THE RONGDI SERVE
Learn the methods, then follow your senses. Four ways to serve and suggestions for five expressions turn flavour notes into an experience of your own.
NEAT
Use a clean, odour-free tasting glass. Pour a small measure, leaving room above the whisky. Nose gently, then take a small sip.
What arrives first on the nose? How does the texture feel? Which notes remain in the finish?
WITH WATER
Have still drinking water ready. Add small amounts with a pipette or jug, swirl gently, then nose and taste again. With the 60% vol cask-strength expression, you can add water before the first taste.
Revisit your impressions after each addition. Your preferred texture matters more than reaching a prescribed ratio.
ON THE ROCKS
Use a tumbler with one large, clean, odour-free ice cube. Add a small measure of whisky.
Ice cools and dilutes the drink. Compare a small sip just after pouring with another as the ice begins to melt.
RONGDI04 / SINGLE GRAIN · HIGHBALL
Start with Single Grain at 1:3. For a lighter whisky-to-soda ratio, try 1:4.
05 / FIND YOUR EXPRESSION
These are serving suggestions from RONGDI Editorial. Flavour references follow each product label; adjust the method and proportions to your preference.
40% VOL · FINEST SELECT
Begin neat. Find your balance.
Serving steps for this expressionPour a small measure. Nose the whisky, then take a small sip.
Look for the label’s red apple, ripe pear and toffee notes, and the balance of oak and malt.
46% VOL · TRIPLE SHERRY CASK
A little water. A fresh perspective.
Serving steps for this expressionNose and taste a small sip, noticing your first impressions of aroma and texture.
Use nuts, white raisins, honey and ripe apple as references, then notice the malt body as you compare.
40% VOL · BURGUNDY RED WINE CASK
Begin with the fruit. Follow the finish.
Serving steps for this expressionBegin neat at room temperature. Nose gently, take a small sip and pause to notice the finish.
Follow red cherry, ripe plum, fine tannins and malt sweetness. These are tasting references, not added fruit.
60% VOL · PALO CORTADO · CASK STRENGTH
Let water find your preferred measure.
Serving steps for this expressionThis is a 60% vol cask-strength expression. Pour a small measure; you can add a little water before nosing and tasting.
Follow roasted nuts, orange peel, dry wood and the dry finish as you explore different dilutions.
40% VOL · SINGLE GRAIN WHISKY
A Highball. A different way to enjoy.
Serving steps for this expressionFill a tall glass with ice. Add 30 mL Single Grain, followed by 90 mL chilled soda water.
Begin with unsweetened, unflavoured soda water and explore the balance of whisky, water and bubbles.
The articles below inform the general serving methods. Suggestions for RONGDI expressions are our editorial recommendations.
The Macallan · Water and ice ↗Suntory · Making a Highball ↗