Whiskies of the world

[thirteen]

If you're talking about the Lagavulin 12yo CS pictured: do you drink it pure at cask strength or do you add water?

we spent a christmas on Islay, thinking we'd visit distilleries and the like. they were closed, of course, and the weather was wicked! luckily, the place we stayed had a lovely peat fire to dry ourselves throughout the day and night and hundreds of whiskies on the menu -- we did are best to go through as many as we could

pretty much with all the whiskies they served, they would include a small pitcher of water with instructions of how much to add. some, you sprinkled only a few drops in, others needed a slightly more generous pour.

it really did make a difference.

i don't do it anymore at home unless it is a really special bottle -- makes me feel like too much of a ponce.

anyways, add me to the Islay camp: Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, the peatier the better!

 

[elapid]

If you're talking about the Lagavulin 12yo CS pictured: do you drink it pure at cask strength or do you add water?

I used to drink all of my scotches straight, but, like thirteen, I am now using some water because it really does bring out the taste. However, other than knowing to add a small amount, I do not know what a small amount means and I didn't know that the amount added depends on the scotch. More research required obviously!

 

[screaming fist]

I usually drink the first half of my glass straight and add a tiny bit of water to the second half, to see how I like that whisky better. In most cases I prefer straight.
Cask Strength however is another story and I usually thin them to under 50% alcohol.

 

[ANCrider]

Not a fan of cask strength myself, but like many here am a big fan of the Islay malts, especially the rarer Ardbegs, Bowmore, and of course Lagavulin (won't touch Laphroig though).

There are some really nice experiments with sherry casks going on. Try Auchentoshen Three Wood, and Bowmore 'Darkest'.