Malt Whisky with or without?

[V8 Animal]

I have a debate going with a friend.
Do you drink malt with or without water.
I'm the without water.
My friend says I'm in the minority.
What's everyone's take on this?
Cheers

[rsbmw]

Depends on the malt, surely

[hondafanatic]

rsbmw said:

Depends on the malt, surely

This ^^^^

[basherX]

rsbmw said:

Depends on the malt, surely

And on personal preference, which is the single most important factor. But that won't stop a lot of willy waving.

For what it's worth, I rarely add water myself.

[Russwhitehouse]

I must say I like a small slash of water. Personally I think it helps bring out the flavours and aromas more than when taken neat, but is as always, personal preference.

[Bradgate]

I add chilled Evian to my malt, because it's the most neutral, flavourless water I can find. I would certainly never add chlorinated Severn Trent to my precious malts.

Anything over 40% abv is far too strong or drink neat. The alcohol burn gets in the way of the flavour profile.

[Pistom]

rsbmw said:

Depends on the malt, surely

Which are more pleasant without?

I'm no single malt connoisseur. Just like what I like but I was introduced to adding a splash a while ago and found I liked it.

[tvrforever]

Depends on the malt - but if using water, it should be room temperature (never cold) or it'll kill the flavours & nose...

[rsbmw]

Pistom said:

Which are more pleasant without?

I'm no single malt connoisseur. Just like what I like but I was introduced to adding a splash a while ago and found I liked it.

As a Whisky connoisseur for coming up 2 months now, I feel well qualified to answer this question.

From my modest collection, Lagavulin, Aberlour 10 and the Aldi Islay are neat drinkers, Laphroaig quarter cask and Aberlour A'bunadh need a splash of council juice.

[Lefty]

Certainly depends on the whisky but it's also personal preference.

I know people who never, ever add water, even a 60% young cask-strengther. I know people who'll double the volume of a 40% one with water, just because they like it.

Do what you like!!

FWIW, I always taste neat then with varying amounts of water, starting at just a drop (literally). Then, when I've got an idea of what ABV I like for that dram I try to replicate it. Depends very much on the whisky, the bottled ABV, my mood and even the time of year.

Slainté

[Japveesix]

I always drink all my whiskys neat, though I don't have anything cask strength at the moment and have in the past put a dash of water in some.

I do put whisky stones from the freezer in with them quite often though which is also probably sacrilegious for many.

[bingybongy]

My preference is for a good splash of Coke.

[Pistom]

bingybongy said:

My preference is for a good splash of Coke.

Good tip. Just tried it with a good measure of 40 year old Brora with crushed ice and a slice of lemon.

[Bradgate]

bingybongy said:

My preference is for a good splash of Coke.

Coke improves Jack Daniel's no end. It can even make Bell's drinkable. Well, almost.

[DUMBO100]

I serve a small glass of iced water alongside a single malt but don't mix them

[Wadeski]

I add a drop of water or even (horror) an ice cube, if its summer, to most malts, especially if they are over 40%.

Because I paid for it and I like it that way

[bingybongy]

Pistom said:

bingybongy said:

My preference is for a good splash of Coke.

Good tip. Just tried it with a good measure of 40 year old Brora with crushed ice and a slice of lemon.

A slice of orange and a shake of Angostura would be nicer.

[shirt]

Another heathen here, some taste better to me with an ice cube and I don't care given i only buy it for my own enjoyment.

[ClassicMercs]

And air !!

Had a dram last night - poured from a flask whist at the Kavalan tasting - rested for 45+ minutes taking in some air whilst working through the main drams on offer. That particular dram is best with very little air and no water.
One bottle to drink up fairly quickly as the bottle goes down (that famous distillery Glen Alba 25yo - ie Lidl - but nice for reasonable money).

And from last night - the Kavalan Fino was perfect at cask strength. But the Vinho and Sherry both wanted a little water due to their dry palate.
Very much like Glendronach 15 and 18 - the latter benefits from a little water.

[vanordinaire]

The question is a bit like 'Which is better, a red car or a blue one?'
I know what I like but wouldn't presume to tell anyone else which they should prefer.