Whiskey Myths: Debunking the Most Common Misconceptions

Whiskey has always carried a certain mystique, shaped by rituals, rules, and tradition. Passed down through generations, some of that wisdom holds up. Much of it, however, is myth.

Ask ten whiskey drinkers how it should be enjoyed, and you’ll hear ten different answers—some grounded in experience, others rooted in tradition. But whiskey isn’t meant to be a test. It’s meant to be tasted and enjoyed.

In this article, we’ll separate fact from fiction. We’ll break down the most common misconceptions. From the myth that good whiskey should burn, to the idea that neat is the only “right” way to drink it, we’ll set the record straight.

Myth #1: Good Whiskey Burns

One of the most common myths in whiskey culture is that a harsh burn means high quality. The logic goes like this: if it stings on the way down, it must be strong, and therefore good. In reality, that burn is often a sign of imbalance, not excellence.

The burning sensation comes from ethanol. On its own, ethanol is sharp and volatile. In a well-made whiskey, that heat is softened by time in the barrel and balanced by flavor compounds from the grains, wood, and fermentation process. When it’s not well-integrated, the alcohol takes over, masking the richness that makes whiskey enjoyable.

Truitt’s Old-Fashioned takes a different approach. During production, a special technique is used to naturally reduce the ethanol’s bite. This softens the edge without diluting the strength, allowing flavors like vanilla, maple, cinnamon, and spice to shine through.

Myth #2: Whiskey Should Be Served Neat

In some circles, there’s a belief that whiskey must be sipped neat to be taken seriously. No ice, no water, no mixers. Just a straight pour in a glass. For some, that works. But insisting there’s only one “right” way to drink whiskey misses the point entirely.

Even seasoned distillers add a few drops of water to unlock hidden aromas and improve palatability. Ice can mellow the flavor and make a high-proof whiskey more approachable. In the right cocktail, whiskey can shine even brighter, layered with complementary ingredients that enhance its character.

That’s the philosophy behind Truitt’s. It’s a ready-made Old-Fashioned crafted for balance and depth, without the hassle of mixing. Enjoy it over ice, with a citrus peel, or straight from the bottle.

Myth #3: Premade Cocktails Aren’t Authentic

We live in the midst of a cocktail renaissance. Mixing cocktails is now a form of artistry. Meanwhile, premade cocktails have developed a reputation for being overly sweet or mass-produced. For years, that reputation was earned. But the ready-to-drink (RTD) category has evolved and quality has caught up.

Authenticity doesn’t come from mixing a drink on the spot. It comes from using real ingredients, respecting the craft, and delivering balanced flavor every time. 

That’s what sets Truitt’s apart. It’s made in small batches using 5-year bourbon, maple syrup from Highland Sugar Works, Madagascar vanilla beans, all-natural bitters, and a touch of citrus. There’s nothing artificial and nothing rushed. 

We didn’t cut corners—we just bottled the process. The result is an Old-Fashioned that holds its own against bar-made versions, with less waiting, less cost, and less mess.

Myth #4: All Whiskey Tastes the Same

To the untrained palate, whiskey might taste the same, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Every bottle reflects its mash bill, aging process, barrel type, and even the climate where it’s made. Corn brings sweetness, rye adds spice, and oak barrels contribute notes of vanilla, caramel, or smoke. Learn five techniques for whiskey tasting.

Even in a premade Old-Fashioned like Truitt’s, the whiskey base matters. We use the same whiskey distributor as Buffalo Trace and many other whiskey companies. It’s a 5-year bourbon that we blend with complimentary all-natural ingredients—right outside of Orlando, Florida.

Truitt’s award-winning Old-Fashioned combines quality with convenience. With a bottle of Truitt’s, you get the perfect cocktail every time. Sign up for our newsletter now to stay in the loop on all things Soldier City Spirits, including discounts, tasting events, merch, new releases, and more.