Here's A Beginner's Guide On How You Can Enjoy Whisky Like A Pro

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The popular spirit can be enjoyed in many different forms, thanks to its versatility and layered flavours.

Whether you're a whisky enthusiast or just starting your journey into the world of this noble spirit, learning how to drink whisky like a pro can elevate your enjoyment and deepen your appreciation.

Psstt... If you're looking to discover your own whisky profile, Johnnie Walker has an upcoming event that lets you try complimentary whisky cocktails, while enjoying good music. Plus, there'll even be a workshop to discover your own highball blend. More details at the end of the story!

Like every other alcohol, there are different types of whisky with distinct flavours and aromas. Understanding the flavours, origins, and traditions can help you enjoy the spirit better.

Here's a look at some of the popular ones:
- Scotch whisky: Produced in Scotland, Scotch whisky is made from malted barley or grain with the spirit aged in oak casks for three years. There are also different kinds of Scotch whisky, such as Single Malt Scotch (made from malted barley in a single distillery), Blended Scotch (a mix of malt and grain whiskies), and Blended Malt Scotch (a blend of malt whiskies from different distilleries).

- Irish whisky: Distilled in Ireland, Irish whisky is typically triple-distilled and made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley. Unlike Scotch, any malted cereal grains can be used in any proportion. This Irish spirit is known for its smooth and easy flavours.

- Japanese whisky: Inspired by Scotch whisky, Japanese whisky is usually made in the same way as its counterpart. What makes it unique, however, is its lighter and more fragrant flavour profile, thanks to the additives and type of cask used.

- Bourbon: This is a type of American whisky primarily made with corn (a minimum of 51%). Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels to produce its unique flavour profile consisting of toasted wood, spices, and sometimes a subtle smokiness.

If you're new to the world of the spirit, you may have heard of terms like "on the rocks" or "neat".

There are many terms to serve whisky. Here's what they mean:
- On the rocks: The whisky is served over ice cubes
- Neat: The whisky is served at room temperature without any mixers or ice 
- Cocktail: The whisky is mixed with a variety of ingredients, from liquids like syrups and juices to garnishes like mint leaves and cherries

Whether you prefer it neat to savour the spirit's complexity or in a cocktail to explore new flavour combinations, the choice of how to serve whisky ultimately comes down to personal preference.

You don't have to always follow the rules when serving your whisky. Experiment with adding just a few drops of water or a small cube of ice. Doing so can sometimes make a big difference to how your whisky will taste, as they can help release additional aromas and mellow its intensity.

While delicious on its own, there are various ingredients or mixers you can add to the spirit to enhance its taste. Even a single ingredient like an orange peel can greatly elevate the taste of the spirit.

Common mixers for whisky include ginger ale and soda, which allows the spirit to retain its prominent taste, while giving a refreshing fizz as well as cutting down on the alcohol burn. In fact, these two-ingredient whisky cocktails have become very popular, and are better known as 'highballs'.

To elevate your whisky experience, consider pairing it with rich snacks, meals, and treats, such as dark chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, cheese, and even steak.

Take dark chocolate for example. Its rich bitterness can contrast with the whisky's sweetness and heat. Get the most out of this pairing by taking a sip of the spirit first before eating the chocolate.

This might seem over the top, but like wine, drinking whisky from the right type of glass really makes a difference. The way the glass is structured can enhance the whisky's flavours, aroma, and overall enjoyment.

The most common whisky glass is the whisky tumbler a.k.a. rocks glass, which has a short and wide design with a thick bottom, and allows for easy swirling. It is often associated with casual whisky drinking and is commonly used for serving whisky on the rocks or neat.

There are many other types of glasses for serving whisky. Take highball, for example. It is known as a 'tall' cocktail as it requires to be served in a tall glass. 

From 28 June to 1 July, the Flavour Studio event is the perfect platform for you and your friends to chill, experiment with whisky cocktails, as well as dance to performances from well-known DJs. 

And to ensure that you come across whisky cocktails that will leave lasting impressions, Johnnie Walker is collaborating with a team of bartenders from renowned bar Coley! With Coley mixing your drinks, you're sure to love the twist of Johnnie Walker's layered whisky flavours. In fact, you might just be so impressed that you'll end up going home with the brand's highball recipes. 

The best part? Johnnie Walker is giving out complimentary cocktails every night! Ah, good music and good whisky. What more could we ask for? 

This workshop is perfect for playing up the discovery of your own highball blend. You'll spend time exploring what you like about the multi-flavoured layers of whisky, so that you can craft your own personalised version of the cocktail at home.

Held from 4pm to 8pm, this class only accepts a limited number of guests, so make sure to arrive early!

As a reminder, the legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 years old. That means you need to be 21 and non-Muslim in order to buy and consume alcohol. Remember to always drink responsibly and in moderation. Don’t drink and drive. If you plan to drink, try carpooling with a friend who isn't drinking or catch a cab instead of driving.