For those of you that know about whiskey...

[Turkish]

I know nothing about the subject so figured I'd ask. I have been doing this for a long time and just thought of it to ask... I like my drinks extremely cold, and figured the best way is to put them in the deepfreezer. Is this ok? I can either put a lot of ice in it (which I still do even though the whiskey just came out of the freezer) or just leave it in the freezer? This doesn't hurt the taste/quality, does it?

 

[vi edit]

Vodka should be the only hard alcohol that you put in the freezer.

(well some of the minty ones are okay in there too)

 

[PrinceofWands]

Jag's can be in the freezer with no ill effects as well.

 

[Syringer]

If you put it on ice what difference does putting it in the freezer make?

 

[PowerMacG5]

I generally put all alcohol 70 proof and over in the freezer. Well, not all, but the majority. Like Capain, Bacardi, Smirnoff, etc...

 

[ThePresence]

Never put ice in single malt. Blended on the rocks is okay.

 

[Platypus]

There's nothing wrong taste wise with putting it in the freezer, but personally I think scotch and bourbon should be served neat (room temp) for the best flavor. There are subtle nuances that are brought out doing it this way. Putting a few cubes in is preferred by some people, I would recommend doing this if you like it chilled but keep in mind that when they melt it will alter the flavor. This is also preferred by some people, some even mix water in when drinking it neat.

Bottom line, it won't hurt the flavor, but you're not getting the flavor the way it was intended.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
There's nothing wrong taste wise with putting it in the freezer, but personally I think scotch and bourbon should be served neat (room temp) for the best flavor. There are subtle nuances that are brought out doing it this way. Putting a few cubes in is preferred by some people, I would recommend doing this if you like it chilled but keep in mind that when they melt it will alter the flavor. This is also preferred by some people, some even mix water in when drinking it neat.

Bottom line, it won't hurt the flavor, but you're not getting the flavor the way it was intended.

True, it's the same reason bad beers (like American commercial brewery crap) recommend that you serve them icy cold. It doesn't change the ACTUAL flavor of the beer, it changes the perceived flavor. Things that are supercold will both numb the taste buds and quell the aroma, so you taste far less of the flavor than you should. That can be either a good thing (it makes crap more palatable) or a bad thing (it makes good stuff less flavorful).

Ice should be used in small quantites. A little water can "wake up" the flavor of dark liquors like scotch and bourbon and make them better. Too much water will ruin the flavor. I find that a single ice cube in bourbon is perfect. The small bit of water released takes away a bit of the bite without watering it down or getting it too cold to enjoy the taste.

Turkish, if you like your drinks so cold that freezing the bottle is the best way it's likely just your taste buds rebelling against the taste of the liquor. You're probably not digging the temperature, you're just digging the fact that the drinks are far milder that way. Try mixing the drinks a little weaker. Your booze will last longer.

 

[imported_Tick]

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
There's nothing wrong taste wise with putting it in the freezer, but personally I think scotch and bourbon should be served neat (room temp) for the best flavor. There are subtle nuances that are brought out doing it this way. Putting a few cubes in is preferred by some people, I would recommend doing this if you like it chilled but keep in mind that when they melt it will alter the flavor. This is also preferred by some people, some even mix water in when drinking it neat.

Bottom line, it won't hurt the flavor, but you're not getting the flavor the way it was intended.

True, it's the same reason bad beers (like American commercial brewery crap) recommend that you serve them icy cold. It doesn't change the ACTUAL flavor of the beer, it changes the perceived flavor. Things that are supercold will both numb the taste buds and quell the aroma, so you taste far less of the flavor than you should. That can be either a good thing (it makes crap more palatable) or a bad thing (it makes good stuff less flavorful).

Ice should be used in small quantites. A little water can "wake up" the flavor of dark liquors like scotch and bourbon and make them better. Too much water will ruin the flavor. I find that a single ice cube in bourbon is perfect. The small bit of water released takes away a bit of the bite without watering it down or getting it too cold to enjoy the taste.

Turkish, if you like your drinks so cold that freezing the bottle is the best way it's likely just your taste buds rebelling against the taste of the liquor. You're probably not digging the temperature, you're just digging the fact that the drinks are far milder that way. Try mixing the drinks a little weaker. Your booze will last longer.

Yeah, neat is the proper way to enjoy scotch etc. Maybe you should try a stron mixxed drink instead?

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
There's nothing wrong taste wise with putting it in the freezer, but personally I think scotch and bourbon should be served neat (room temp) for the best flavor. There are subtle nuances that are brought out doing it this way. Putting a few cubes in is preferred by some people, I would recommend doing this if you like it chilled but keep in mind that when they melt it will alter the flavor. This is also preferred by some people, some even mix water in when drinking it neat.

