Food & drinkIntermediate
Ordering whisky in English
What to say when ordering whisky and asking about different types.
Full script
Lin
Hi, can I get a whisky, neat?
Them
Sure. Scotch, bourbon, or rye?
Lin
Hmm, what's the difference?
Them
Bourbon is American and sweet. Rye is spicy. Scotch can be smoky.
Lin
I'll try a single malt Scotch. Not too smoky, please.
Them
Then try this one from Speyside. Want a splash of water?
Lin
Yes, please. Just a small pour.
Them
Ha! That's what everyone says.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Say how you want it
✓ A whisky, neat, please.Order with no ice/water
3 ways to drink it:
5 main types
✓ What's the difference?Ask about the difference
5 types: place + taste
Say what you like
✓ A single malt Scotch, please.Use this to order single malt
Common label words:
Know your limit
✓ Just a small pour.Ask for only a little
Size + spelling:
Quick answers
Say how you want it: what to say in English
Say “A whisky, neat, please.” — order with no ice/water. 3 ways to drink it:.
5 main types: what to say in English
Say “What's the difference?” — ask about the difference. 5 types: place + taste.
Say what you like: what to say in English
Say “A single malt Scotch, please.” — use this to order single malt. Common label words:.
Know your limit: what to say in English
Say “Just a small pour.” — ask for only a little. Size + spelling:.