[@jasonroberge6336]

lol

[@MrRed183]

I suggest looking up David Attenborough

[@rohan9621]

+AscendantJim bot even considerable

[@thatsclassified1353]

good voice, mellow, calming

[@paulboucher9663]

@@MrRed183 Amen to that!!! Living Legend Mr. Attenborough

[@gourmander]

the Glencairn glass is perfect for swirling and smelling the whisky, as you show in this video. Im glad to see another whisky enthusiast on youtube

[@Ricobaca]

this guy just gave my mind a massage by talking

[@michaelmilsom9518]

The most helpful and clear explanation I've ever heard on the topic. Thank you.

[@nathanielberry4965]

Honestly this is a great guide. No belittling "expert". No frat boy just drinking to get drunk. Just a man telling you how the fuck to drink a glass of whisky.

[@saulcoward9049]

I fell in love when he said rain on dry grass, what a voice

[@pariketpatel5310]

So are we just going to ignore the dude's killer mustache?!?

[@brownpunk1794]

Looks legendary .a bit 70s porn tho

[@RictusMetallicus]

Yes. If i want to see a moustache, i'm gonna watch a seventies porn flick

[@Aramis7]

man, I love the internet

[@SingleMaltTv]

@luc137 No problem......and I think everyone is in agreement that you should drink it however you enjoy it, keeping in mind there are ways to get full "appreciation" of all the flavors and aroma's when you do follow the "rules"...but yeah...not necessary...many of us at SMTV use ice in different ways and still enjoyable. Thanks for the comment.

[@TheVirtuoso883]

Richard Paterson will in his own words "kill ya" and if a respectable barman serves in ice, you throw it every where ...that guy is my spirit animal, so funny. "You bring it to the nose, hello....sniff ..... how are you...sniff....quite well thank you very much...."

[@neurodivtries4101]

Adam Purcell lol

[@melvyniandrag]

took a lesson from richard patterson at 1:46

[@TheVirtuoso883]

i only just noticed he sloshed it all over his desk now you mentioned it haha brilliant

[@darylcatpiss]

Melvyn Drag Richard Patterson would kill this guy for the way he's spinning them glasses instead of a slow swirl

[@notmedude]

the voice got some base maaaan

[@SingleMaltTv]

@luc137 well not exactly all the time...especially when talking about expensive premium spirits. But you are right that everyone should enjoy it as they see fit. Thanks for the comment.

[@davidcarton6064]

Less than a minute in and he has already gotten to the heart of the matter. Excellent video.

[@rishiray]

I completely like listening to him and his tones ...

[@jimgbowman111]

When I go into a bar I ask for the most inexpensive blended whiskey. They usually give me Jameson Irish Whiskey (which just happens to be my favorite) I ask for a quadruple shot over ice with soda to top it off. Delicious and refreshing.

[@rogerhage1377]

Drink the SOB the way you want I love your advice and methods keep up the great work

[@GeekbayNet]

Best explanation!

[@tonypepperoni3157]

This is the most soothing , validating and well articulated videos about this topic

[@kristianhermann5971]

Thanks - I've tried all my whiskeys neat, with water, and with ice, and found it depends on the whiskey - I tailor my serving to the individual whiskey now - on ice, it should never be >1 cube IMO - experimenting is key

[@raghavendrahallur]

Thank you so much for making this video. I always had this doubt

[@vision3012]

This is the best job ever, making tutorial on drinks😉

[@SingleMaltTv]

@forgedpiston1 Hi back to you. Cannot think of a better way to spend an afternoon/evening than sipping a singlemalt on the island of Crete. Best wishes. Cheers.

[@devinewind22]

I couldn't agree more. It's honestly because of Charlie that I'm starting to get into Whiskey and starting my journey on HOW to taste. This has changed how I look at all drinks. I'm even enjoying Root Beer more than I did before. Thanks for changing my life for the better Charlie.

[@trailchoco]

Hey!....snifff...Hello!.....Sniff....how are?

[@oaa2848]

You mean the other boring mustach man hello niff how are u take a sip where were u 😂😂👍🏼🥃

[@tottenhambulldogs9444]

OZ and throws half the bottle away

[@oaa2848]

Ewan Burke yes for sure he threw about 90% of it away 🤣💊

[@saurabhvimal1008]

Ahaha

[@SingleMaltTv]

Sincere thanks for the comment.

[@SingleMaltTv]

@cutlerylover Glad you liked it and thanks for the comment.

[@SingleMaltTv]

@jkitsunej Sincere thanks for your comment. Yes Charlie knows his stuff, he is the foremost authority on whisky in the world and has been doing it for quite a while. We will be sure to pass your comment on to Charlie...he will appreciate it. Many thanks. Cheers.

[@bboyFrost97]

Very very good, found what i was searching for, alot of videos look goofy but this is well done

[@supertony4738]

I add both. Taste really nice.

