How to Order Whiskey

Co-authored by Tom Blake

Last Updated: January 5, 2021 References

Ordering whiskey is something of an art. After all, whiskey is a very diverse beverage that appeals to a wide range of palates. There’s bourbon, scotch, rye, and much more. If you’ve never had whiskey before and want to try it, it’s best to be prepared. The better you understand how to order whiskey properly, the more confident you’ll feel in front of any bartender.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Whiskey Type

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Order Scotch whisky for a bold flavor. Scotch whisky is produced in Scotland. Some scotch has a smokey taste because of the peat (decayed vegetation soil) used in the malting process.^{[1]
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- Try Scotch if you already have an acquired taste for whiskey and prefer bold flavors and aromas.^{[2]
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Try Irish whiskey for a clean, light taste. Irish whiskey goes through a triple distillation process in wooden caskets to give it a smooth flavor and aftertaste. It’s usually made with a combination of grains and malted and unmalted barley.^{[3]
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- Because it doesn’t use peat, it doesn’t have the smokey taste that many Scotch whiskys have.
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Drink bourbon for a sweeter flavor. Bourbon is distilled with mostly corn, and stored in charred oak barrels for aging.^{[4]
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Research source} Before it gets put into barrels, it goes through a charcoal filtering process and is chilled at low temperatures for better taste.
- The charcoal filtering is called the Lincoln County Process, which strips the alcohol of harsh flavors and makes it easier to drink.^{[5]
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Opt for rye whiskey for a spicier option. Rye whiskey is made with at least 51% rye and 49% (or less) corn, malted barley, wheat, or a blend of them. It's aged in new, charred oak barrels and has a spicy, peppery taste.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Ordering Whiskey Different Ways

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Order your whiskey neat. A “neat” drink comes straight out of the bottle, with no ice or added mixtures. They are almost always poured in a traditional whiskey glass. Keep in mind that a whiskey neat is a very potent drink, often with about 40% to 43% of pure alcohol.^{[7]
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- You should order whiskey neat if you enjoy the taste of strong alcohol or prefer your beverages at room temperature.
- You can request whiskey stones (cooled cubes, usually stone or stainless steel) if you want to chill the drink without diluting it.^{[8]
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Order your whiskey on the rocks. “On the rocks” is whiskey poured over ice. Contrary to what some people believe, ice can actually enhance the flavor of whiskey that has an alcohol content of 45% or lower. This is because guaiacol, a molecule found in whiskey, floats to the surface the glass and improves the smell and taste.^{[9]
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- You should order a whiskey on the rocks if you want to dilute the overpowering flavor of straight whiskey without compromising taste.
- Too many ice cubes can water the drink down and have an adverse effect on flavor. A large ice cube or ice ball works best.
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Order a whiskey cocktail. Whiskey cocktails are mixed drinks that have whiskey in them. Cocktails are ideal for individuals who enjoy the subtle taste or whiskey, or are getting used to drinking whiskey. There are classic whiskey cocktails for all palates:^{[10]
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- Manhattan (rye whiskey or bourbon, sweet red vermouth, and bitters)
- Old Fashioned (bourbon, 1 sugar cube, bitters)
- Whiskey Sour (whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup)
- Spiked Southern Tea (bourbon, maple syrup, black tea)
- Mint Julep (bourbon, mint, simple syrup)

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Understanding Whiskey Terminology

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Order your whiskey with a back. A “back” refers to the “chaser” or beverage that accompanies your drink with an order. You can order a back with a whiskey neat, whiskey on the rocks, and even a whiskey cocktail.^{[11]
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- A back is especially helpful if you’re still acclimating to the power of the whiskey taste.
2
Practice your new ordering skills. There’s no better way to gain confidence in your whiskey knowledge than by going out and testing your ordering skills. Once you know how to order, you’ll feel more comfortable trying different brands and styles.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your bartender which whiskey they recommend.
- A standard format to follow when ordering is: Whiskey type, whiskey style, whiskey chaser.
  - Example: “Auchentoshan Three Wood, neat, with a water back”
  - Example: “Jameson on the rocks”
  - Example: “Scotch on the rocks with a water back”
3
Talk to your bartender. They will be happy to help you navigate the wide range of whiskeys available, and might even allow you to sample some. Describe the flavor you’re looking for, and try out their recommendations.
- If possible, go to a whiskey bar. The bartenders here are especially knowledgeable about whiskey. Some establishments offer whiskey “flights,” which is a sampling of different whiskeys.

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What is whiskey and water called?

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In general, there’s no special term for this. However, when you mix bourbon with water, the resulting drink is called “bourbon and branch.”
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What is a dirty drink?

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A “dirty” drink is one that has an added ingredient that changes the appearance, flavor, or aroma of the original drink. For instance, a dirty martini has olive brine added, which makes the drink appear cloudy and gives it a more complex flavor.
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Is whiskey good for shots?

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You can definitely use whiskey for shots. However, most connoisseurs prefer to savor high-quality whiskey slowly rather than slugging it back like you normally would with a shot. You won’t taste the whiskey as much if you drink it quickly.