Celebrating Men Who Are Making A Difference In Pensacola
There is something compelling about being surrounded by the kind of men who actually show up -as opposed to those who simply show out. The ones who keep their word, can keep your confidence, know what they stand for, and who stand up not only for themselves, but for the benefit of those around them. Even the ones they don’t know and may never meet.
In our Annual Men’s Issue, we explore this success in manhood -not through clichés or caricatures of manhood, but through real profiles of eight local Pensacola men whose lives reflect discipline, purpose, resilience, and integrity. I believe we can all agree these are the true measures of success, far beyond any material definition.
The men we chose for these pages are the kind of men you’d want to find in your own family, in your personal circle of friends, and in leadership roles in your own business. These men are not defined by their positions alone, but by the way they position themselves -whether in boardrooms, businesses, boats, churches, or leading in our communities. These are men you can count on. And many do.
Our 2026 lineup includes leaders, innovators, and recognized community figures from all walks of life: some originally from Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, but just as many transplanted here from around the country, and around the world. Their paths and current line of work may be diverse, but their commonality is that all of them have a passion for creating positive change, and making a meaningful and measurable impact in the lives of others.
As you turn these pages, my hope is that you’ll not only enjoy learning more about these eight men, but moreover that you will find something that resonates -whether it’s inspiration, perspective, or a renewed sense of purpose.
I’ve always been a firm believer that each of us have within ourselves the ability for true greatness. Whatever that may mean to each of us as individuals. We simply must decide to believe it, channel it, cultivate it, and use it. That’s what men do.
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Pope | Suzanne.Pope@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Will Estell | Will.Estell@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Sydney Steffen | Sydney.Steffen@CityLifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Will Estell, Suzanne Pope, Eve Bushman, Kim Hill
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Addie J Photography, Will Estell, Brittney Dawn Short
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
WILL ESTELL,
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Pensacola City Lifestyle’s Men’s Issue, 2026
Nine Men Bringing Positive Contributions to Pensacola and Beyond
ARTICLE BY SUZANNE POPE AND WILL ESTELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADDIE J PHOTOGRAPHY
TYSON LAMOND
BUILDING A HIGH-PERFORMANCE LEGACY IN PENSACOLA AND AROUND THE WORLD
By Will Estell
For Tyson Lamond, the pursuit of excellence isn’t a goal, it’s a standard. As Chief Operating Officer of American Magic and Chief Executive Officer of American Magic Services, Lamond stands at the helm of one of the most advanced high-performance organizations in sports today, where elite sailing, engineering, and innovation converge, right here in Pensacola.
Lamond’s journey began in South Australia, where as a teenager he sailed with the Cruising Yacht Club, and developed the instincts and discipline that have catapulted him into the upper ranks of international competition. Over the past 18 years, he built a career inside the intensely competitive world of the America’s Cup, holding key roles from Boat Captain to Shore Operations Manager, with powerhouse teams like Emirates Team New Zealand and SoftBank Team Japan.
At American Magic’s HighPerformance Center in Pensacola, his leadership extends well beyond sailing. Through American Magic Services, the organization now delivers cutting-edge solutions in marine engineering, aerospace systems, and defense innovation. All proof that the technologies forged in elite sailing can influence industries far beyond.
This momentum is evident in recent partnerships with global leaders like Saildrone, as well as American Magic’s founder’s 2026 acquisition of the ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team - a move that signals an even broader commitment to performance, innovation, and the future of professional sailing, says Lamond.
In my multiple interactions with Lamond I have found him to be immensely grounded in the place he now calls home, even expressing how friendly the people of our area are, and how welcoming Pensacola has been to his family.
“Sailing in Pensacola Bay is perfect for our team,” he says. “Beyond the work side of the equation, my wife and I really love Pensacola and the surrounding area, as do our three children.”
Equally important is the legacy he is building. Lamond is deeply committed to developing the next generation of engineers, sailors, and innovative leaders, defined not just by results, but by accountability and character.
From a sport where fractions of a second define outcomes, Tyson Lamond is helping to shape a culture of excellence designed to both win and lead.
