Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

In Defense of Whiskey and Water

March 18, 2014 By Official Bartender Michael Bowers | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

When I first began to take spirits seriously, I assumed that anyone serious about whiskey only drank whiskey neat. And because I very much wished to be taken seriously, I drank all my whiskey neat. The result? I drank a lot of whiskey, but didn’t enjoy myself nearly as much as I could have.

Any whiskey worth drinking is part of a long and refined tradition, produced by a master distiller and aged in barrels, at considerable expense, for many years. And sure, drinking whiskey neat (or with just a little bit of water) is far and away the best way to appreciate a whiskey’s aromas, its nuances and subtleties, its complexity. But that doesn’t mean that every time you pour yourself a glass it needs to become a ritual of careful nosing, small sips and deep thoughts. Most whiskey just doesn’t warrant that kind of investigation–not every novel is Moby Dick, and not every bottle is Bowmore 25. That doesn’t mean it’s bad. In my case, it means that I can drink it regularly without worrying about making the mortgage payment. And it also means that I’m probably going to drink it with ice, and maybe a considerable amount of water, too.

whiskey and water

In all that’s been said and written about alcohol, too little has been about of the pleasure of drinking itself. Most commentary falls into one of two camps: revelry in intoxication, or treatises on gustation and olfaction. Occasionally my experience fits into one of those camps. Drinking with friends until the wee hours, unconcerned about the inevitable hangover, or sitting ponderously and sipping, trying to decode what’s in the glass in front of me. But most days, after work or after dinner, I just want a drink. Something I can enjoy while relaxing, or watching a movie, or reading a book, or having a conversation. Something I can sip and appreciate, but not have to think about it or worry about getting sauced. That’s why most nights you’ll find me with a whiskey and water. I get the flavor of whiskey, but with the ABV of a glass of wine. A couple pours last a couple hours, no pondering required and nobody’s worse for the wear in the morning.

Save your best bottles to really savor, but don’t be embarrassed to dilute your good ones. I usually end up with about 3 parts water to 1 part whiskey, but it’s not like I’m carefully measuring. That’s what I do all day at work.

Elijah Craig 12 or Buffalo Trace are great bourbon options, and Rittenhouse 100 proof or Bulliet Rye are good rye whiskey choices. My current favorite, though, is Old Weller Antique 107 bourbon. It’s quite good and usually available for under $25. And since the 107 refers to its proof, the water isn’t only practical, it’s prudent.

About our Bartender – Michael Bowers is the Head Bartender at the Modern Hotel and Bar in Boise, Idaho.  His patrons know him for the uncanny precision with which he tends his bar.  Michael’s cocktails have been noted by, among others, Food and Wine, Sunset Magazine, GQ, and the New York Times.  See more in The Drink archive.

no that aint pee

Filed Under: Drink Tagged With: The Drink

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Saddleback Leather 25% off, Nordy Rack New Arrivals, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Saddleback Leather 25% off, Nordy Rack New Arrivals, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

And quite possibly the earliest Christmas pre-order sale ever. Yes, Christmas.

J. Crew 30% off + New Arrivals for Fall

J. Crew 30% off + New Arrivals for Fall

Now extended through Thursday. Plus a sneaky steal alert on a Super 120s Loro Piana wool jacket.

7 Gins to Beat the Heat

7 Gins to Beat the Heat

From tasty mixers to straight sippers, here are 6 gins (for those 21+) to finish out summer with.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Extra 20% off BR Final Sale, Timex at Todd Snyder, & More
  • J. Crew 30% off + New Arrivals for Fall
  • Steal Alert: Target 30% off Clothes + $10 off $50 stacking deal
  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Wool Trousers, a Different Kind of Floral Tie, & More
  • Chinos, Chukkas, Polo: Get The Blues (Navy and Steel)
  • Steal Alert: Spier and Mackay Core Suits have been restocked in Navy, Charcoal, & Medium Gray

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2022 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.