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
8 Persuasive Reasons You Should Drink Cabbage Juice...
Cabbage juice is full of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are 8 amazing health benefits of this drink.
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!
Wine Facts and Puns To Lift Your Spirits
How much do you know about wines? Kick start the weekend with some facts and puns about the drink of history
This Great Advice Will Enable You to Improve Your 5 Senses
Fine tuning your 5 senses will improve your quality of life. Here's how you can improve each one.
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.
Stainless Steel Bottles Are Much Healthier. Here's Why.
Here's why you should consider purchasing some stainless steel water bottles.
Cola Has Many Surprising Uses Other Than Drinking It
Cola may be a popular drink, but here are 19 other ways you can use it.
Wrinkle Repair: At-Home Treatments and In-Office Procedures
In this article, we'll discuss neck and facial wrinkles and all the ways to treat them.
9 Natural Beauty Secrets to Make Your Skin Look Younger
Anyone who comes across a grandmother with a smooth, shiny complexion knows that her creams are all natural, so it's time to find out what's in them ...
These 3 Healthy Salads Are So Good for Your Eyesight
Did you know that salads are so healthy that they are even good for your eyesight? Try these 3, and you'll SEE what I mean.
Avoid Spending Extra Cash on these Unnecessary Upgrades!
To make sure you don't have buyer's remorse after making a big electrical appliance purchase, avoid these upgrades!
Here's All You Need to Know about Travel Medical Insurance
Planning a trip abroad? This guide will teach you everything you need to know about travel medical insurance!
Make Your Home Smell Amazing with These 2 Ingredients
You can make your home smell absolutely amazing by using just these two ingredients. This video will show you how to make your own air freshener.
8 Highly Useful Things You Can Do With Sticky Tape
If you want to discover genius uses for adhesive tape and other smart tips that make life easier, watch the following video .
These Financial Scams Are Specifically Targeting Older Adults
These financial scams are specifically targeting older adults.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Food Processor - 5 Hacks
Your food processor has so many hidden uses you never knew about!
You May Have Been Washing Your Hair Wrong Your Whole Life!
This simple guide will explain why you haven't been washing your hair properly and how to do the right way to make sure your hair is healthy and strong!
10 Great Extra Uses for Charcoal Briquettes
Here's how you can put those extra charcoal briquettes to good use at home.
This is How You Turn a Frozen Steak Into a Gourmet Meal...
As most know, cooking a frozen steak is quite tricky. Find out the secret behind it by means of this video.
How to Prepare Matcha, the Healthiest Drink on the Market!
Matcha green tea is one of the healthiest drinks out there and this is how you can make it yourself.
Remove Hard Water Stains Easily With Natural Solutions!
Hard water stains can be pesky and persistent. Here's how to easily remove them from different surfaces in your home.
16 Useful Inventions That You Never Knew Your City Needs!
These cool and awesome inventions have been designed to make the world a much better and easier place.
How to Deal with an Emotional Extortionist
Emotional extortionists (also known as "Emotional Vampires") are people who prey on other people's emotions, knowingly or unknowingly, to get what they want.
Got Dark Knees and Elbows? 8 Remedies That'll Help
Put an end to dark knees and elbows with these 8 natural remedies.
All My Life I've Been Opening Bananas Wrong. Shocked.
I Never Knew How to Really Open a Banana...
12 Unusual DIY “Hacks” People Used to Improve Their Lives
Take a look at some weird and unusual "inventions" made by people to solve their everyday problems.
9 Essential Oil Sprays that’ll Naturally Upgrade Your Life
Regardless of whether you want to clean your house, get better sleep or keep your makeup in place, essential oils can be used to provide many of the solutions you’re looking for. You can solve a number of problems using these 9 essential oil sprays.
The Right Way to Fold a Sweater and Keep it Lasting Longer
This guide will teach you exactly how to fold your sweaters.
Learn How to Create a Beautiful and Impressive Hairstyle!
You don't need to spend big bucks at the hair salon to look like a superstar! Here are 16 impressive tutorials that'll make you look and feel like a queen!
20 Things You Can Do When You're Feeling Anxious
Stress can poison our daily life, but there are some small ways reduce it you can easily try.
Increase Your Home's Value with These Genius Tricks
Thinking of selling your home? Here's how to increase it's value.
Why Didn't I Think of That? 10 Great Kitchen Tricks!
Lifestyle hack videos are great, because they teach us things that we wish we'd thought of ourselves. Watch this video now to learn 10 awesome lifestyle hacks.
Persistent Bad Breath? Not With These Natural Remedies
Don't worry, there are plenty of natural remedies for this problem!
No More Clutter: Garage Organization Made Easy
15 smart ways how you can turn your garage into the most well-organized area in your home
These Nifty Visual Guides Can Come in Handy For All of Us
Here are some really useful guides with some great life hacks and tips and tricks that can come in handy to anyone.
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.
What Does Putting a Dishwasher Tablet in the Toilet Do?
Have you ever wondered what happens when you put a dishwasher tablet in the toilet?
Organizing Tips: 13 of the Best Home Storage Hacks
Find some useful and clever organizing tips and hacks that will come in handy for every home.
You MUST Pay Attention to These Numbers When Buying Fruit
The numbers you see on fruit have much more significance than you think. You can learn everything you need to know about the fruit you're buying from them.
The Secret to REALLY Cleaning Your Microwave in 3 Minutes
There is a simple trick to cleaning your microwave in just a couple of minutes, and all it requires is a bowl of water and two slices of lemon.
Neglecting to Clean These Items Can Be DANGEROUS
These items in your home have to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, they can become a real fire hazard!
10 Tips to Washing Your Car the Right Way
Here are a few tips on how to effectively wash your car without damaging the paint or leaving marks.
DIY Secrets: Make Your Own, Home-Made Ziploc Bags!
This video will teach you how to make your own home-made Ziploc bags.
10 of the Fastest-Growing Vegetables
There is a variety of fast-growing vegetables, including legumes, leafy greens, and root vegetables. We feature 10 of the fastest-growing veggies in this article.
The 5 Best Ways to Do Your Laundry Quickly and Efficiently
What's the best way to clean a pair of shoes, or remove grease from fabric? Take a look:
Tips That Prove Aluminum Foil Isn't Just for the Kitchen!
There are numerous uses for aluminium foil outside the kitchen that most of us never knew to be possible. Take a look for yourself.
10 Common Electrical Mistakes Homeowners Must Avoid
These common electrical mistakes could endanger your family.