The Art of Bourbon Tasting
When it comes to bourbon tasting, enthusiasts and newcomers alike are often curious about the best ways to savor this rich, amber spirit. Whether your preference leans towards enjoying it in bourbon cocktails or you proclaim yourself among the dedicated bourbon connoisseurs, understanding the nuances of bourbon tasting can significantly enhance your drinking experience.
Exploring Bourbon Neat or with a Splash of Water
The debate on whether bourbon should be enjoyed neat or with water is as old as the spirit itself. According to experts like Executive Bourbon Steward Chris Blatner, the decision is profoundly personal. Starting with bourbon neat, without any dilution, allows you to appreciate its unaltered essence. However, for those over 100 proof bourbons, Blatner suggests experimenting by adding water or a large ice cube. The reasoning? Water can unveil hidden flavors and aromas by diluting the whiskey’s strength, making the tasting experience more approachable and enjoyable for some.
Bourbon and Water: A Symphony of Flavors
If you lean towards adding water, do consider the quality of water you’re using. It may come as a surprise, but common tap water, with its chlorine and fluoride content, could potentially affect the flavor of bourbon. Thus, for those pivotal tasting moments, purified or distilled water and ice cubes made from it are recommended by bourbon connoisseurs and distillers alike. By ensuring purity, you’re able to fully appreciate bourbon’s complex profile without unintentional alterations.
Why Consider Purified Water?
The goal of adding a bit of water to your bourbon is to uncover layers of flavor without overpowering its distinctive character. A simple method is adding a few drops from a straw to a neat pour, allowing for a customizable tasting experience. After all, as Blatner asserts, the purest experience may well be to enjoy bourbon as bottled by the producer, reveling in its true character.
Enjoying Bourbon Cocktails
While the purists might lean towards neat sips, there’s no denying the joy and creativity bourbon cocktails bring to the table. From the robust Boulevardier to the innovative pickle juice whiskey sour, bourbon proves its versatility and depth as a base spirit. These cocktails, while offering a different dimension to bourbon tasting, can also serve as an introduction to the uninitiated, slowly guiding them towards appreciating bourbon in its pure form.
A Nod to Bourbon Aficionados
Regardless of how you prefer your bourbon – neat, with water, or in a crafted cocktail – the essence of bourbon tasting lies in the exploration. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy bourbon. It’s all about personal preference, guided by an understanding and appreciation of this storied spirit. So next time you pour yourself a glass, take a moment to savor it, explore, and let your senses decide the best way to appreciate bourbon.
