Having a direct approach to whiskey, without talking about the cask strength yet, is not an easy task: it is a beverage with a minimum of 40 degrees, a quite higher ABV than other drinks, such as beer and wine, for example. In the case of the Cask Strength Whiskey, we often talk about products with an ABV higher than 60%.
Whiskeys feature the benefit that they can be diluted with water. This is a good starting point. It is worth noticing that adding water is an “irreversible process,” modifying the intrinsic characteristics of the product we are tasting. As a secondary point, the absolute quality of some whiskeys can only be perceived by tasting them full strength (Cask Strength Whiskey without diluting them), thus by adding water, we might alter the inner nature of a product, as thought by the manufacturer, should unveil. Let us consider as examples “cask strength” Ardbeg, such as Corryvreckan and Uigeadail. Adding water, we “domesticate” them, but we also modify the characteristics: alcoholic intensity, persistency, and aromas that only cask strength can deliver.
It is worth reminding, especially to beginners, that it is not always simple to be confronted with a pure spirit, not even considering the cask strength (also called full strength) ones. Even 40% ABV can be tough to face if we do not have the right experience. We run the risk of ruining the experience. Our
suggestion is the following: try, try, try. Start with a low % ABV, 40, or 43, or 46, maybe also diluting these products at the beginning, with some drops of water up to 1/3 of the total to reach a comfortable alcohol intensity. Later on, when the palate gets used to these sensations, we could approach the full strength samples: several products are available on the market which can be considered as suitable for this task, in addition to the already mentioned Ardbeg Glendronach Cask Strength, Lagavulin 12 years, Aberlour A’Bunadh and Glengoyne Cask Strength cannot be forgotten. These are excellent products, all of them, and with a good price/quality combination, which will be discussed later on. And keep in mind: the journey has to start from somewhere.
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