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
Some Tips You Might Not Know About Whisky
If you're a lover of whisky and would like to know how best to drink it, the guide will cover everything you need to know!
This is What Happens When You Drink Just Water for 30 Days
If you don’t drink water for 3-5 days you’ll die, but what happens when you only drink water as your primary beverage? These great benefits happen, that's what!
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
Personality Quiz: What's Your Most Powerful Sense?
Ever wondered what your most dominant sense is? Take this quiz and find out for yourself.
Stainless Steel Bottles Are Much Healthier. Here's Why.
Here's why you should consider purchasing some stainless steel water bottles.
Discover the Effects of Drinking Dirty, Contaminated Water
How safe is it to drink contaminated water? Find out here.
Here’s How Men Can Preserve Their Muscle Mass As They Age
Don't feel powerless against the loss of muscle mass that comes with aging - there are steps you can take to counteract it.
Hey! Did You Know Soap Has So Many Extra Uses?
Soap is much more than something useful for cleaning your hands and face. Here are 21 stunning uses for a bar of soap that I never even knew.
A Better Kitchen: 20 Tips You Can't Afford to Miss
How to make your kitchen one of the EASIER rooms in the house? Just check out these 20 tips that'll make your kitchen a much nicer place
20 Foods That Should Be Kept Out of the Refrigerator
The refrigerator allows us to keep food fresh for longer, but there are certain foods, such as the 20 here, which are not meant for the cold...
10 Household Items You Should Disinfect Every Day
Here is a list of 10 essential household things that you simply must disinfect during the winter months.
Are Your Houseplants Leaking Water? This Is What It Means
Is it good if your indoor plants are emitting droplets of water? Every houseplant owner ought to know the answer to this one...
Keep Baldness Away the Natural Way...
How do we stop our hair from falling out and encourage natural growth? I do it by using these tips!
50 Culinary Tips That'll Make You a Kitchen Master!
50 great little culinary tips and tricks you can print and hang in the kitchen!
4 Smart Ways to Keep Your Herbs Fresh
To help keep your herbs fresh and delicious for longer, we've compiled four tips for you.
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.
12 Words You Probably Didn't Know Were Acronyms
Without even realizing it, we are frequently incorporating many acronyms into our everyday lives!
9 Facts You Didn’t Know About In-Flight Food And Drinks
Airplane food is notorious, but since we don't have any other options, the following 9 tips will make the culinary experience that much more enjoyable.
Do You Have Dandruff? Here's How to Get Rid of It!
Do you suffer from dandruff? If so, instead of buying expensive shampoos, try these 8 natural remedies instead!
Who Knew Bananas Could Have SO Many Uses?
Appearantly, bananas can be used in many more ways than we all thought. Check out these 28 cool household hacks and tricks.
Solve Common Issues With Your Clothes Using These 20 Tips
Keep your clothes in perfect condition with these nifty tricks!
7 Tips to Maintaining a Life-Long Friendship
Advice from life-long friends about how to maintain a strong friendship.
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.
This is One Useful Oil You Always Want to Keep Around
This article will share six different and particularly effective uses for sesame oil, which make it clear why every home should have this essential ingredient.
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.
This Ice Cube Hack Will Keep Your Burger Juicy
Check out these essential tips to ensure a juicy burger.
7 Items You Might Be Disinfecting the Wrong Way
With the Covid-19 outbreak, disinfecting has become a daily necessity. But some items can be damaged by the chemicals & need a gentler approach
I've Discovered Conditioner Has Many Other Talents...
Hair conditioner can do a lot more than just make your hair shiny...
Beware! NEVER Put These Things on Your Credit Card
Credit cards might be convenient but there are some cases where you should avoid using them.
Try this Ancient Indian Method for Removing Body Hair
An ancient and natural method that both men and women have been using for centuries to get rid of unnecessary hair from their bodies.
What to Do if Someone is Drowning: The Complete Guide
Whether someone is a strong swimmer or not, drowning's always a potential risk. So you need to know how to deal with the situation. Here'a complete guide.
This Is Why You Should Never Throw Out Silica Gel Packets
Have you ever thrown away these bags of silica gel? Of course you have. But here are some reasons why you SHOULD keep hold of them...
How to Clean 'Dry Clean Only' Clothes at Home
Dry cleaning can be a huge hassle, as well as quite the expense, which is why it is so much better to do it yourself at home...
These Great Design Tips Will Make Your Home Outstanding!
If you've decided you want to make a change to your home, then here's how you can give it an up-to-date look.
10 Nifty Uses for Cooking Spray You Never Thought Of
I bet you never thought of using cooking spray in these alternative ways...
13 Mistakes You’re Making in the Shower!
Do you take a shower every day? If so, you're already making one of the 13 shower mistakes most people aren't aware of. Discover them all in the next article.
We All Have Aspirin - And Here Are 9 Things to Use It For
Aspirin is about as pedestrian a pill as you can think of - or so you might think! In reality it has loads of surprising uses. Here are 9 of the best.
Step-by-step Guide for Removing Scratches from Wood
Use this handy guide to restore hardwood floors and wooden furniture to their former glory.
How to Keep Greens Crisp and Fresh for More Than a Week
Here are 3 straightforward methods for keeping your greens fresh for longer than a week...
Avoid These 13 Domestic Chemical Reactions and Be Safe
There are certain chemicals and substances that shouldn't mix together, because the result could be catastrophic. Make note of these 13 combinations now.
Guide: How to Effectively Deal with a Dog Attack
These 15 tips will help protect you before, during and after a dog attack.
Don't Throw Out Old Makeup! Here's What You Can Do...
12 helpful uses you can put your expired or unsuitable makeup items
These Common Mistakes Can Ruin Your Floors and Carpets!
In this article, we tackle 12 common floor and carpet cleaning mistakes most of us are guilty of and explain what to do instead.
Can't Seem to Find a Good Pillow? This May Be Your One
You may be on the verge of settling for a pillow that is less than optimal for you, but we can suggest an alternative - buckwheat pillows.
9 Tips for Smelling Good All Day Long
Everyone feels self-conscious about the way they smell sometimes. These 9 tips will help you smell good and maintain it during the day.
How to Make an Effective Cough Remedy Using an Orange!
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C that helps strengthen the immune system, but did you know there is a way to make it an effective cough medicine?
Ten Golden Mantras for Growing Old with Grace
Ten golden mantras for those who wish to grow older with style and dignity to make life after retirement more pleasant, to enjoy and treasure the elder years of wisdom and intelligence..