Whiskey/Whisky

Originally Posted by Oberon

I remember a tale an old supervisor once told me, he used to work in a pretty posh establishment where £40-50 drams of whiskey were not uncommon. Well, one chap came in with the air of the noveau rich around him, you know the type, and he ordered one of the most expensive whiskeys in the house and asked to have either ice or water with it. The supervisor had to walk away and get someone else to serve it who didn't know any better.
I think if my Grandad had been there he'd probably have knocked the chap in question off his bar stool for such a transgression.

Mh, your point is to not put ice or water in whisky, like it is "against the rules" right?
Well, it really depends on the whisky. While I would not put ice in any whisky, adding some drips of water is no mistake, with some whiskies, you have to do so to enjoy it (does not apply for scotsmen). If it has over 40% of alcohol, it is common to serve it with water, or ask if one would like some water with it.

Water in whisky also "opens" it, so the flavors get through even better.
A beginners tongue, like mine, is also grateful for a drip of water in a stronger whisky.

But Ice and coke really don't belong in a good whisky... I agree on that. For that, take pisswasser like Jack Daniels or Jim Beam, you can't ruin it much more anyways

[Jimbuna]

Dark rum or brandy for me...I'll only drink the Irish (Bushmills or Jameson) once in a blue moon.

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by Nippelspanner

(does not apply for scotsmen).

My point entirely. Putting ice/water/coke in good whiskey whilst north of the border or around my fathers side of the family, probably not the best idea. But, yes, in many instances it does help open the taste and helps people savour it a bit more, different strokes for different folks as they say. I'm only half-Scot so I'm a bit more tolerant towards Sassenach transgressions than some.