Whiskey on the Rocks: What It Means and How to Do It Right

Whiskey on the rocks simply means a straight pour of whiskey over ice. The ice dilutes the drink slightly, which smooths out the taste, makes it more refreshing and can even bring out some hidden flavours. So when someone asks for a whiskey on the rocks, they want their whiskey poured into a glass over ice - usually a short one.

Below we'll cover where the term comes from, how to pour one properly, how it compares to drinking whiskey neat, and which bottles suit each.

Where Does "On the Rocks" Come From?

According to legends, the term on the rocks dates back to ancient Scotland. Back when freezers and refrigerators weren't around, people would cool down in the cold rivers, so if they wanted a cold drink, they'd put cold stones from the river in their glass to chill it. So on the rocks literally meant putting cold stones in your drink.

It's a great story, but it's more legend than fact - the phrase was first recorded in the 1940s, and the "rocks" were most likely the chunks of ice bartenders chipped off big blocks before ice cube trays were common.

What is the Best Way to Drink Whiskey on the Rocks?

1. Choose the right glass, typically a tumbler with a wide opening, so your ice cubes fit in it.

2. Add 1 or 2 ice cubes or some frozen whiskey stones.

3. Pour 50ml of the whiskey of your choice over the ice.

4. Let the whiskey sit for a moment so it cools off and a little of the ice melts, opening up the flavours.

What Does Drinking Whiskey ‘Neat’ Mean? 

Drinking whiskey neat means drinking it on its own at room temperature, with no mixers or dilutes. Some people prefer a kick to their whiskey, drinking it straight and strong, so they'd ask for it neat. Neat whiskey is typically served at room temperature in a short glass - just as refined as the flavours themselves. 

Whiskey on the Rocks vs Neat: Which Do You Prefer? A Debate Older Than Time 

People have been debating for years which is better, on the rocks or neat. Some whiskey drinkers say drinking it on the rocks dilutes the flavour too much and is an insult to the distillery, ruining the flavours. Others say having whiskey on the rocks smooths a whiskey's sharp finish and makes some flavour notes more noticeable - and there's some science behind that, as a little water can bring certain flavours to the surface.

Best Whiskeys on the Rocks

Jameson: smooth, light and easy-going. A little ice brings out its honey sweetness, making it a perfect first whiskey on the rocks.

Bushmills Black Bush: rich and fruity thanks to its sherry casks, and full-flavoured enough to hold its own over ice.

Buffalo Trace: a classic Kentucky bourbon with caramel, vanilla and sweet spice that all stand up well to the cold.

Green Spot: spicy with fresh orchard fruit, and it tastes great chilled.

Best Whiskeys Neat

Redbreast 12 Year Old: velvety, rich and full of sherry cask flavour. Ask any whiskey expert and they'll tell you to drink this one neat.

Yellow Spot: twelve years in bourbon, sherry and Malaga wine casks gives it layers you don't want ice getting in the way of.

The Temple Bar 18 Year Old: eighteen years in the cask means plenty of depth, best enjoyed just as it is.

Midleton Very Rare 2023: no ice needed, and definitely none allowed.

So, it’s safe to say you need to try it yourself first to see which you prefer as there's no right or wrong way to drink whiskey. Pay us a visit and we'll be sure to recommend the whiskey best suited to your taste.