CONTINUED >
GEORGE LAZI
FROM GEORGIA TO PENSACOLA: A CHEF’S JOURNEY FUELED BY PURPOSE
Written by Suzanne Pope
For George Lazi, the path to becoming one of Pensacola’s most respected chefs began far from the Gulf Coast. Born in the Republic of Georgia, his early life was shaped by uncertainty following the collapse of the Soviet Union. With limited opportunity and an uncertain future, his mother made a courageous decision to leave everything behind and move to the United States in search of a better life for her family.
Years later, reunited in Queens, New York, Lazi found himself working his first job in a traditional kosher deli. It was there, unexpectedly, that everything changed. Surrounded by food, energy, and human connection, he discovered something deeper, a passion not just for cooking, but for creating experiences.
That passion led him to formal training at the Art Institute of New York City and into some of the city’s most respected kitchens, including an externship at Jean-Georges and a leadership role with the rapidly expanding Fig & Olive group. Over time,
he rose from line cook to corporate chef, building both skill and vision.
In 2013, life shifted again. A family need brought Lazi and his wife, Luba, to Pensacola—a city that, at the time, was still finding its culinary identity. With no investors and little margin for error, they took a leap of faith, opening George Bistro + Bar through grit, resilience, and an unwavering belief in what they could build.
Today, with two thriving restaurants, George Bistro + Bar and Pearl & Horn—and a growing team, Lazi remains deeply hands-on. His philosophy is simple but powerful: hospitality is not a concept; it is the foundation of everything. “You can’t make guests happy if your team isn’t happy,” he says.
For Lazi, success is not measured by a single meal, but by what lingers long after. “I want people to remember a flavor,” he says, “something that stays with them.”
Because when food connects on that level, it becomes something more; it becomes a reason to return.
STUART SHIPPEY, III MD
TREATING WHAT OTHERS OVERLOOK
Written by Suzanne Pope
Dr. Stewart “Chippy” Shippey didn’t begin his career in medicine. Trained as an engineer and serving in the Navy’s submarine force during the Cold War, he spent his early years rooted in precision, systems, and problem-solving. That mindset followed him into medicine and ultimately into a specialty many women don’t even realize exists: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.
After witnessing hundreds of childbirths early in his medical career, Shippey became fascinated not only with the miracle of life, but with what happens to the body afterward. Over time, he saw a pattern—women quietly living with symptoms they believed were simply part of aging: bladder leakage, pelvic pressure, chronic infections, pain, and changes in sexual function.
“They’ve been told, or they’ve decided, this is just how life is now,” he says. “It’s not.”
Today, at Ascension Sacred Heart, Shippey is helping redefine how these conditions are understood and treated. Using advanced, minimally invasive techniques, his work goes beyond restoring function—it restores dignity, confidence, and quality of life.
What sets his approach apart is not only his clinical expertise but his willingness to address what many avoid. “We talk about everything,” he says. “If we don’t talk about it, no one else is going to.”
He emphasizes that these conditions are common but not insignificant and that they are not something women have to endure. From innovative surgical solutions like mid-urethral slings to non-surgical therapies including pelvic floor rehabilitation, treatment options today are more effective and less invasive than ever before.
For Dr. Shippey, the most meaningful moments are simple: when a patient realizes she can return to the life she thought she had lost. “When she tells me she can do what she wants again, that’s the goal.”
What he hopes women understand is this: just because something isn’t life-threatening doesn’t mean it isn’t life-altering.
And for women in Pensacola, expert care is no longer something they have to leave town to find.
Photo Provided
JARED WILLETS
A WELCOME AND TRUSTED VOICE ACROSS NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S GULF COAST
By Will Estell
For over a hundred thousand daily viewers across Northwest Florida and Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the day doesn’t truly begin until Jared Willets appears on screen. As a longtime anchor at WEAR ABC 3 News, Willets has spent more than three decades delivering the news with a steady, approachable presence that has become a cornerstone of the region’s morning routine.
