Liquor, Sir

[Urbane Guerrilla]

You'll probably find that the tonier potables are smoother on the palate, and that you can afford their higher price. A Napoleon or VSOP Cognac is going to taste nicer than a bargain-labeled brandy. If you decide to explore single malt Scotches, take them straight up [Brit.: neat; but most American bartenders don't seem to know the term], in a brandy glass. Perhaps a little water, but no ice, not for that stuff.

[smoothmoniker]

Originally Posted by Urbane Guerrilla

[Brit.: neat; but most American bartenders don't seem to know the term]

That's not been my experience. My goto order is "Maker's Mark, neat" and I've never run into a bartender who didn't immediately know what I was talking about.

[Shawnee123]

Originally Posted by Urbane Guerrilla

You'll probably find that the tonier potables are smoother on the palate, and that you can afford their higher price. A Napoleon or VSOP Cognac is going to taste nicer than a bargain-labeled brandy. If you decide to explore single malt Scotches, take them straight up [Brit.: neat; but most American bartenders don't seem to know the term], in a brandy glass. Perhaps a little water, but no ice, not for that stuff.

bold mine

Not when you're hanging out at Billy Bob's Saloon and Grill. Philistine.