Scotch may be one of the most misunderstood spirits of all time. Most people assume there are very strict rules to follow when it comes to properly sipping a scotch, but that’s one myth the folks behind Dewars, one of the most well-respected scotch brands in the industry, are trying to dispel.
“I always say there are ways to discover your whisky and there’s ways to enjoy your whisky,” says Gabriel Cardarella, brand ambassador of Dewars Blended Scotch and the single malt portfolios. “In discovering, there are a few steps you should take, but enjoying is however the hell you want to enjoy your whisky.”
To impress a bartender or a golf buddy, Cardarella recommends ordering a scotch neat in a tulip-shaped glass and asking for a second glass of purified water to add a few nips of water on your own since water is to scotch as air is to wine.
“The more water you add, the more you are unveiling the layers of that whisky’s character,” Cardarella explains. “If you want to really understand what a distiller is trying to tell you and you want to really dive into what their portfolio is, you should try it neat, nose it neat, add a dash of water, try it, nose it and repeat.”
To discover a whisky properly, Cardarella’s steps include:
- Looking at the color to judge if it’s more amber (sherry cask aged) or golden (ex-bourbon barrel aged)
- Swirling the liquid to look at the tiers (thick, stagnant tiers depict an older scotch while thin, quickly moving tiers indicate a younger scotch)
- Nosing the glass lightly to pick up on the different aromas
- Tasting the scotch neat to get the full force of the spirit
- Adding a dash of water to open up the scotch’s bouquet
- Repeating with nosing, tasting and adding water until you feel you’ve discovered the scotch
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 31, 2025Which Are the Safest U.S. National Parks?
If you are hesitant to explore U.S. national parks for outdoor adventure this summer as less staffing and other issues could mean potentially greater danger for tourists — and because, yes, most parks experience some guest injury incidents each year, sometimes even fatalities — personal injury law firm Mallow Law Office can ease your worries. The law office crunched the numbers to identify the safest national parks in the country based on fatalities from 2014 to 2023. The results?
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Hotel
Mar 31, 2025Italian Castle Hotel Unveils Cultural Experiences for 2025
Housed in a 12th-century castle, COMO Castello Del Nero reopened for the season with a host of cultural experiences. This 750-acre estate in the Tuscan countryside invites guests to immerse themselves in the charms of the region.
Destinations / North America
Mar 31, 2025You Should Visit Port Gamble, Washington, This Season: Here’s Why
Just a ferry ride from Seattle is a storybook village with 19th-century, New England-style houses, bay views; boutique shops; and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Port Gamble sits on Washington’s Kitsap Peninsula, and spring and summer are perfect times to visit this scenic destination. Here’s why:
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Hotel
Mar 28, 2025JW Marriott Opens New Resort in the Maldives
JW Marriott just opened its second resort in the Maldives, as of February. The new property, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, is a 15-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport, and offers 80 private pool villas, including nearly 50 overwater pool villas. Each villa further features its own terrace, views of the Indian Ocean and water access. A larger residence is available for traveling groups.
ShareThis