How do You Enjoy Your Drams?

The only thing I am fussy about with respect to drinking whisky is having a convex glass which allows the nose to be observed. My preferred go-to glass is a medium-sized brandy snifter, but a Glencairn is certainly adequate. We own a bunch of different glasses in at least 12 different styles.

I love to share the experience of whisky with others, but have no trouble enjoying whisky alone.

I would say that pretty much all of my best dram experiences have been with other people, whether whisky aficionados or simply friends.

I still remember the first time I sipped bourbon, Basil Haydon's, out under the stars in a cool night with someone playing the guitar and the rest of us huddled together with blankets. It was a plastic cup.

For serious appreciation of whisky, I prefer a Glencairn (regular or occasionally mini), Kentucky Bourbon glass, occasionally a Canadian whisky glass, and quite often a small brandy snifter.

I like something bold and less complex if I'm trying to do work, something lighter and more light if I'm just relaxing and reading and something in between if I'm watching a show.

I find that almost universally, any dram I enjoy will taste better when shared with friends.

Echoing @Nozinan a bit, the thing I like the most of all is sitting with 8-12 other experienced whisky-loving friends for about 12 hours and comparing notes on about 30 whiskies. We've done this quite a few times with Connosr members in Ontario.

I've done this with my friend @Nock alone about 6-8 times.

When I first 'got serious' I used a small brandy glass/snifter. I'm a bit clumsy at times and found I was prone to breaking them when cleaning. I use a Glencairn mostly but will occasionally have a standard bourbon in a rocks glass. My new taylor'd Milestone over size Glencairns are perfect for that but when it comes to 'appreciation' the Glencairn works best for me.

I agree that a whisky shared with friends/family is best and how it should be drunk, imo!

I appreciate solitary and social drams. I like to taste a new whisky alone. It allows me to focus on scents, tastes, textures without distractions. I like to read while having a casual dram. Anything from Kurt Vonnegut to Lawrence Krauss. When I’m with others, I can talk pretty much endlessly (as @Nozinan can probably confirm). What can I say? I’m a teacher: we love to hear our own voices. As for glassware, I’m only picky when I really want to “evaluate” a whisky. In those cases, the Glencairn is my go-to. But I have several rocks type glasses (some convex, some less so) that do the job just fine when I’m in a social setting.

As things start to get a bit nuts during the silly season here is something soothing for the mind. I think I'll be having a quiet dram tonight while listening to these sounds of Wick by Old Pulteney.

Their blurb says "Christmas: the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for giving, and for celebrating with family and friends… but it’s often full of bustle and noise. So, this festive season, we’re here to help you slow down and take a break. A deep breath. To smell the sea air. Our Sounds of Wick soundtrack pulls together the soothing sounds of our hometown on the UK’s most northerly coast - from the tranquil lapping of sea waves, to birds calling, and the gentle trickle of barley being poured in our distillery. This Christmas, let it slow."

I hope you enjoy it too. youtube.com/watch/…

@Hewie I'd give my right arm to take a solitary walk on that beach right now!

@RianC isn’t that your drinking arm?

@BlueNote - One can use both for such things

@RianC Its good to be ambidramsterous.