Interesting to find these bits from Bond novels, I know a lot of people have strong opinions on the water and whiskey debate. My respect for the Felix Leiter of the books grows, I suppose.
My scotch drinking friends think it antithetical to add a splash or even drink on the rocks.
Whereas my Kentucky background also suggests it is the "proper" way to appreciate a fine bourbon. Water opens up the tannins and exposes more of the Oak vanillins and other flavors.
I think Scotches open up in fascinating ways, too, but it is interesting how much it upsets my scotch drinking friends when I do it.
Of course, where I really get into trouble is being careful who is around before I similarly try opening up the tannins of a wine with a splash of water. Way more people see that as sacrilege, but the same concept applies: there are interesting flavors trapped in complex molecules and the taste buds get different experiences when they are broken down into subtler components with just a touch of water.
My scotch drinking friends think it antithetical to add a splash or even drink on the rocks.
Whereas my Kentucky background also suggests it is the "proper" way to appreciate a fine bourbon. Water opens up the tannins and exposes more of the Oak vanillins and other flavors.
I think Scotches open up in fascinating ways, too, but it is interesting how much it upsets my scotch drinking friends when I do it.
Of course, where I really get into trouble is being careful who is around before I similarly try opening up the tannins of a wine with a splash of water. Way more people see that as sacrilege, but the same concept applies: there are interesting flavors trapped in complex molecules and the taste buds get different experiences when they are broken down into subtler components with just a touch of water.