Bottom line, it won't hurt the flavor, but you're not getting the flavor the way it was intended.

True, it's the same reason bad beers (like American commercial brewery crap) recommend that you serve them icy cold. It doesn't change the ACTUAL flavor of the beer, it changes the perceived flavor. Things that are supercold will both numb the taste buds and quell the aroma, so you taste far less of the flavor than you should. That can be either a good thing (it makes crap more palatable) or a bad thing (it makes good stuff less flavorful).

Ice should be used in small quantites. A little water can "wake up" the flavor of dark liquors like scotch and bourbon and make them better. Too much water will ruin the flavor. I find that a single ice cube in bourbon is perfect. The small bit of water released takes away a bit of the bite without watering it down or getting it too cold to enjoy the taste.

Turkish, if you like your drinks so cold that freezing the bottle is the best way it's likely just your taste buds rebelling against the taste of the liquor. You're probably not digging the temperature, you're just digging the fact that the drinks are far milder that way. Try mixing the drinks a little weaker. Your booze will last longer.

Far more eloquently put than what I said but 100% correct.

Turkish, perhaps you're not drinking a good liquor in the first place? If you are then perhaps GagHalfrunt's suggestion is right up your alley. It would be helpful to know exactly what you're enjoying and how you are enjoying it.

 

[Turkish]

Originally posted by: Tick

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
There's nothing wrong taste wise with putting it in the freezer, but personally I think scotch and bourbon should be served neat (room temp) for the best flavor. There are subtle nuances that are brought out doing it this way. Putting a few cubes in is preferred by some people, I would recommend doing this if you like it chilled but keep in mind that when they melt it will alter the flavor. This is also preferred by some people, some even mix water in when drinking it neat.

Bottom line, it won't hurt the flavor, but you're not getting the flavor the way it was intended.

True, it's the same reason bad beers (like American commercial brewery crap) recommend that you serve them icy cold. It doesn't change the ACTUAL flavor of the beer, it changes the perceived flavor. Things that are supercold will both numb the taste buds and quell the aroma, so you taste far less of the flavor than you should. That can be either a good thing (it makes crap more palatable) or a bad thing (it makes good stuff less flavorful).

Ice should be used in small quantites. A little water can "wake up" the flavor of dark liquors like scotch and bourbon and make them better. Too much water will ruin the flavor. I find that a single ice cube in bourbon is perfect. The small bit of water released takes away a bit of the bite without watering it down or getting it too cold to enjoy the taste.

Turkish, if you like your drinks so cold that freezing the bottle is the best way it's likely just your taste buds rebelling against the taste of the liquor. You're probably not digging the temperature, you're just digging the fact that the drinks are far milder that way. Try mixing the drinks a little weaker. Your booze will last longer.

Yeah, neat is the proper way to enjoy scotch etc. Maybe you should try a stron mixxed drink instead?

Thanks for all the advice... I don't mix whiskey with anything unless its going to be a long night of drinking, then I just mix it with some coke, but most times straight. So I don't like the idea of mixing a little water... I'll try the just one ice cube idea though, when I have some that was not in the freezer, I usually added lots of ice to chill it... thanks :sun:

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Originally posted by: Turkish

Originally posted by: Tick

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
There's nothing wrong taste wise with putting it in the freezer, but personally I think scotch and bourbon should be served neat (room temp) for the best flavor. There are subtle nuances that are brought out doing it this way. Putting a few cubes in is preferred by some people, I would recommend doing this if you like it chilled but keep in mind that when they melt it will alter the flavor. This is also preferred by some people, some even mix water in when drinking it neat.

Bottom line, it won't hurt the flavor, but you're not getting the flavor the way it was intended.

True, it's the same reason bad beers (like American commercial brewery crap) recommend that you serve them icy cold. It doesn't change the ACTUAL flavor of the beer, it changes the perceived flavor. Things that are supercold will both numb the taste buds and quell the aroma, so you taste far less of the flavor than you should. That can be either a good thing (it makes crap more palatable) or a bad thing (it makes good stuff less flavorful).

Ice should be used in small quantites. A little water can "wake up" the flavor of dark liquors like scotch and bourbon and make them better. Too much water will ruin the flavor. I find that a single ice cube in bourbon is perfect. The small bit of water released takes away a bit of the bite without watering it down or getting it too cold to enjoy the taste.

Turkish, if you like your drinks so cold that freezing the bottle is the best way it's likely just your taste buds rebelling against the taste of the liquor. You're probably not digging the temperature, you're just digging the fact that the drinks are far milder that way. Try mixing the drinks a little weaker. Your booze will last longer.

Yeah, neat is the proper way to enjoy scotch etc. Maybe you should try a stron mixxed drink instead?

