George Oliphant: Being the good Scott that I am, I thought it was finally time to learn everything that is to know about the home country's number one export, Scotch. What are the top five things someone who is getting into Scotch tasting should know?
Ethan Kelley: Number one, older does not mean better. As the spirit sits in a barrel, overtime it's going to take more and more flavor from the wood. So if you like drinking something that tastes like a liquid splinter, by all means, pursue a thirty year old bottle keep in mind, that a lot of whiskey's peak at about 15 to 18 years old, sometimes it's going up to 21.
Number two, just because it's most expensive, does not mean it's the best. We had great whiskeys starting at $9.
Three, don't be afraid to put water in your whiskey, that's saying nothing about your manhood. The water will open up the whiskey.
George Oliphant: Now when you say, opens up a scotch, what does that mean?
Ethan Kelley: It dissolves the chemical misfire that allows a lot of the aromas to come out.
Fourth, the whiskeys that are designed for the rocks and whiskeys that aren't, my only problem with ice is that it changes. If you are going to put ice in your whiskey, put a couple of cubes in and try to avoid making a whiskey snow cone.
And five, be experimental, go out and play, there are plenty of bars with good collections and will gladly pour you a taste of something that you never had.
George Oliphant: Well Ethan, you shared with me your views about scotch and you are a great salesman too. Thank you for spending some time with us.
Ethan Kelley: Anytime.
George Oliphant: Cheers.
Ethan Kelley: Cheers
George Oliphant: Now what I learned today, is older doesn't mean better. The most expensive is not necessarily the best, don't be afraid to add water, just say no to snow cones, and go out and play. The more you try, the more you'll know. I am George Oliphant, I'll see you next time.
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