Should You Sip Whiskey Neat Or With Ice?

For years, whiskey connoisseurs have debated whether or not the smoky brown liquor should be sipped neat or on the rocks. While some scoff at the notion of diluting the complex flavors in the spirit, others insist that the ice slowly melting into the drink enhances it. With so many expert aficionados unable to agree, we decided to ask an authority.  

Chris Blatner is an Executive Bourbon Steward and creator of @‌urbanbourbonist on Instagram. He gave Foodie his assessment of the intricacies behind drinking whiskey with ice. For starters, if you have never sampled a particular brand before and want to taste whiskey like a pro, he says, "I think it is always best to start out by tasting a whiskey neat (without ice or water) to understand its flavor profile." 

However, this isn't to say that it should always be savored neat. While trying it just as it is will help you fully comprehend all the flavors it offers, there's some valid logic supporting the inclusion of ice in the drink. One of those reasons is that all the enticing aromatic components whiskey contains can be accented by a meager dilution.

The culprit behind whiskey's signature smoky flavor is guaiacol, an aromatic oil that is a byproduct of the charred wood barrels most whiskies age in. Even whiskey with a no-age-statement contains this flavorful chemical compound. However, guaiacol doesn't blend neatly into the liquid and – especially with higher-proof whiskey – tends to settle towards the bottom of the glass. As ice melts into the drink, the guaiacol is disturbed, and some ends up floating to the top, where the sipping takes place. 

Blatner explains that putting ice in the drink will also tame the bite of the whiskey by lowering the temperature and the ABV as you sip it. He says, "The addition of ice will introduce a change in temperature and also will begin to slowly lower the proof of the whiskey as the ice melts." The warmer the booze is, the more likely you are to taste the intense heat from the alcohol. When the "burn triggers" from alcohol are suppressed, many find it easier to appreciate the intricate flavors of the amber spirit.

Although it's best to try out a new whiskey without diluting it, Blatner doesn't take a hard line on whether or not ice should ever enter your drink. It really comes down to personal preference. He says, "You may find you like the whiskey better (or worse) when it's cooled down and when the proof is lowered."

While some Scotch drinkers swear by diluting the spirit with a splash of water before it hits the palate, bourbon lovers often take a hard line and say that ice or water will only take away from the liquor's full flavor. This may have to do with the subtle differences between Scotch and bourbon based on how they are produced. If you are trying to impress a seasoned aficionado, you may want to drink it using their favored method, but if you are just trying to relish the flavors for yourself, go with whatever you think tastes better. There's no right or wrong answer, just your answer — for how you enjoy it most.