Cut with what and how much?

[blux]

Hello all,
I am a newbie to this site and to bourbon. I have been drinking my bourbon neat but have heard about the different tasts and aromas that are released with the addition of water. Ok, I'd like to try that but, what kind of water and how much. What brand of water do you prefer, is it distilled, ionized, de-ionized, creek, tap, spring, sparkling... what?

The second question being how much? I realize that this is probably a balancing act that is personal but I would like a starting point if at all possible.

My small stock includes:
Makers Mark - This is the first bourbon that I tried.
Blanton's - Really like this
Ridgemont Reserve 1792.
G. T. Stagg - Purchased today.

I have also tried:
Knob Creek
Woodford Reserve
I liked both of these.

Thanks for the help and it is great to be here. I have learned quite a bit by reading many of these posts. There is an unbelievable wealth of knowledge here.
Barron.

[ILLfarmboy]

welcome, Blux

In my opinion reverse osmoses is the best. But really any water that is free of Iron, sufficiently soft and characterless will work. If you would use it for coffee/tea I wouldn't hesitate to add it to your whiskey.

What year is the Stagg (you can tell by the proof) by cross referencing it with what has been posted on this sight. Just do a little search. Let us know what you think.

[blux]

The Stagg is the '06 version. I did see the thread about the proof of the year.
Barron.

[blux]

Brad,
How much would you recommend?
Barron.

[ILLfarmboy]

As an example adding .5 oz. of water to 1.5 oz of 140.6 proof Stagg brings it down to a little under 110 proof. So it doesn't take much. Add a little bit at a time to whatever your drinking and see what you like best. If you add too much and it seems overly dilute you can always add ice and a bit more water. It would be called a bourbon and branch. It's good that way too! Experiment and have fun.

[jwrussell]

The Stagg is the '06 version. I did see the thread about the proof of the year.
Barron.

I have two things to say about this:

First. This is horrible bourbon. Immediately box it up and mail it to me, I'll be happy to pay shipping to save you from this assault on your tastebuds.


Second, if I can't fool you with the above, immediately Run, don't walk, to wherever you picked up that bottle and get another!

[blux]

You're a kidder! Part of the reason that I bought it was because it was the last one on the shelf. I couldn't just leave it there could I?
Barron.

[OscarV]

The second question being how much? I realize that this is probably a balancing act that is personal but I would like a starting point if at all possible.


Barron.

If you go to the opening page of SB.com you'll see the FAQ.
The answer to No. 7 has a calulator so that you can get exact measurements for the proof you want.

[ggilbertva]

You're a kidder! Part of the reason that I bought it was because it was the last one on the shelf. I couldn't just leave it there could I?
Barron.

There's six bottles of '06 Stagg sitting on the shelf of a local ABC. I have 4 bottles bunkered right now so not gonna pick any more up for a while...not at $55 each.

[bobbyc]

If you go to the opening page of SB.com you'll see the FAQ.
The answer to No. 7 has a calulator so that you can get exact measurements for the proof you want.

It also is a stickied post at the beginning of the Tasting forum.