A real gentleman rarely drinkss appletini, and although there is nothing inherently wrong with that, a nice wide glass of whisky would send a stronger message than a fruity beverage. You will rarely find a modern man who knows his way around a bottle of whisky, particularly in the age of flashy cocktails and bubbly shots of dubious origins.
However, whisky has always been and should be a bold man’s liquor of choice.
If you like an occasional nightcap or a strong drink when out on the town with friends, to seduce like a gentleman, or plans at home for hosting guys poker night try ditching the beer, saying no to a shot of tequila, and instead opt for your favorite brand of whisky deserving of admiration and respect.
Here are the crucial things you need to know to become a true whisky lover.
The different types
First, you need to get acquainted with the different whisky available on the market, and the best way to do that is to divide them according to nationality.
Probably the most famous whiskey in the world is Scotch whisky, or Scotch. Aged at least three years in oak barrels and made mostly out of distilled Barley, Scotch whisky is a synonym for strength and uniqueness in the whisky arena.
Scotch can be divided into single malts and blended Scotch, the former is distilled from malted barley in a single distillery, and the latter is a blend of different types of whisky. Scotch is characterized by an earthy flavor and opulent aroma.
Then you have the American whiskies: Rye, Tennessee, and Bourbon. Rye is distilled from, you guessed it, 51% rye and Tennessee is the same, only it’s filtered through charcoal to give it its unique, soft and well-rounded flavor, while bourbon is 51% corn and is uniquely sweet and smoky due to the charred oak.
Irish whisky is a light-bodied, smooth, and mostly bitter liquor, aged at least three years. It’s excellent for sipping over a conversation.
Finally, Canadian whisky, also called brown vodka, is a plain, smooth drink that is a good choice for novices; however, you will rarely witness a gentleman drinking one.
The different alcohol values
Every brand of whisky has its own alcohol value, giving its unique taste note. You’ll notice two types of measurements depending on the brand and its origin, either in percentages or proof. Percentages are simple enough to understand, but proof can be tricky to figure out if you’re new to drinking whisky.
Don’t worry, it’s not that complicated, you simply want to divide the proof value by two. Therefore, if the whisky is eighty-proof alcohol, you can simply deduce that it contains 40% alcohol.
Finding your unique palate
Probably the most difficult part about learning to drink whiskey is that you need to discover your own palate, or build it up, rather. The best way to do that is to try every single kind. As a beginner wanting to become a pro in the shortest amount of time, turn your attention to the foreign market.
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French Whiskey Brands
Not only is Australia regarded as one of the best whiskey regions in the world, but it is also home to numerous bottle shops in Sydney and every other major city on its coast where you can find every type of whisky imaginable. So, learning from the Aussies is probably one of the most cost-effective ways to discover your taste preference. Be sure to avoid tasting whiskies at bars, as they can be diluted and have a subpar taste. Best to open up a bottle at home.
Whisky is one of those timeless drinks depicted in movies, books, and songs portraying a hero everyone admires and envies. You can be that hero too, but first, you need to learn about the subtle nuances that make up every brand of whisky and maybe learn the secrets of gentleman sex. Use this simple guide, and you will rise above the crowd at every party in no time.
