The Temperature Of Your Whiskey Matters More Than You Might Think

You usually want red wine served room temp — and a beer had better be ice-cold. But if you've never given a second thought to the temperature of your whiskey, the experts say you might want to. Chowhound spoke with Adam Edwards, the national brand ambassador at Kentucky whiskey distillery Heaven's Door. Edwards shared that the temperature of the hard stuff is surprisingly important for the overall flavor and enjoyment of your whiskey, whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail. 

Edwards says that drinking whiskey at room temp, around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, is the sweet spot, as this temperature range coaxes out the fullest, most nuanced flavor. When chilled, say below the 60-degree mark, or served over ice in a tasty whiskey sour or a whiskey-spiked iced coffee, dial down the alcohol's flavors, resulting in a more muted drinking experience. Edwards explains that as the liquid cools, the lipids and fats in the alcohol constrict and the flavors and aromas become subdued. 

A dulled flavor isn't a bad thing if you're enjoying a well-mixed cocktail with other flavorful ingredients or sipping a subpar whiskey. But when you want to enjoy a premium pour or really savor the whiskey's complexity, keep things within this optimum temperature range. That means keeping whiskey far from the freezer and stashing your bottles on your bar cart or in the pantry along with following other crucial whiskey storage tips for the best freshness and flavor. 

While cold temps aren't ideal for the fullest drinking experience, on the flip side, Adam Edwards says even slightly warming up whiskey into the 70s or 80s brings out elements you'd rather keep in the background. Namely, the harshness of the alcohol itseslf, which burns hotter on your palate, so to speak, as the whiskey is warmed. "Ever wonder why nobody craves neat whiskey to quench their thirst in the hottest temperatures? This is why, " explains Edwards. 

On the other hand, those who want a smoother experience without that kick might be tempted to cool their whiskey down. It's all a matter of personal preference, of course, but to preserve whiskey's full, robust flavor while creating an easier-to-sip drink, a few drops of water or a single large ice cube can deliver a smoother sip without diluting flavor.

As any aficionado knows, the world of whiskeys is vast and complex, and no two bottles or brands are exactly the same. While this temperature wisdom generally holds true, Edwards points out the caveat that "lighter (read: low proof) whiskies can handle a higher range of temperature than barrel-proof whiskey," so you might get away with being a little less precious about the temp at which you sip it.