Burns Night Selection Case: Waters to accompany whisky.

Aqua Amore are proud to have put together a selection of waters, with which to experience the effect of varying levels of mineral salts contained within water, on your whisky selection.

• There is no need to dilute too much, just a splash will do (use a bottle cap full as a guide).
• Swirl the whisky in the glass
• Have a good sniff of the whisky and appreciate the bouquet
• Take a gentle sip and allow the liquid to rest on your tongue
• The flavours will fully reveal themselves
• Take notes, focusing on the legacy (after-taste) of the whisky
• Also, note the viscosity (mouthfeel) of the whisky
• Try another dram of the same whisky, this time with another water from your Burns’ Night Selection.
• Michael recommends starting with the LOW mineral water, followed by the MEDIUM and finally the water RICH in minerals.

Michael’s selection

I’ve selected three waters, a jump in each of total mineral content (TDS)

LOW – Deeside – 60mg/L – Try with a Highland Malt such as Glenfarclas 15, to retain the sweetness and offer cream and ginger nut flavours however it could make your bourbon astringent!
2 x Still 750ml

MEDIUM – 22 Artesian – 663mg/L – Try with an Islay whisky to enhance brine, smokiness and mineral qualities of the dram however be aware that a poor pairing can cause natural characteristics to be muted!
2 x Still 522ml

RICH – Hepar – 2,580mg/L – Try this in comparison with the other waters, for a high mineral impact and compare the mouthfeel and flavour against the same dram cut with a water containing fewer minerals however, note that a water rich in minerals can amplify the richness of your whisky too much, making it more like a cocktail!
2 x Still 1L

Slainte!