If you do add water, how much?

[GrainReaper]

I use a river rock in my brewing to hold my hop bag weighted down, comparing head to head batches one with the stone, one with a big glass marble, there is a better flavor profile from the stone beer due to mineral additions... I wonder if the whiskey stones add anything to the whiskey, anyone have a highly tuned tastebuds and some whiskey stones that would be willing to do some blind tasting?

[MGMorrison]

Lagavulin, neat.
Perhaps a Dalwhiinie after dinner with a drop of water.

An earlier poster mentioned the "angels share" - haven't heard that phrase since my my father died.

He often said the highland distilleries lost 2% of their product every year to the "angels share" - evaporation.

[craigclan]

One single cube is good for me

[Couper]

The addition of a drop, or a few drops, of water is to disrupt the surface tension of the liquid and allow the scotch (or other fine whisky/whiskey) to "breathe" at bit, releasing more of the gasses (aroma, bouquet, nose). That, in itself may alter the taste a bit. I always try my Scotch and fine bourbons both ways to determine what I like the best with any new bottle (or dram at a local tavern).

[DyerStraits]

We usually drink Old Pulteney or Aberfeldy twelve year from a nosing glass with no ice and maybe a teaspoon of water added. After it sits for a few minutes I think it opens it up and makes it bloom to a more flavorful smell and taste. Some other brands, maybe more water, maybe less, depending on prior experiments and just what we happened to like best. With the cheaper blends, usually on the rocks with a splash, as they often just don't have that much aroma to enjoy and make a big deal out of. We've found that one of the best ways to avoid overdoing consumption is to get the most out of it when you do have some. And don't underestimate the importance of the proper glass. If you intend to enjoy sipping it, it can make a surprising difference in how you experience the flavors.

Aye, a proper nosing glass is essential, much like a good snifter with Cognac or Armagnac....

[Jack Daw]

You can also buy whisky stones if you want it cold, but not diluted. You just have to remember not to try chewing them.

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/set-of...-rocks/s135377



I've kind of noticed though that the best way to diminish the flavors of good Scotch is to chill it.

This is what I do. I drink my whisky neat because water dilutes the taste, as far as I'm concerned. I bought my stones from Sur La Table on a lark.

[IsaacW]

I don't do nosing glasses.

Most often I drink with water... usually a couple drops, more if I am having a pipe and feel like more water is needed. Sometimes, it is neat... depends on what I am doing, what I am drinking, and how I feel.

Also, the type of whisky depends greatly on a variety of things. In Autumn and Winter I like an Islay. Summertime, I am more for Speysides.

[DyerStraits]

I don't do nosing glasses.

Most often I drink with water... usually a couple drops, more if I am having a pipe and feel like more water is needed. Sometimes, it is neat... depends on what I am doing, what I am drinking, and how I feel.

Also, the type of whisky depends greatly on a variety of things. In Autumn and Winter I like an Islay. Summertime, I am more for Speysides.

My whisky choice is often also dependent on the seasons (in a beer-like sort of way), and in warm weather I enjoy the grassy, herbal, citrus qualities--and the generally lighter "body"--of the Lowland Malts.

[PipeFuzz]

I tend to all of my single malts, neat.

As for the blends, my preference is to pour them straight into the lawnmower where they belong.

Best,

Fuzz

[Liam]

I tend to all of my single malts, neat.

As for the blends, my preference is to pour them straight into the lawnmower where they belong.

Best,

Fuzz

Now, now....
Blended malt whisky is defined as pure malt whisky from more than one distillery, as opposed to single malt which is a blend of malts from one distillery.
There are fine examples of blended scotch whisky - think Johnny Walker Green Label.
Unless you are drinking single cask whisky, you are drinking blended whisky, and even these are usually "blended" with water to dilute them to Closer to 40 % alc./vol. and often Carmel colouring is added to achieve what the marketer thinks is the most pleasing look.
Slainte...