Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
There's an obvious angle here - to add water or to not add water? I’ll cover that - of course - but I'm thinking a wee bit bigger than that.
Recently, after a spell of brilliant weather over Scotland's springtime, we learned just how important water is to whisky. Some distilleries had to stop production - simply because there was no water. So, we know it's vital. But it put the idea back in my mind to tackle a topic that's been on the list for aeons - possibly since the beginning of the vPub, in truth.
With water being part of every step in the route to the final destination of aqua vitae - the water of life itself, how does the different water used affect the outcome of the whisky? Hard, soft, cool, warm; what difference does it actually make? But also, how seriously should we treat the addition of water at home with our whisky?
I recall a time, not so long ago, where you could buy specific water for specific whisky styles; Highland, Islay and Speyside for example - an idea I dismissed out of hand, without trying it, of course. I’m still not trying it. At nearly £5 for 10cl, the water was as expensive as most of the whisky I was buying. So, it was a no from me. But, was that short sighted?
In this session, I’ll have a think about how much water is used in whisky making - as part of the production process and also the cooling process, and consider the difference it might make to the spirit. But the majority of the session will be focusing on what we do at home.
What’s your opinion on adding water to your whisky? Do you add water to your whisky at home? What kind of water do you use? Do you feel it makes a difference? I sense a poll coming on, I’ll ask my patrons these questions and try to gauge the community vibes on this topic.
Of course, I have my own take and attitude towards things and, if I’m honest, there are aspects to whisky enjoyment where considering water and how it’s used, for me, is vital. The two things are inextricably linked and it’s my belief that a little understanding can go a long way to increasing the enjoyment of the whisky we have on hand.
So, with a little practical playfulness, we’ll try to determine how much of a difference it makes.
An interesting bottle or two will be offered up to play along too. I hope to welcome you there!
🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 streamyard.com/pal/d/5188931899359232
There's an obvious angle here - to add water or to not add water? I’ll cover that - of course - but I'm thinking a wee bit bigger than that.
Recently, after a spell of brilliant weather over Scotland's springtime, we learned just how important water is to whisky. Some distilleries had to stop production - simply because there was no water. So, we know it's vital. But it put the idea back in my mind to tackle a topic that's been on the list for aeons - possibly since the beginning of the vPub, in truth.
With water being part of every step in the route to the final destination of aqua vitae - the water of life itself, how does the different water used affect the outcome of the whisky? Hard, soft, cool, warm; what difference does it actually make? But also, how seriously should we treat the addition of water at home with our whisky?
I recall a time, not so long ago, where you could buy specific water for specific whisky styles; Highland, Islay and Speyside for example - an idea I dismissed out of hand, without trying it, of course. I’m still not trying it. At nearly £5 for 10cl, the water was as expensive as most of the whisky I was buying. So, it was a no from me. But, was that short sighted?
In this session, I’ll have a think about how much water is used in whisky making - as part of the production process and also the cooling process, and consider the difference it might make to the spirit. But the majority of the session will be focusing on what we do at home.
What’s your opinion on adding water to your whisky? Do you add water to your whisky at home? What kind of water do you use? Do you feel it makes a difference? I sense a poll coming on, I’ll ask my patrons these questions and try to gauge the community vibes on this topic.
Of course, I have my own take and attitude towards things and, if I’m honest, there are aspects to whisky enjoyment where considering water and how it’s used, for me, is vital. The two things are inextricably linked and it’s my belief that a little understanding can go a long way to increasing the enjoyment of the whisky we have on hand.
So, with a little practical playfulness, we’ll try to determine how much of a difference it makes.
An interesting bottle or two will be offered up to play along too. I hope to welcome you there!
🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 streamyard.com/pal/d/5188931899359232
