Let's make flavoured whisky!

Making flavoured whisky:  A quick guide

Whisky purists look away!

There is good reason to tinker with the taste of whisky - because there are some exceptional flavours to be enjoyed. Strong spices and citrus work perfectly with whisky; adding simple, subtle flavour twists which are well worth trying.

If, like me, you don't enjoy whisky; adding flavour transforms it, making it wholly drinkable. A cardamom infused whisky sour is out of this world and one of my favourite drinks. Spicy, peaty, sweet and sour!

Our DIY Whisky Kit offers a range of 12 spices and botanicals, with instructions, for you to experiment. 

What you'll need

1. Some simple, everyday whisky or bourbon. Supermarket own brand is a good choice
2. Glass jars or bottles (jam jars work perfectly)
3. Kitchen sieve
4. Plus your chosen spices & botanicals

For your first infusion, it's best to start small with just 2-3 measures of whisky in a jam jar. This way, you can test different infusions without risking a whole bottle if a flavour isn't to your taste.

Technique

The infusion process is really simple:

1. Pour 2-3 measures of whisky into your jar
2. Add your chosen spices or botanicals
3. Seal the jar and give it a quick shake
4. Leave it to infuse, tasting regularly until you are happy with the flavour. (12 hours to 2 days). 
5. Once you're happy with the flavour, strain out the spices & botanicals.

Tip: The key is to remove the botanicals at the right moment. Leave them in too long, and they can overpower the whisky's natural character. Tasting regularly will help you judge the moment.

Six spice infusions to try (in 2 - 3 measures of whisky).

1. Black Cardamom: Smoky menthol

This spice adds a combination of smoky notes with a menthol aroma to whisky

How to use: Take 2 pods and carefully slice them open before adding to your whisky. Leave for 12-24 hours, tasting regularly to prevent the smokiness from dominating. The result is a strong smoked taste balanced with subtle menthol notes.

2. Liquorice Root: sweet and rounded

A rounded, silky sweet and balanced flavour

How to use: Add half a teaspoon to your whisky, After 12 hours, you'll notice a silky, sweet liquorice flavour that complements the spirit beautifully. This infusion can safely steep for up to 3 days without overpowering the whisky.

3. Grapefruit Peel: Bright citrus notes

Dried grapefruit peel delivers a strong citrusy hit with a more subtle flavour on the palate.

How to use: Half a teaspoon in 2-3 measures of whisky, infused for at least 1 hour. For best results, leave it for 12-24 hours to infuse it's full citrus character.

4. Allspice: Warm and spicy

This warming spice brings sweet, spicy notes that naturally complement whisky.

How to use: Add half a teaspoon to your whisky and leave for up to 24 hours. 

5. Fennel Seeds: Sweet aniseed notes

Although fennel imparts its sweet, aniseed flavours quickly, this infusion really shines when given a little more time.

How to use: Use just half a teaspoon in 2-3 measures of whisky. While you'll pick up the flavours within a few hours, leaving it for  2-3 days allows to flavours to develop fully.

6. Dried Ginger Root: Quick and fiery

This strong, hot spice works fast, making it perfect when you want an immediate flavour boost, or are feeling impatient!

How to use: Add a pinch to 2 - 3 measures of whisky. Ginger infuses within a few hours but should be strained quickly to prevent it from becoming overpowering. As you can imagine, this creates a warming, spicy kick that is perfect for colder evenings.

Pro tips for perfect infusions

Don't dilute first: Alcohol absorbs flavour best when undiluted. If you like to drink whisky with a mixer, add that after infusion is complete.

Keep it simple: Whilst you might be tempted to combine a few spices and botanicals, sticking to single spices at first to avoid overcomplicating the taste and to better understand each one's unique contribution. Once you've had a bit of practice, you can try combinations of spices & botanicals that interest you and become a real pro.

We hope you have found this useful.