Scotch whisky can be fun

Of all the whisky categories, one still carries the weight of tradition and ceremony: Scotch. Despite its warm community, worldwide acclaim, and centuries of history, when it comes down to it, it isn’t often the first spirit you associate with having fun. And while some occasions, of course, call for a sense of grandeur and pomp, others call for a little more flair, a touch of casualness, and a bloody good time.

After all, once you’ve got your head around the basics (how it’s made, age statements, cask finishes and more) understanding that there are more ways to drink Scotch than neat out of cut-glass crystal will open up even more of the flavours and stories that Scotch has to offer: in cocktails, down the pub, with ice and water – really, however you want.

From exploring experimental expressions to mixing up your Highball game, pairings, finding community, and more, here are some of the most fun ways to explore the wonderful world of Scotch.

Build a fun collection

While it is never a bad thing to have the classics on hand, Scotch brands are continuously releasing imaginative and story-led expressions that still maintain quality and, most importantly, bags of flavour. So, building a collection of playful and unusual bottles can make digging into the drinks cabinet even more exploratory. 

Think Glenmorangie A Tale of Ice Cream which has been chosen for its high concentration of vanillin; the Mossburn Ephemera Collection which includes whiskies inspired by Scottish folklore; or the Thompson Bros Mystery Malt series which come in opaque black glass with just a QR code and concealed details under the capsule to reveal what’s inside. Throw in some more unusual cask finishes too – tequila, orange wine, even Guinness – and the flavour possibilities are endless.

Make Highballs more interesting

While purists may still clutch their pearls at the idea of mixing Scotch, imbibing whisky in cocktails is one of the best ways to enjoy it if you’re looking for something more accessible or democratic than neat. Highballs are often a chance to really showcase the character of your chosen whisky, and while the classic recipe of simply lengthening with soda water and garnishing with lemon has stood the test of time, there are some tried and tested riffs that can elevate your Highball considerably. 

Try a Smoky Cokey, for instance, mixing peated Scotch with a cola of your choice and garnishing with lemon or lime; I also like a classic Whisky & Ginger using a suitably spicy ginger ale; or a more tropical version using peated whisky and London Essence Roasted Pineapple soda.

Pair it up

Whisky does not need to be drunk in isolation – in fact, it makes a brilliant pairing with other drinks, savoury snacks, and desserts too. A good place to start is with the traditional Scottish pub order of a hauf & hauf (half a pint of beer and a dram of Scotch), where the drinker is encouraged to sip from one to another. Historically, this has often referred to a half-pint of Tennent’s lager and a dram of something blended like a Bell’s or a Famous Grouse, but feel free to mix it up. 

When it comes to food, Scotch’s myriad flavours make it surprisingly versatile whether you want sweet or savoury. I like a crisp pairing, personally, something the team at Bruichladdich champions with combinations such as Classic Laddie with cheese Nik Naks, and Port Charlotte 10yo with Frazzles (maybe do a taste test with some pals over a few drams and packets yourself). Paired with ice-cream is chill too: I love a single grain with mint choc chip, rum-cask finish with banana, or something sherried with salted caramel. Need a pick me up: splosh some in an affogato.

Leave it to the professionals

If you’re still getting your head around the whats, whys and hows of drinking whisky, the best thing you can do is head to a decent whisky bar. From Edinburgh’s pubby Nauticus or late-night music den Uno Mas, to London’s low-key Dram or cocktail and flight-focused Black Rock, there are more and more bars making whisky easier to digest, much more casual, and ultimately, fun (Black Rock’s cocktail menu combines Scotch with the likes of blue cheese, vegan bacon, and homemade Buckfast).

Keep your eyes peeled for special by-the-dram offers too to really get the chance to try as many different whiskies as you want (responsibly) without breaking the bank – special offer dram evenings, regular whisky tastings, and whisky-branded bartender takeovers will give you access to brands you’ve likely never heard of or tasted before. Top tip: if in doubt, ask the bartender for their recommendations based on the flavours you like – they are encyclopedias of whisky and distillery knowledge.

Join a whisky community

Enjoying Scotch is best done in good company, so if you’re struggling to find your whisky crowd, fear not – there are plenty of whisky communities around the world where drams can be enjoyed with like-minded people. The best place to generally start looking is in your local area. Have a quick search online (usually social media) to see if there are any regional organisations, or if any pubs or bars might be hosting group tastings, talks and more.

Otherwise, established communities like Women’s+ Whisky Night, the Swift Whisky Club and Single Malt Marathoners are welcoming and well-oiled groups, while whisky subscription services and brands themselves have their own communities, often connecting people all over the world online to share special releases, limited editions and first-tastes. Look for memberships or newsletters you can sign up to, and you’ll have a ready-made community at your fingertips.

Elevate your drinking experience

Anyone in the know will attest that adding a drop or two of water can help open up the aromas and flavours of higher ABV Scotch whiskies to really bring them to life. If that’s how you prefer drinking your whisky, don’t be afraid to ask for some water on the side at a bar, or if you’re in the comfort of your own home, investing in a water jug, a pipette and filtered water is all part of the ritual of drinking whisky. Remember: you can add, but you can’t take away, so go slow.

Take a look at your glassware cabinet too: while a trusty Glencairn or a crystal-cut rocks glass are always fitting, something like a Jacobite, or a beautiful piece of Japanese glassware, is slightly more unusual. Decanters are a nice way of storing your on-the-go Scotch, and you’ll never regret having a stylish ice bucket, tongs and high-quality ice in the freezer either if you want a frozen block with your dram. 

In the meantime, why not build yourself a whisky bar, curate a whisky-drinking playlist, or create a 5pm whisky cocktail hour with your flatmates on a Friday – whatever you do, make some fun Scotch whisky memories.