Straight Whiskey Recipe

1. Pour

Measure 2 oz of your chosen straight whiskey (bourbon, rye, or other straight American whiskey) with a jigger and pour it into a clean rocks glass or Glencairn tasting glass.

2. Serve neat

Serve the whiskey neat (no ice). Gently swirl the glass once or twice to release aromas, then bring the glass to your nose and take a small sniff before sipping.

3. Optional — on the rocks

If you prefer the whiskey slightly chilled, place 1 large ice cube into the glass, then pour the 2 oz whiskey over the ice. Gently stir once with a bar spoon to chill and slightly dilute (5–10 seconds).

4. Optional — add a splash of water

To open up aromatics and flavors, add roughly 1/4 teaspoon (about 1–2 drops) of room-temperature water to the whiskey, then gently swirl or stir once. Taste and add another small drop if desired.

5. Optional — garnish

If you like a citrus aroma, express the oils from a piece of orange or lemon peel over the glass by holding the peel skin-side down about 3 inches over the glass and giving it a quick, firm twist; then rub the rim with the peel and drop it into the glass or discard it.

6. Sip slowly. The Straight Whiskey is meant to be enjoyed neat (or minimally altered) so take small sips, note the aroma, palate, and finish, and enjoy at your own pace.

7. Use the tasting glass (Glencairn) for nosing and appreciating aromas; use a rocks glass if serving with ice. Use a jigger for accurate measurement and a bar spoon for gentle stirring when chilling with ice.