How to order scotch at a bar like a seasoned pro

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There’s loads of types of whiskies. You’ve got single malt, blended malt, single grain and smoky blends, plus a bunch of different bottles from almost every country on the planet. But don’t panic – not many people are well versed in knowing the difference between them, or which is their preference.

When it comes to scotch, things are a little simpler. For scotch to be considered, well, scotch, it’s going to have been made in Scotland and aged for at least three years. So that narrows it down a bit.

Most bars and restaurants will have a handful of scotch whiskies on the menu or on display. Don’t be afraid to have a good gander and ask the bartender for a recommendation – they’re the experts after all. 

Share which spirits you usually go for or the typical flavours you enjoy in your drink. Like a fresher, sweet mix? Give a blended scotch a whirl. Not to boast but ours is one of the world’s best – so you’ll be in safe hands with Ballantine’s Finest. After something a little more complex? Whiskies that have been aged for longer have a deeper, more full-bodied taste. Ballantine’s 17 Year Old adds a sense of smokiness and spicy liquorice, whereas our 21 Year Old whisky is rich, aromatic and beautifully smooth.

Decide on your serve

You’ve chosen a scotch – now how to drink it? Just like picking a type of whisky, there’s a fair few different serves too.

Cocktail or straight up?

Many whisky connoisseurs think good scotch should only be sipped solo. We disagree. In fact we love a whisky cocktail so much so that we created our own collection of recipes (a great place to start if you’re after some inspo).

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go neat – it’s a fine way to sample different blends – but if you’re after something different, a cocktail is a great introduction into the world of whisky. Here are some of our favourites:

You can also go down the mixer route. Try a Scotch and Soda for a crisp serve or kick off the night with a classic whisky cola. We also love ours with ginger ale, tonic and even orange fanta for an 18+ remix of this fizzy holiday throwback.

How to order a scotch 

 

1. Neat: a scotch served neat comes at room temperature with no ice, perfect for when you fancy getting really into the details of your chosen blend. Our top tip? Give it a good sniff and swish beforehand to discover every note.
2. On the rocks: go chilled with a serving of ice which can help to accentuate the whisky’s layered flavour profile. One larger cube looks and tastes better; melting slowly to avoid diluting the scotch.
3. With water: whisky is known for its ‘burn’ and not everyone’s a fan. Ordering with a splash of water will slightly dilute the alcohol content resulting in a less fiery drink.
4. With a twist: a scotch with a twist highlights any citrus notes with a small strip of lemon or orange peel.
5. With a chaser: order a chaser for a shot of something on the side to alleviate the burn of your whisky drink. Popular chasers include juice, cola and water. Or go for a ‘Boilermaker’ to pair your whisky with a shot of beer. 

Place your order

 

Now you’ve decided on what to have, it’s time to get your order in. Pair up the lingo to tell your bartender the whisky, serve and side you fancy. For example…

 

“I’ll have a Ballantine’s Finest and cola, with ice” 

“A Ballantine’s 12 Year Old neat with a water chaser”

“Pour me an Ballantine’s Old Fashioned with a twist” 

 

You sound like a pro already. 

 

The hard work is done. Now you can sit back and sip your drink proudly. And if anything’s not quite to your liking, there’s plenty more options to try next time. That’s the great thing about whisky, from the blend to the serve, there’s an order to suit every taste.

Now you’re ordering whisky like a pro, maybe you’d like to expand your whisky drink knowledge further.  Whether it’s what mixers to add to your whisky or want to know more of the classics, we have you covered.