Thanks for all the advice... I don't mix whiskey with anything unless its going to be a long night of drinking, then I just mix it with some coke, but most times straight. So I don't like the idea of mixing a little water... I'll try the just one ice cube idea though, when I have some that was not in the freezer, I usually added lots of ice to chill it... thanks :sun:

Ahhh, if you're drinking whiskey neat and like it supercold then it's almost certainly either bad liquor or just a bit too much bite. What are you drinking exactly? The Canadian blends like Canadian Mist or Black Velvet are much more smooth and mellow than Scotch or American whiskeys like rye and bourbon. A lof of whiskeys, especially cheap stuff like Seagram's 7 are meant to be consumed mixed, they're just not good enough to sip straight up at any temperature. Try a nice Canadian or a mellow bourbon like Jim Beam with a little ice and a splash of water. Figure 80-90% booze and 10-20% water as a good starting place. That should allow you to appreciate the taste of the booze without the bite overpowering your palette. Work a little. If that's too strong then go 70% booze and 30% water. Maybe add a twist of lemon or a lime wedge. I know the purists will scream, but a lime wedge in bourbon with a splash of water is a really nice drink. You want to ENJOY your drinking, not merely power down alcohol to get drunk. Spend a few bucks more on better brands, you'll be glad you did. Life is too short to drink bad booze.

 

[Mayfriday0529]

Johnny Walker is my best friend.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Originally posted by: Jnetty99
Johnny Walker is my best friend.

I could never get into Scotch. No matter which one I try it still tastes like burned dirt. That's why I like bourbon. Rather than being overpowered by smokiness and peat you get a really rich mix of flavors.

 

[Turkish]

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt

Originally posted by: Turkish

Originally posted by: Tick

Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation
There's nothing wrong taste wise with putting it in the freezer, but personally I think scotch and bourbon should be served neat (room temp) for the best flavor. There are subtle nuances that are brought out doing it this way. Putting a few cubes in is preferred by some people, I would recommend doing this if you like it chilled but keep in mind that when they melt it will alter the flavor. This is also preferred by some people, some even mix water in when drinking it neat.

Bottom line, it won't hurt the flavor, but you're not getting the flavor the way it was intended.

True, it's the same reason bad beers (like American commercial brewery crap) recommend that you serve them icy cold. It doesn't change the ACTUAL flavor of the beer, it changes the perceived flavor. Things that are supercold will both numb the taste buds and quell the aroma, so you taste far less of the flavor than you should. That can be either a good thing (it makes crap more palatable) or a bad thing (it makes good stuff less flavorful).

Ice should be used in small quantites. A little water can "wake up" the flavor of dark liquors like scotch and bourbon and make them better. Too much water will ruin the flavor. I find that a single ice cube in bourbon is perfect. The small bit of water released takes away a bit of the bite without watering it down or getting it too cold to enjoy the taste.

Turkish, if you like your drinks so cold that freezing the bottle is the best way it's likely just your taste buds rebelling against the taste of the liquor. You're probably not digging the temperature, you're just digging the fact that the drinks are far milder that way. Try mixing the drinks a little weaker. Your booze will last longer.

Yeah, neat is the proper way to enjoy scotch etc. Maybe you should try a stron mixxed drink instead?

Thanks for all the advice... I don't mix whiskey with anything unless its going to be a long night of drinking, then I just mix it with some coke, but most times straight. So I don't like the idea of mixing a little water... I'll try the just one ice cube idea though, when I have some that was not in the freezer, I usually added lots of ice to chill it... thanks :sun:

Ahhh, if you're drinking whiskey neat and like it supercold then it's almost certainly either bad liquor or just a bit too much bite. What are you drinking exactly? The Canadian blends like Canadian Mist or Black Velvet are much more smooth and mellow than Scotch or American whiskeys like rye and bourbon. A lof of whiskeys, especially cheap stuff like Seagram's 7 are meant to be consumed mixed, they're just not good enough to sip straight up at any temperature. Try a nice Canadian or a mellow bourbon like Jim Beam with a little ice and a splash of water. Figure 80-90% booze and 10-20% water as a good starting place. That should allow you to appreciate the taste of the booze without the bite overpowering your palette. Work a little. If that's too strong then go 70% booze and 30% water. Maybe add a twist of lemon or a lime wedge. I know the purists will scream, but a lime wedge in bourbon with a splash of water is a really nice drink. You want to ENJOY your drinking, not merely power down alcohol to get drunk. Spend a few bucks more on better brands, you'll be glad you did. Life is too short to drink bad booze.

I was referring to our good 'ol Jack even though my preferred choice is Chivas Reagal but that's too expensive for me to afford it regullarly...

 

[daveymark]

put it this way:

When it's closing time, all the bartenders do is put the liqour back on the shelf.