Since joining WEAR in 1995, Willets has built a career defined by consistency, professionalism, and an authentic connection with his audience. Each weekday morning, alongside co-anchor Laura Hussey, he helps guide viewers through the day’s top stories on WEAR’s Morning News, their new in 2026 show, Morning Current, and the station’s 11:00 a.m. news broadcast. Together, they’ve formed one of the most trusted and recognizable on-air partnerships in the state of Florida, and one that viewers welcome into their home as much for its familiarity and fun as for its reliability.
What makes Willets especially compelling is not just his longevity, but the genuine passion he brings to the role. “I can
only add that I love my job bringing folks the news and events that affect their lives and, to a small degree, being part of viewers’ daily routine,” he says. It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures his approach -grounded, service-oriented, and deeply appreciative of each and every connection he shares with his valued audience.
Before television, Willets honed his voice and storytelling skills in radio, a foundation that still informs his clear, engaging delivery today. Off camera, his adventurous spirit has taken him to even greater heights, quite literally. As a master jump instructor, Willets spent years leaping out of perfectly good planes, a pursuit that reflects both his discipline and his appetite for a challenge.
In an industry often marked by constant change, Jared Willets remains a steadfast presence. His decades of service, combined with his approachable style and genuine enthusiasm, have made him not just a news anchor, but a trusted part of daily life in Pensacola and the surrounding coastal cities and communities.
LUMON MAY
A LIFE OF SERVICE POWERED BY COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
By Will Estell
For Lumon May, public service has never been about titles - it’s been about impact. Now serving his fourth term as Escambia County Commissioner for District 3, May’s journey is rooted in a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of those around him, always mindful of the communities who trust him to be their voice.
First elected in 2012, May built a reputation as a hands-on, deeply engaged public servant. His influence extends across numerous boards and initiatives, from public safety and transportation to youth programs and senior services.
When I ask what a typical day looks like, May offers a candid and revealing perspective.
“As a County Commissioner, my number one concern is the safety of the citizens,” he explains. “My day could be anything from someone calling because their grandson has been incarcerated, to someone whose power has been turned off, to attending economic development meetings or visiting schools and senior centers. It’s really something different every day.”
That unpredictability is precisely what fuels his purpose. “I tell my staff, every day is an opportunity for us to help somebody,” he says. “And if by 5:00 we haven’t helped anyone, we figure out how to help somebody.”
May traces his calling back to a formative moment in high school. “My 10th-grade teacher told me there are two ways to make a difference: economically or politically,” he recalls. “I chose the path of public service.”
Long before holding office, he was already making an impact, coaching youth sports when he was just 13 years old himself - a role he continues to embrace today. His philosophy is grounded in humility and perspective. “People don’t call you when things are going well. They call you when they need help,” he says. “My real satisfaction comes from seeing someone go from struggling to thriving.”
Despite the challenges, May remains resolutely optimistic. “It can be depressing at times,” he admits, “but I choose to see the glass as half full. There’s always a little sunshine if you look for it.”
For Lumon May, service isn’t a position, it’s a lifelong mission.
HAYDEN CADWALDER
THE ART OF QUIET IMPACT
By Suzanne Pope
In a community defined by ambition, Hayden Cadwalader quietly stands apart. Soft-spoken and understated, he avoids attention, yet steadily shapes Pensacola’s cultural and coastal landscape in ways both intentional and unforced.
Originally from Villanova, Pennsylvania, Cadwalader’s journey to Pensacola was anything but conventional. After starting his college career at Rollins College, he transferred to the University of West Florida for its marine archaeology program. Following graduation, Cadwalader transitioned through roles in beach operations and community work, driven by opportunities that aligned with his interests. Amid a period of personal transition, he temporarily stepped away from these roles to support his family’s finances, each move marking a deliberate response to changing circumstances and values.
Today, Cadwalader plays a key operational role at Sara Saul Webb Studio, helping manage the gallery’s day-to-day rhythm, from inventory and sales to the overall client experience. His
approach to the art world is refreshingly grounded. Rather than focusing on prestige or trends, he prioritizes connection, helping individuals discover pieces that bring a sense of calm, beauty, and personal meaning into their spaces.
