As any whisky enthusiast will tell you, adding a drop of water to your dram improves the smell and flavor of the drink. Using slightly unconventional computer simulations, scientists have been able to explain exactly why this works.
Björn Karlsson, co-author of the study, explains that “the taste of whisky is primarily linked to so-called amphipathic molecules, which are made up of hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts.” In other words, one side of the “taste” molecule found in whisky is attracted to water, while the other is repelled by it. This molecule, known as guaiacol, has a major bearing on the alcohol’s flavor.
Guaiacol is commonly found in smoky and peaty Scottish whiskies, and has been identified as the cause of the distinctive flavor that is loved by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. By using computer simulations of ethanol and water mixtures with guaiacol added, the researchers were able to observe how different concentrations of the two liquids changed the behavior of the flavor molecules.
They concluded that guaiacol is more likely to bind to the alcohol molecules. When the alcohol concentration is around 70%, as it is when first barreled, these molecules, with the guaiacol attached, tend to gather somewhere around the middle of the liquid, essential preventing the flavor from rising to the surface.
As more water is added, such as during bottling, when the concentration is reduced to around 45%, the alcohol molecules spread out more, meaning that more of the guaiacol floats to the surface.
Ran Friedman, who was another co-author of the study, explains, “this suggests that in a glass of whisky, guaiacol will therefore be found near the surface of the liquid, where it contributes to both the smell and taste of the spirit.” However, they found that this effect does not stop there – if the whisky is diluted down to 27%, there is an increase of guaiacol at the liquid-air interface.
This results in a more superior flavor, something that all whisky enthusiasts will know about. While diluting a good whisky down to 27% may seem low, some whisky drinks are known to dilute it as much as 20%.
Source: iflscience
Images: depositphotos
This 10-Minute Read Will Make You a Bourbon Expert
Are you unsure of the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch? We are here to clarify.
Making Your Tea in the Microwave Isn’t a Good Idea
Microwaving tea might be convenient, but it isn’t the smartest thing to do. Even science says so.
Suffer from Dust Allergies? Try These Natural Treatments!
Do you suffer from dust allergies at home? If so, here are 8 natural remedies that you should definitely try!
Welcome to Speyside, the Heart of Whisky Country
Here is an up-close look at the whisky-making culture in Scotland’s Speyside.
You Do NOT Need 8 Glasses of Water a Day!
In this video, Dr. Berg teaches us why water is so healthy and busts some myths like the "8 glasses a day" one
Fake Olive Oil: Here's How You Can Spot It
If you want to know whether the olive oil you have bought is real or an imposter, here's how you can tell!
Guide: How to Reduce the Risk of Accidents at Home
As you age you will find yourself spending more time at home. This guide gives you tips and ideas for making your home safe, comfortable and easy to navigate.
12 Foods You Must Add to Your Diet in Your 40s and Later
In this article, we’ll focus on 12 foods with proven anti-aging effects that are easy to find in stores and even easier to add into your diet
These 10 Fantastic Life Hacks Will Make Your Life Easier
These life hacks will allow you to get things done quicker and generally make your life easier. Watch this informative video now.
Hydrators vs. Moisturizers: Who Should Use What?
This article would like to provide clarity on the various types of moisturizers and help you understand what your skin truly requires.
9 Tips to Keep Your Sweater from Shedding This Winter
Winter is almost here, and it’s time to protect your sweaters from shedding.
These Cuts of Meat Aren't Popular, But They're Tasty!
Instead of tossing away all those meat parts that aren’t specifically called for in the recipe you’re following, save yourself some money and cook them up!
How Many Times You Can Wear Clothes Before Washing Them
Are you re-wearing your clothes more often than you should? Follow this guide.
7 Ways Lemons Can Make Your Life a Whole Lot Easier!
Here you'll discover seven surprising ways how you can use lemons and lemon juice to make your life cleaner and easier.
Learn to Replace a Bathroom Faucet: Step by Step Tutorial
after watching this step by step video tutorial, you’ll know how to replace a bathroom faucet like a real pro...
6 Common Mistakes You're Likely Making When Cracking Eggs
These are the biggest mistakes people make when cracking eggs.
