Originally Posted by SD81
Yep, completely agree with you on the water thing. Its amazing how it transforms a drink. I always get friends to smell the decanters or bottles and decide what they like the smell of and then pour a little in a glass and add a little water to just take the edge off so they can appreciate the gentler smells and tastes. Some people often find it very strange when other people talk about hints of almond, caramel, orange, wood, tea etc so they sometimes just say "its nice" so they dont feel daft. Giving them the water allows them to just delve deeper allowing a less sensitive nose to pick up on something, which is usually the heavier fragrance. When they get it, they start looking deeper and trying different things. Highland Park 18yo is a classic. By trying it with water, the slight salty nature of the whisky comes through which is often masked by not using water.
Everytime I write this sort of stuff it makes me want to reach for a decanter and pour myself a wee dram. Thinking about it, I dont have to drive anywhere today........right, I'm off to grab a glass!!