Are You Drinking Whiskey Wrong? The Best Way to Enjoy It

April 24, 2025

Getting the Most from Your Whiskey: Why the Glass Isn’t the Only Thing That Matters

Picture this: You've just capped off a long workweek. The kids are tucked in, the dog’s curled up on his bed, and you’ve finally got a moment of peace. You reach for your finest whiskey glass, pour yourself a dram, give it a swirl… But have you ever asked yourself, “Am I doing this right?”

Look, no one’s judging how you drink your whiskey. Whether you like it neat, with a cube of ice, or mixed into a cocktail that would spook a Scotch purist, it’s your call. But when you’ve spent time crafting spirits yourself—especially through home distilling thanks to flavourings like Still Spirits Top Shelf Whiskey Essence—you notice the details more. Drinking it becomes less about the buzz, and more about the balance, the nose, and the mouthfeel. Sounds fancy, I know—but stick with me, this is where the fun begins.

The Soul of the Sip Starts with the Spirit

Making your own whiskey at home isn’t just a craft—it’s a bit of magic. Well, science too—but mostly magic. With something like the Still Spirits Top Shelf Whiskey Essence, you're not pouring a fake spirit into your bottle. You're layering flavour into a blank canvas spirit—think deep oak, warm caramel, smooth complexity. It's for those folks who appreciate the feel of an aged bottle in their hand but want the jeans-and-flanno version of distilling rather than the top-hatted version.

Now here’s where most people quietly get it wrong: they stop their creativity once it’s bottled. Friends, this is just the beginning. That bottle isn’t just whiskey—it’s your whiskey. So don’t treat it like some off-the-shelf drop that’s only good with sugary cola or doused in lemonade. Let it speak a little. Let it breathe.

Temperature – Your Secret Ingredient

Think pouring over ice is just a fancy bar move? Think again. Serving temperature makes a huge difference. Warm whiskey exaggerates spice and sweetness—great for peaty, full-bodied drams. Cold whiskey pulls things into balance, softens high alcohol and sharp notes, and sometimes opens up more subtle flavours. If you're proud of those oak and caramel tones in your Still Spirits whiskey, try it room temperature—you’ll be surprised how much more you catch with your nose and tongue.

The Glassware Matters More Than You Think

You don’t need crystal cut carafes and gold-rimmed tumblers, but what you use does change flavour perception. Wide-rim glasses let aromas waltz out quickly. That’s fine for mixing. But if you want a full sensory experience, pick a narrow tulip-shaped glass. Something that corals those warm vanilla and spice notes and lets you catch a whiff with every sip.

Want to take things up a notch? After pouring, let the whiskey sit for a couple of minutes. Give it a gentle swirl. That little break lets alcohol vapours escape, and trust me, it makes those rich tones from the Still Spirits range sing in all the right ways.

Looking to Customise? Start with a Strong Backbone

I’ve had mates come over, start tweaking their homebrews, and within two short blends, they’re deep in a spiral of adding five things hoping it’ll taste better. Hold up! Give your base the chance to shine first. That's where the Still Spirits Whiskey Profile D comes in.

This beauty offers a foundation loaded with velvety vanilla and malty chocolate hints—perfect for crafting those complex, smooth-legged sippers you've been dreaming about since the first lockdown hobby phase hit.

Mix it with intention. Whether you're following Profile Kit recipes or experimenting wing-and-a-prayer style late on a Friday night, it’s got the bones to hold its own. And if you're after a spirit that feels catered to your backyard tastebuds—not some imported flavour from a country you can’t yet pronounce—this is it.

Drink How You Like, But Know Why

We Aussies (whoops—didn’t say that!) tend to pride ourselves on the casual "she’ll be right" attitude, and that’s what makes homebrewing such a good fit. But there’s pride in doing things with a touch of extra care too—pouring your own-blended whiskey into your favourite glass, spending that one extra minute giving it a swirl, and then watching your mate's face light up after their first sip. That’s the kind of satisfaction store shelves can’t offer.

Going Beyond the Glass

When you start blending with things like Still Spirits Whiskey Essence or personalising it with Whiskey Profile D, you're no longer just sampling a standard dram. You're bottling personality. Pride. Patience. A splash of rebellious curiosity and a good dash of DIY satisfaction.

So the next time you're lining up glasses, forget tradition for a moment. Start with intention. Sip slowly. And if it's your own brew you've poured—breathe in deep. That’s your signature right there.

Cheers to good company, bold blends, and whiskey that feels right. Drink well, brew boldly, and until next time—

Cheers,
Candeece