Talk about whisky and cognac,
here is a fun thing to do, and all can be used,special or basic.
one needs a bunch of glasses (preferably cognac glasses but wineglasses will do fine, 1 icecube, 1 icecold object (we have stainless steel cubes in the freeer), something to drop 1 drop of water with, a completely full teacup completely full of water too hot to tough, but surely not cooking (the chosen cognac glass must be able to placed in this with the round liquid containing part in the hot water, hend by the rim so it is diagonal hangen in it)
Pour the same amount of whisky/cognac in
a glass with icecube
a glass with ice cold object
a glass
a glass, having the water drop apparatus ready
a glass for the tea cup, hang it in the hot water, since the teacup is full this ought to be done at the kitchen sink, a normal sized teacup and a regular cognac glass will have enough space in the cognac glass to pour a normal quantity of cognac/whisky in, but you might want to use a smaller teacup is it is hanging too horizontally. when the drink is poured, gently roll the glass to it heats up evenly
let the smelling and tasting begin!
The difference in taste, richness, smells is so interesting.
the adding of one drop of water is really interesting, it liberates a lot of scents and sometimes you can actually see it “break tension”
1 bottle, 5 completely different experiences, works with other drinks as well.
This helps you choose the best brand of most liqueur, there is no hiding behind scent/taste dulling old for wodka for example.
And the coolest thing it, you dont need an expensive bottle to make drinking it a party. Have a friend who likes a drink, doing this is a party.
I did this often to guests when I worked in bars.
Whn somebody ordered whisky on the rock, I gave them a look, and two glasses, 1 as ordered and 1 on saucer, teaup with hot water, cognac glass with the whisky. Surprised look, “I didn’t order this” Replying, “it is on me”
Almost always almost the entire group ordered the hot whisky next round and often a second round with a little more expensive drink following that