Think you can’t mix Islay whisky? Think again. It’s a great cocktail ingredient and makes the most amazing Highballs.
We all love a good myth, don’t we? Personally, I always couldn’t get enough of the Ancient Greek tales of heroes fighting monsters of all shapes and sizes. It’s hard sometimes to come to terms with the fact that the world isn’t that magical.
But there are just myths that need debunking. No matter how much we want it to be true that thunder and lightning strike because Thor is having a hissy fit. Or that Nessie truly roams the depths of that Loch. We do have to face reality. But then, myth-busting doesn’t always have to be about exposing fanciful tales to the harsh light of logic. It can be fun too.
Take the idea that good whisky should never be adulterated in any way. Perhaps the notion that single malts are for sipping only has been drilled into you since drinking age. Or you swear by the commandment: ‘Thou shalt not mix age-statement expressions’. Above all else, you never mix Islay whisky. It’s sacred. Untouchable. Perfect just the way it is.
Islay whisky is delicious neat, we all know this. But don’t knock it mixed either
Mix it up
As Islay whisky superfans ourselves, we’re not ones to underestimate its charms. But the idea that all the whisky some people consume is drunk neat, or maybe with a dash of water, is just quite sad to us. Because we don’t agree that Islay whisky can’t be mixed. We say it’s a myth. And one we’re happy to challenge.
Thankfully, so are a growing number of whisky lovers. It’s becoming increasingly common to attend an event full of some of whisky’s finest and see them champion the humble medley of barley, yeast, water and wood as the base in a number of tasty serves. Brand homes now come equipped with bars filled with ingredients to pair the distillery’s whisky. After all, to make a quality cocktail you need to start with quality ingredients.
And surely Islay whisky is just that. A dram robust and characterful enough to stand up and be noticeable in any serve, with the potential to enhance the other elements around it. From the Penicillin to the Smoky Cokey, there’s no shortage of delicious drinks that make fine use of Islay’s greatest export.
Lots of brands like The Glenlivet are embracing whisky as a cocktail ingredient
The Highball solution
If you’re not sure where to start, then we highly recommend the Highball. Partly because it’s so darn simple. Take a glass. Slug in your whisky. Add ice. Top it up with your chosen mixer. Give it a stir. Voilà. Try and mess that up. Particularly as you can tailor your whisky to your taste. Want classic Islay like Aerolite Lyndsay? Go for it. Some spice and fruit for something sherried? It’s yours. Just a hint of smoke from a blend like Johnnie Walker Black Label? Right away.
But it’s also just got everything going for it. Firstly, you’re not masking the character of the whisky. You’re lengthening it. The minerality accentuates the salinity. The dilution ramps up the smokiness. It’s the Highball heightening effect. I’m pretty sure scientists have studied it. Or maybe that was a hen-do I met in that bar. Regardless, the Highballs we enjoyed together were delicious for the above reasons.
My favourite part about making Islay whisky-based Highballs, however, is the doors you can open. Of course, you should enjoy whisky the way you want, but putting single malt on a pedestal has its drawbacks. Whisky cocktails are a great way of showing the sceptics how tremendous this spirit is. The people who say “I had Jack Daniel’s once as a teenager and didn’t like it, so now I don’t like whisky” are just primed to be turned onto the joys of great whisky.
Get making those Highballs!
Bust the myth and share the love
And Islay whisky is, more often than not, great whisky. But it can be challenging on its own at first. There’s no harm in showing people a different way into whisky. Surely we ultimately want to encourage people to join in this magnificent world of flavour and fun? Not be the overbearing bouncers at the door of deliciousness.
Pop it in a long, refreshing serve and they’ll soon be saying how much they enjoy it. They might even look at you in astonishment when you tell them what the base ingredient is. “But I don’t even like whisky!”. Oh, but you do. You just hadn’t tasted it in the right context yet. You’re welcome.
Bust the myth. Say it proudly. Islay whisky can be mixed. Single malt Scotch can be mixed. There’s no arguing with great taste. Now somebody grab that soda and I’ll start looking at how much it costs to rent a boat on Loch Ness. I reckon she’s knocking about, you know. This world is full of magic.
