Ah, whisky… this drink that has the knack of warming our hearts and our evenings! But, before diving into a tasting, we need to ask the dreaded question: how many centiliters should you really pour into your glass to fully enjoy without ending up dancing on the table?
Whether you’re a whisky purist or prefer it in a cocktail, there are a few simple rules to know to find the right amount in cl. Come on, let’s take a little journey through aromas, glassware, and perfect dosing.
Why is it important to dose your whisky correctly?
When you serve whisky, it’s not just a matter of filling your glass to the brim to have more, oh no! Dosing plays a crucial role in your tasting experience. Why? Simply because whisky is a complex drink that deserves to be savored at its true value. By giving too much alcohol at once, you risk drowning in the alcohol instead of capturing its nuances. On the other hand, too small a dose can leave you wanting more.
Different types of whisky and their influence on the dose
Just like with everything else, each type of whisky has its own characteristics. You don’t serve a single malt scotch the same way as a bourbon or a Japanese whisky. For a straight whisky, for example, you’ll want to stay around 3 to 4 cl. This allows all the subtleties of the aroma to be released without the glass overflowing with alcohol.
A quick summary of the recommended doses for each type of whisky:
- Scotch whisky (single malt): 3 cl to 4 cl
- American whisky (bourbon, Tennessee): 4 cl to 5 cl
- Irish whisky: 3 cl to 4 cl
- Japanese whisky: 3 cl to 4 cl
How many centiliters for a straight tasting?
You’ve decided to enjoy your whisky “straight”? Bravo! No ice, no soda, just you and your whisky. In this case, the golden rule is to pour between 3 and 4 cl. It’s neither too much nor too little, and it’s just enough to let the aromas develop in the glass.
Dosing straight whisky
We agree, you want to avoid the faux pas of a glass full to the brim. To fully enjoy your moment, pour 3 cl of whisky into a suitable glass, like a tumbler or a tulip glass. The latter is indeed your best ally to concentrate the aromas well.
Dosing whisky with ice
If you’re one of those who enjoy their whisky on ice (no judgment here!), it’s recommended to increase the dose a bit. Why? Well, the ice will dilute the alcohol as it melts. So, to compensate for the dilution, pour between 4 and 5 cl of whisky into your glass with ice cubes.
What dose of whisky in a cocktail?
Ah, cocktails… another sublime way to enjoy whisky, and there’s something for all tastes: from classics like the Whisky Sour or the Old Fashioned to more exotic creations. But here again, the question arises: how many cl of whisky to put in your cocktail to make it perfect?
Examples of popular cocktails with their dosages
- Whisky Sour: 4 cl of whisky, 2 cl of lemon juice, 1 cl of sugar syrup.
- Old Fashioned: 5 cl of whisky, 1 sugar cube, a few drops of bitters.
- Manhattan: 5 cl of whisky, 2 cl of red vermouth, a few drops of Angostura bitters.
Cocktails generally require between 4 and 6 cl of whisky, but be sure to balance the other ingredients so that the whisky doesn’t overpower (or the opposite).
Frequently asked questions about whisky dosing
Now that you know how to dose your whisky for each occasion, you might still have a few questions. Don’t panic, I’m here to answer them!
How much whisky in a standard glass?
Generally, it’s considered that a standard whisky glass holds between 3 and 4 cl. This is the ideal dose to enjoy all the aromas without feeling overwhelmed.
What is the difference between a dose in cl and in ml?
Quick revision: 1 cl is equivalent to 10 ml. So, if a recipe asks for 3 cl of whisky, that’s 30 ml. Simple, right?
Using measuring tools for precise dosing
Now that you’ve become a pro at dosing in cl, why not perfect your art with the right tools? Bartenders and connoisseurs use accessories like the jigger or the dosing spoon to ensure impeccable precision.
Essential tools for dosing your whisky correctly:
- The jigger: a small utensil with a double compartment, perfect for dosing between 2 and 5 cl of whisky.
- The dosing spoon: ideal for adjusting small quantities.
And if you really want to impress your friends, some experts even use the “count” technique, which means they count the seconds while pouring the whisky. But that’s expert level stuff!
Adjusting the dose according to the glass and the occasion
Lastly, know that the choice of glass and the context also influence the dose you’ll pour. For example, for a straight whisky in a tumbler, 3 to 4 cl is plenty. On the other hand, if you’re serving a cocktail in a highball glass, you’ll need to adjust the quantity based on the other ingredients.
Here’s a summary table of recommended doses according to the type of glass:
| Glass Type | Recommended Whisky Dose |
|---|---|
| Tumbler (straight whisky) | 3 to 4 cl |
| Tulip glass (tasting) | 3 cl |
| Highball (cocktail) | 4 to 6 cl |
| Shooter | 2 to 2.5 cl |
As you can see, the glass size is important. If you want to savor your whisky like a pro, always pay attention to the glassware you use.
Alright, it’s time to enjoy!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of whisky dosing in cl, all that’s left is to enjoy yourself! Whether you prefer your whisky straight, with ice, or in a cocktail, you now know how to adjust the quantity for each occasion. And most importantly, remember to take the time to savor every sip.