7 Common Missteps That Couples Over 50 Should Avoid
For couples, the 50s can be the best years of their relationship. Just avoid making these mistakes.
Who Needs a Professional Cleaner With These Tips?
These stubborn stains can easily be removed with a little guidance.
9 Ingenious Q-Tip Hacks for Surprising Daily Uses
We bet you never thought cotton swabs could be so handy around the house!
Your Toothpaste Can Be More Harmful Than You Think
Stop using toothpaste that fills your body with nasty chemicals, and try making one of these natural versions instead.
15 Microwave Tips Everyone Should Be Told About
Microwaves can be used even more than you'd imagine. Here are 15 more ways in which you can use your microwave that you probably didn’t know about.
How to Build a Heron's Fountain That Runs Forever
Make your home a soothing sanctuary with this DIY non-stop water fountain.
11 Spring Cleaning Mistakes You're Making Every Year
Most people make these spring cleaning mistakes. Do you, too?
This Town Was Built Especially for People with Dementia
This small Dutch village is designed for and entirely populated by residents with dementia and Alzheimers.
One of These Facts May Save Your Life One Day
10 simple facts that we should all know, because they may save us some day.
Cheap and Great Tips for Removing Rust from Any Surface!
Ugly rust will become a thing of the past, using these simple methods to remove it from metal surfaces and even clothes.
10 Smart Ways to Neutralize Any and All Shoe Odors
To combat shoe smells, we've compiled a list of 10 simple solutions that are readily available in most households.
Dating as a Mature Adult May Seem Intimidating, But It’s Easy!
Tips and advice for single people above the age of 40.
Give Old Furniture a New Lease of Life with These Tips
Give your old furniture a new lease of life with these 14 tips.
If You Have a Mouse Problem, This is How to Get Rid of It
If you have a mouse in your house there are many great (and humane) ways to get rid of it. Here are 6 of them.
You Don’t Need a Garden to Grow Fruits & Vegetables!
Why not grow your own produce in your own home?
We Bet You Don't Know Just How Useful Your Microwave Is
3 great additional uses for microwaves you never knew about.
Here Are the Top Ten Uses for Baking Soda
This video demonstrates how to use baking soda to solve a number of daily problems!
6 Simple and Important Flexibility Exercises for Seniors
Regain flexibility after 60 with these easy exercises.
This Weird Hack Will Keep Your Cookies Fresh for Days
Keep your cookies fresh for days with this unbelievable, weird hack.
Guide: How to Clean Your Car's Side Mirrors so They Shine
This article provides a detailed guide as to how to best clean your car's side mirrors.
Sustainable Innovation: A 7-Seater Solar-Powered Bike
Now here is an example of sustainable innovation. This guy built a seven-seater solar bike bus from scrap.
These Tips Will Make Your Grocery Shopping a Breeze!
Grocery shopping alone can be a stressful task. Learn the tricks of how to do your shopping with ease, even if you have kids around.
Discover: Who Are the Most Successful Inventors in History?
If you love inventions and history, you'll find this post fascinating!
14 Fall Plants Perfect for Brightening Up Your Garden
These 14 perennial flowers can be enjoyed long after summer has ended, and just look at how beautiful they are! How will they look in your garden?
This Christmas, Make Some DIY Gifts for Our Loved Ones!
Make your loved ones feel extra special with these DIY Christmas gifts.
WARNING: These 11 Carcinogens are Lurking in Your Home
There are many things lurking in our home that are dangerous to us, but these 11 items are the most surprising!
Eat Eggs? Keep Those Egg Cartons, They're Very Useful...
Egg cartons can be used for many diverse purposes.
These Tricks Have Helped Me Become Smart About Cleaning
12 tips and tricks to clean your house and maintain your furniture and appliances with ease
Got a Scratch on Your Car? We Are Here to Help…
Got a scratch on your car? Here’s how you can repair it at home…
10 Things You SHOULDN'T Store on Top of Your Refrigerator
Learn why these items shouldn't be stored on the top of your fridge.
Why This Sleep Condition Affects Our Cognitive Abilities
What is the link between sleep apnea and a reduction in cognitive abilities? Let's find out...