Grappa on the rocks… Heresy?

They often ask me: Jacopo, what is the ideal service temperature for Grappa?

I reply: it depends on the Grappa type because there are young Grappas, served at cool temperature like a red wine, or aged Grappas in this case it is better to serve them at room temperature, so long as the room temperature is not too high.

And then we have natural infusion Grappas like this with honey served chilled, at fridge temperature.

I must say that if I have to choose among a Grappa served too cool or a Grappa served too warm, I surely prefer the one served too cool because in a matter of few seconds the temperature in the glass naturally rises and reaches the right point.

It is also possible to serve Grappa on the rocks, with some ice cubes. For some people it might seem a heresy, but the first time I tasted it I was with the Marquis Incisa della Rocchetta, the winery’s owner producing Sassicaia wine, one of the most prestigious wines in the world, and he is a whisky on the rocks lover.

One day we were together and he told me: “Why won’t we taste our Grappa on the rocks?” 
 And I told him: “Marquis, it’s something you don’t do!” 
 “Come on, let’s try!” 
 So, for the first time, I tried Grappa di Sassicaia with ice and I must admit it was a lovely experience, because the ice opens the scents and enhances them even more.

And since then, … I like to taste this Grappa on the rocks… “Sassi on the rocks”! Try it and let me know what you think about it!

Buona Grappa, everyone!