[SkinnyPupp]

Originally Posted by observer

Agree that ice will make the whisky more refreshing, but that's it.

Adding ice simply numbs your ability to taste. The colder the drink is, the less you can taste it.

As the ice melts, it also dilutes the scotch.

To bring out more flavours, one should add a splash of water (at room temperature). If you go to a high end hotel restaurant and order a nice scotch, they never ask whether you want it on the rocks. Just like they never ask if you want your red wine with ice.

They simply serve the scotch with some water on the side.

That being said, adding ice will be acceptable if you are drinking cheaper whisky such as red label or Canadian, to mask the less impressive taste.

Often people add soda water too.

So you're saying that adding water enhances the taste, then you say it masks the taste... You're a pro