There are plenty of different ways to skin a cat, as they say. The same principle applies to drinking whiskey. No one method or setting reigns supreme, and various factors contribute to the end result. Consequently, a number of options exist when determining how exactly to drink whiskey. For example, whiskey on the rocks vs neat; or group setting vs intimate? Moreover, do we render an opinion on a whiskey based on a single glass or should the entire bottle be taken into account? Finally, should drinking cocktails actually count as drinking whiskey? With all of these deliberations on how to drink whiskey, we will review both sides of the story for these contentious items over several articles.

In this article we look at whiskey on the rocks vs. neat. Adding a splash of water is also considered throughout.

Rocks vs. Neat

Some whiskey purists will argue that neat (i.e. with no water or ice, or any other additive) remains the only true method to actually gauge and understand a whiskey. Certainly, this approach carries a degree of validity, since ice and/or water literally “waters” down the whiskey itself. While difficult to escape this tautology, it does border on the puritanical. Before we even get to whether or not we’re discussing drinkability, others argue that simply adding water to whiskey doesn’t really alter its true nature at all. Rather, it enhances it. Typically, whiskey is distilled to a very high proof and then watered down by the distiller to make the final product palatable. An argument ensues that whiskey is already a watered down product, so why does watering it down a bit more matter?

Certainly, both sides of the argument carry some weight. However, I tend to agree with the puritanical approach when tasting. A whiskey tasting event attempts to discover the essence of the whiskey itself along with the craftsmanship of the distiller. Watering it down inevitably alters the latter. In the Whiskey Rising rating system, we specifically grant ‘Drinkability’ its own section for this very reason. Drinking a particular whiskey over the rocks or with a splash of water potentially unlocks and magnifies or promotes flavors that otherwise tend to hide. In some cases, this completely changes the experience.

Another aspect of the rocks side of the debate remains absent so far. Namely, that of temperature. Adding ice doesn’t merely slowly add water to the whiskey, it also helps alleviate any burn that may exist. This may play a key role to the enjoyment in whiskies with noticeable burn, for example. On the flip side, ice and water sometimes effectively terminates a finish altogether. This occurred in my review of Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whisky review. A possible workaround employs actual chilled rocks that contain no water, or also a frozen glass. This option helps to chill the whiskey, but doesn’t water it down – perhaps suitable for the anti-warm whiskey purist.

Final Ruling

To conclude the final ruling in the whiskey on the rocks vs. neat debate, numerous factors need to be considered. However, for tastings alone I agree with the purists. Any changes, even a drop of water, fundamentally alters the spirit and especially the craftsmanship associated with it. This definitively produces a differential from the distiller’s product. Hence, we would be unable to render an impartial judgement. On the other hand, for enjoying a glass from time to time I personally prefer whiskey on the rocks.

My reasoning for over the rocks, henceforth known as the Whiskey Rising Accord, is fairly simple. Namely, it captures the best of all worlds. Taking a sip of whiskey immediately after poured on the rocks provides an equivalent tasting to neat. Essentially, it yet lacks water and the temperature remains mostly unchanged. Eventually, the chill sets in and water level rises, changing the nature of the drink over time. By the end, if not drank quickly, all that remains is water with a splash of whiskey. Drinking whiskey on the rocks allows an evolution of the experience through various stages, and provides diversity within one drink.

Despite this ruling, I suspect the debate will rage on. Unless, that is, the Whiskey Rising Accord is firmly adopted. Please pass it along!

Here is an overview of our proprietary Rating System. Please share your thoughts below, or a story that whiskey has told you by reaching out to us on our contact page.