Twice up - How do you drink you bourbon?

[Attila]

As I am new to bourbon, I always ask what the bartender recommends (for both the bourbon and how its prepared). Most often, they recommend a style that they call "twice up" or "Mizuwari".

"Mizuwari" seems to be about 1/4 bourbon, 3/4 water on the rocks in a tall glass. Can anyone tell me what this is called in the States? In my opinion, this is nice, but is too diluted for my preference.

"Twice Up" seems to be is 1/2 bourbon and 1/2 water on the rocks. Is this manner of drinking bourbon common in the States? Do you call it "twice up" back home as well. I seem to like this manner of drinking the best

(I dont yet have enough hair on my chest to drink bourbon neat).

[mozilla]

I bartended for many years through college....I don't remember pouring one of those, ever. I would call it a bourbon and water, tall.

I wouldn't think that it would pass for most bourbon drinkers in the States. They seem to like the flavor of the brand and not a watered down profile. The lightest that seems to be acceptable is blended, which is not watered down but lightened with GNS. Bourbon and Soda(coke,pepsi, whatever) is very popular.

[CorvallisCracker]

(I dont yet have enough hair on my chest to drink bourbon neat)

Drinking it neat is the fastest way to grow some.

[RWBadley]

(I dont yet have enough hair on my chest to drink bourbon neat).

Best then to try 'on the rocks' (with ice). The deal is, you only want one or two 'rocks'. And then you'll soon want none. Bourbon neat. Best for most all up to 107 proof or so. Or just a touch of water, (20% or so at most)

Canbai

RW

[Attila]

Bourbon neat

Yeah, I tried that, and its just a bit too intense for me too enjoy that way.

Or just a touch of water

That sounds like a plan.

[Attila]

a bourbon and water, tall.

Most popular way to drink it in Japan, though.

They do coke and ginger ale with the top shelf stuff too?

[bluesbassdad]

As I am new to bourbon, I always ask what the bartender recommends (for both the bourbon and how its prepared). Most often, they recommend a style that they call "twice up" or "Mizuwari".

"Mizuwari" seems to be about 1/4 bourbon, 3/4 water on the rocks in a tall glass. Can anyone tell me what this is called in the States? In my opinion, this is nice, but is too diluted for my preference.

"Twice Up" seems to be is 1/2 bourbon and 1/2 water on the rocks. Is this manner of drinking bourbon common in the States? Do you call it "twice up" back home as well. I seem to like this manner of drinking the best

(I dont yet have enough hair on my chest to drink bourbon neat).

The late Booker Noe was said to have favored a drink he called "Kentucky Tea". It's not too different from what you described. See here for at least two posts that mention it.

Yours truly,
Dave Morefield

[ILLfarmboy]

Never heard the phrase "twice up" but what you describe I would call "bourbon and branch" or "bourbon and water".

Drinking it neat is the fastest way to grow some.

Well, that would explain a lot.

[OldJack]

Neat bourbon is wonderful when I am relaxing and reading in my study.

But if I'm out on the porch on a hot night, I like lots of ice and a good-sized splash of club soda or water. (Oh, and w/ a dash if mint bitters to boot!)

And if I'm in a social setting, I like plenty of water or ice (but usually not both) to keep me from over doing it.

And sometimes, I like my bourbon stirred or shaken (depending on my mood) with ice and then strained- which would be "up" if I have my bar tender slang correctly.

Every method has its pluses and drawbacks. Dilution and chilling obscure some flavors while allowing others to bloom.

Heck, different mixers do the same thing- cola, vermouth, what ever.

In my book, you don't really know any given whiskey until you've put it through its paces and tried it out six ways to Sunday.

[Attila]

a drink he called "Kentucky Tea".

Thanks for the link! Good reading and interesting.