[@rogerhage1377]

Love the video great tips and advice on the advice discovering new ways to enjoy my whiskey

[@ThePeacefulPenguin]

incredibly humble and charming fella!

[@SingleMaltTv]

@Shumshedi Thank you for the comment..it is appreciated.

[@acerolavermelhinha1525]

I dont like whisky but your video attracted my attention ! Very good thanks

[@SapanJani]

Love yr voice Sir...very soft & clear...

[@crs2385]

I defenintely drink whisky for the enjoyment rather than connoisseur the different flavours. That's not to say i never connoisseur it, but most of the time i love it as a drink to enjoy which i why i have it on the rocks. Johnnie Walker Blue Label is lovely on the rocks

[@caseyash4909]

An expert but not a snob ... appreciate sometimes, other times have an enjoyable drink. What can you say ... perfect attitude.

[@SingleMaltTv]

@Unlimited1Ups Thanks for the comment...appreciated.

[@SingleMaltTv]

@Shagrathgresham Thank you for your thoughtful comment..appreciated.

[@SingleMaltTv]

Thank you for your comment. We will see that it is passed on to Charlie. He is passionate and loves his job. His knowledge is encyclopedic. Thank you for the comment.

[@sethvicious]

Possibly the coolest, classiest accent I have ever heard.

[@jordanaug81]

I usually do one small glass JW Black neat and then ice on the second. The ice will destroy any sophistication but damn does it go down nicely.

[@sabakag]

Great video. But for some reason the other expert on other channel said that it's not right to put the nose in the glass. You should hold the glass under your chin then you smell. Wonder who's right.

[@brocknspectre1221]

Thank you, I’ve been enjoying your channel. Truly, my favorite way to drink whiskey is to be out hiking on a winter’s night here in Vermont when the full moon lights up the snow and temperatures are so cold that Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same number, taking a sip from a flask that’s kept warm under your parka, is like drinking a little bit of god.

[@theganster3]

very nice to make the difference beetween enjoyment and appreciation

[@andycarr9722]

yep. little bit of water. That's all you need. when I was younger I always had a malt with ice. but now I only add water

[@TCGTherapy]

I've been drinking whisky for years, and only now do I actually appreciate it! Thank you so much!

[@di333]

your accent. your accent is just... breath taking D;

[@hendrik7368]

He sounds like Christopher Hitchens, really really smooth voice.

[@seukfuhi]

Thanks to you, Sir MacLean, I have discovered whisky. May God be with you.

[@MansMan42069]

This is ASMR playlist worthy.

[@SingleMaltTv]

It has been suggested for all Charlie's videos

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Yes!! Like rain on dry grass. Perfect. Ice is an absolute NO.

[@shakeyfly]

Finally.. a Non pretentious person laying it down how it is. "Drink it how you like it... but this helps in smelling and tasting." BOOM. I'm subscribing....

[@jaycareaga9929]

Bourbon distillers actually recommend a couple of cubes of ice to open it up.

[@vladtheimpaler1570]

Adding more whisky.

[@youfoolwarrenisdead6400]

Simple. If the whisk(e)y is really bad, add ice.

[@GeorgeKnew]

Simple. Don't buy bad whisky. ;-) Plenty of inexpensive decent whiskys out there, no need to drink bad ones. Scotch: Teacher's at $16.99 Bourbon: Jim Beam or Evan Williams $12.99 Canadian: Black velvet or R&R Less than $9.99

[@bernardoriper5127]

That's an USA thing... Here in Brazil, the decent whiskys, like 'Jack Daniels', are very very expensive even for the average brazilian.

[@GeorgeKnew]

Bernardo: I wonder if you could have it shipped in... for less?

[@airespatricio4919]

Nice and smooth explanation

[@SingleMaltTv]

Aires Patrício thank you for your comment and feedback. Appreciated.

[@dipakkhetani9781]

Nice Video Sir. Thanks 4 Information and Sharing.

[@linzynhs3747]

Am a whisky fan tho can't drink it neat. I pour some, then try it neat and smell the aroma. Am gonna get some whisky glasses.

[@davindersidhu3727]

love u sir. u rocks. simple. worthful. practical. factual. thnx.

[@keithowenharvey]

@Unlimited1Ups Great Video. Simple well explained and straight to the point.

[@twowheeledsmurph]

Charlie MacLean - you're a god of the Scotch. And we may be related! Perhaps we'll meet one day at Duart Castle on Mull with the rest of the MacLean clan and taste some Whisky.

[@NoOne56488]

I find when i add one small ice cube it opens up my whisky's. ( It's the same as adding a small bit of water ) You need to bring whisky down to around 35% in order for it not to burn, you should never drink a whisky that burns when you sallow or it ruins the taste etc. I still haven't found a whisky where i can drink it neat (straight) without it burning my mouth to stomach.

