When it comes to making a good highball, the choice of whiskey is crucial. The right whiskey can elevate the flavors of the drink and create a refreshing and enjoyable experience. So, what whiskey makes a good highball?
1. Bourbon: Bourbon is a popular choice for highballs due to its smooth and rich flavor profile. Its sweetness and caramel notes pair well with the carbonated ingredient, creating a balanced and delicious drink. A high-quality bourbon like Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve can add depth and complexity to a highball.
2. Rye: Rye whiskey is another great option for highballs. It has a spicier and drier flavor compared to bourbon, which can add a nice kick to the drink. Rye whiskey pairs well with ginger ale or ginger beer, creating a refreshing and zesty highball. Brands like Bulleit Rye or Rittenhouse Rye are excellent choices for a rye whiskey highball.
3. Japanese Whisky: Japanese whisky has gained popularity in recent years, and it can make a fantastic highball. Known for its delicate and nuanced flavors, Japanese whisky brings a unique twist to the classic highball. The light and floral notes of Japanese whisky pair well with soda water, creating a crisp and refreshing drink. Brands like Yamazaki or Hibiki Harmony are excellent choices for a Japanese whisky highball.
4. Scotch: While Scotch is not the traditional choice for a highball, it can still work well if you choose the right whisky. A blended Scotch whisky with a lighter and milder flavor profile is preferable for a highball. The smoky and peaty notes of an Islay Scotch might not complement the carbonated ingredient as well. Opt for a blended Scotch like Johnnie Walker Black Label or Monkey Shoulder for a smooth and enjoyable highball.
5. Irish Whiskey: Irish whiskey is known for its smoothness and lightness, making it a great choice for a highball. Its subtle flavors and gentle sweetness pair well with soda water, creating a refreshing and easy-to-drink highball. Brands like Jameson or Bushmills are popular options for an Irish whiskey highball.
In the end, the choice of whiskey for a highball comes down to personal preference. Experimenting with different types and brands of whiskey can lead to discovering new and exciting flavor combinations. So, don't be afraid to try different whiskies in your highballs and find the one that suits your taste best. Cheers!