Q&A for How to Drink Scotch Whisky

It depends on the person and what ‘how much’ means, but the recommended intake of alcohol is about 2-3 units for women (about 1.5-2 oz) and 3-4 units for men (about 2-3 oz of single malt whiskey assuming a 40% ABV) in the UK.

Scotch goes well with a variety of mixers. You can stick to the two basics of water or plain soda, or you can add such liquids as coconut water, ginger ale, cola, flavored sodas (citrus varieties are especially good choices), apple juice or apple cider, lemonade, etc. If you want an alcoholic mixer, Drambuie, Disaronno or Amaretto make good choices. Any mixer with a sugary base will sweeten the taste of the Scotch, while water or plain soda will dilute the strength (see the explanation on adding water in the steps above). And if you like spices, a tiny sprinkling of nutmeg atop the whisky can be a nice touch.

Yes, Sprite lemonade or other carbonated lemon/lime soda drinks make an excellent mixer for Scotch. It is best used with a lighter flavored Scotch and don't forget to add a wedge of lime to finish it off nicely. Also, this is best reserved for cheaper varieties of Scotch; the more you pay, the more it pays to savor the Scotch without mixers.

Once the single malt bottle has been opened, it will likely continue to taste its best for up to another year, maybe 2 years. Once opened, it must be kept in a dark, cool place to help preserve it as long as possible. However, even with good storage, expect its flavor to begin to change (it oxidizes), especially if it is subject to temperature fluctuations or light. If you can, it is best kept stored upright, to avoid contact with the cork, which can affect its flavor. Flavor-affected single malt can be used with mixers or for baking a delicious whisky cake!

Yes, but it's usually those who just want to catch a buzz and not enjoy the flavor profile of the scotch. You want to savor your drink, enjoy it, fully experience it.

Cheese is always a good pairing with whiskey as it compliments the woody/smoky aroma. Thinly sliced deli meats are also a good selection.

It's perfectly safe to drink/serve it, provided it was appropriately sealed. Exposure to air converts the whiskey to vinegar.

You can start with whatever you like. Johnnie Walker Red is considered a beginner scotch.

Everyone has a different opinion, but I think the experience is better before dinner as it enhances your appetite.

You shouldn't mix it with anything, except mineral water. Try water, then graduate to neat.

I've seen from $180 to $40,000, but it really depends on a lot of things such as; how much whiskey is in the bottle, how the whiskey is made, what kind of whiskey is in the bottle (scotch, bourbon, rye), and the brand.

A serving of scotch is one to two ounces.

If it still fully sealed, then yes. And it will be beautiful to drink. If it's been opened in the past, it's pretty much useless and I can't recommend drinking it.