[@Dee_Cee227]

FurIouS19811 Try Johnny walker blue label neat

[@SingleMaltTv]

Good point...also Platinum, Yamazaki 18 and Glenlivet 21

[@tudvalstone]

The thing is, ice needs to be ice-cold, I would actually pour some from the ice filled glass. One cube of ice will not close down the whisky, if you have at least 1 ounce, but the problem is, you have a variable quantity of water melting from the cube, so you cannot get the perfect proportion you like. .

[@LevitatorMusic]

the thing about adding ice is as the ice melts it keeps adding more and more water to your drink so essentially every drink will be different from the last. Could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you're drinking

[@rogerdracks1880]

Wonderful way of explaining

[@bernardoriper5127]

1:46 this pretty much explains the correct glass used

[@TheJusnic82]

I add water to all my scotch....whether it be 60% apv or 40%.....not adding water is just missing out on flavours....best to add VERY little to start as too much water can ruin a whisky.Room temperature water. After adding water don't "rush" into it either...

[@magnusbruce4051]

+TheJusnic82 I almost always do the same, although usually I will have a small sip undiluted. Sometimes a whisky may be smooth enough that I don't feel I need to dilute it (Glenlivet 12 is the example that springs to mind first). It is fair of Mr MacLean to say if you're just wanting to enjoy a drink, put it whatever you like, however I get no enjoyment from adding anything other than water to a single malt. If I want a whisky for drinking with coke I'll get a bottle of Teachers or Whyte and Mackay. On a related note my heart skipped a good few beats when I saw my Greek friend mix some of my Dalmore with coke on Burns Night as she didn't like it and then later realised I had a really cheap bottle of whisky I bought for cooking in the next room :|

[@luc137]

@SingleMaltTv Didn't mean to be rude in my comment. Jim Murray wrote in one of his books that whisky was made for the mankind to enjoy the way they want it, not for "snobbism". I do agree with him. Same thing happens when people talk about wines. There should be no "rituals" or "rules" for drinking. And, by the way, most of the people cannot even get closer to a bottle of these expensives single malts.

[@SingleMaltTv]

@keithowenharvey Thanks appreciate the comment.

[@BrandonM.N]

I could listen to him talk for hours and hours

[@mark-andrehenault7158]

Long time scotch amateur here. Drink it however you like. What matters is enjoying the drink.

[@El.dude97]

I like how he says “appreciation”

[@article1598]

You sir have an amazing stache.

[@jenflights]

Excellent....thanks and regards, Jen

[@FenderSchonJPX]

What do you think of the Norlan Whisky Glasses? A new twist on an old concept. I have a couple and think they are fantastic. Notice a distinct difference between them and a Glencairn Glass.

[@SingleMaltTv]

I find the finer the glass the better the whisky tastes...probably in my mind more than anything but hey.... When we taste for blending notes for the various distilleries we use a Copita, which you see in all the videos. They are much finer glassware and definitely enhance the tasting experience.

[@wirelessone2986]

This is the Obi-Wan of Scotch Whisky...I think I saw a lite sabre on his belt...but he is saving that for another lesson!

[@sims22ful]

Do u drink whiskey with smokin cigar?? Wow no wonder paticularly ur voice seems like that..so incredible. .

[@thatdanhill]

A British Optimus Prime?

[@randyhudson8243]

I myself smoked a Partags no.10 last evening with a Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

[@TBStudios91]

I don't even drink Whisky, but I could listen to him for a day

[@slickstrings]

There should be a disclaimer on the mixing thing. If you like adding coke or soda, do it with a whisky that is meant for it. Walker red or something. Do not dare kill a more sophisticated whisky by adding mixers. Thats wasting something that someone else could enjoy.

[@Dracobyte]

Awesome explanation!

[@skim7x]

Great video and I really enjoyed watching it.

[@Adallace]

It's very nice to see a scotch authority who is not quite pretentious.

[@anthonyrooster]

great video very informative thank you.. i like how you encouraged people to drink how they enjoyed it and THEN gave the correct way to drink scotch

[@MightyJustas]

I like this guy. Makes me want to go to the bar and order some whiskey

[@greatthings4US]

Enjoy pure whisky. Nothing else. Enjoy with a little water....... or, "enjoy" with ice..... The KEY is to "ENJOY" it....... Peace

[@cgavin1]

I always use ice. It melts. I'm usually in front of a fire or in a warm room. I get the full flavour (and nose) from muted to full on then. I would never drink fine scotch neat.

[@kevinmcginty4522]

Does the type of water matter? tap, distilled, filtered, does the temp of the water matter, cold or room temperature?

[@ZenAndPsychedelicHealingCenter]

Not too cold, room temperature or slightly chilled is my preference at least. As for the type of water, decent spring water, if you can get it, that isn't too strongly flavoured, or some plain, filtered tap water.

[@davy_K]

Great advice. Great voice.

[@aaditya9090]

Well i think that applies for expensive whiskey like single malt type