Outside the gallery, his presence is most felt on the water. As Commodore of the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, Cadwalader is at the heart of the sailing community, which he describes as uniquely inclusive where age, experience, and background yield to a shared love of the bay.
Cadwalader sees himself as “building toward the future,” investing in people, places, and opportunities that feel meaningful rather than transactional. He doesn’t present himself as an investor or figurehead, but as someone quietly supporting the community’s growth. In many ways, that may be the point.
In his own way, Cadwalader represents a quieter kind of impact one built through consistency, intention, and a genuine connection to the community.
CHRISTOPHER VILLAR, MD
Written by Suzanne Pope Born
and raised in Miami, Florida, Dr. Christopher Villar brings both technical precision and a deeply human approach to his work at Ascension Sacred Heart. A first-generation Cuban American, his journey to Pensacola was shaped by a clear sense of purpose to deliver advanced neurosurgical care within a community that needed it.
Neurosurgery, often viewed as one of the most demanding fields in medicine, drew him in for precisely that reason. While many shy away from its intensity, Dr. Villar saw opportunity. A childhood memory of his grandmother’s neurological injury lingered, eventually guiding him toward a specialty where the impact is both immediate and profound. For him, the challenge was never a deterrent; it was the calling.
His training, including his time at Georgetown University School of Medicine, reinforced that instinct. Mentored by surgeons who balanced excellence with perspective, Villar reached a defining moment when he stepped into the operating room on his own for the first time as an attending physician. The complexity of that first case and its success confirmed that years of discipline had prepared him to lead with confidence.
At Sacred Heart, his presence reflects a broader shift in local healthcare. Historically, patients often traveled to larger cities for specialized neurosurgical treatment. Today, Villar is part of a movement bringing that level of care directly to Pensacola, allowing patients to remain close to home without sacrificing quality.
His philosophy is both structured and deeply personal. Surgery, he explains, is goal-oriented; every procedure is guided by a clear objective. Yet beyond the technical execution lies something more. Grounded in the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, “care for the whole person,” a philosophy emphasized during his time at Georgetown, he approaches each patient not just as a case, but as an individual navigating a life-altering moment.
Clear communication is central to that approach. Patients often arrive overwhelmed and uncertain. Villar prioritizes ensuring they leave with an understanding of the risks, the realities, and the outcomes that can realistically be achieved.
Outside the operating room, balance comes through family, faith, and movement from triathlons to time on the water. Alongside his wife, he is actively involved in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, supporting its church and education programs. Looking ahead, his goal is simple yet powerful: to build a lasting standard of neurosurgical excellence in Pensacola, while helping shape a community where families and futures can thrive.
PRECISION, PURPOSE, AND THE HUMAN SIDE OF NEUROSURGERY CONTINUED >
Photo Provided
PAUL GILLETTE
Written by Suzanne Pope
Paul Gillette’s life has been shaped by movement across cities, across skies, and now, across open water. Born in New Orleans to an Air Force family, his early years were defined by travel before settling in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where he spent much of his childhood. That upbringing instilled both adaptability and a quiet certainty about his future. Influenced by his father, Gillette knew early on that he wanted to become a pilot.
After studying aviation management in college, he chose a civilian path into aviation at a time when most pilots came through the military. What some considered the harder route became the foundation for a remarkable career. In 1985, he joined FedEx when it was still a relatively small operation. Over the next 39 and a half years, he witnessed and helped power its transformation into the world’s largest global cargo airline.
Gillette gravitated toward international flying early in his career, drawn to the complexity and challenge it offered. As FedEx expanded its global reach, so did his role, flying larger aircraft and navigating routes that took him far beyond the United States. Despite common misconceptions, he notes that flying
cargo requires the same rigor, training, and discipline as any major passenger airline, just without the passengers.
When he retired at the end of 2024, just before his 65th birthday, the transition was smoother than expected. Rather than missing the cockpit, Gillette embraced a different kind of rhythm, one defined by choice rather than schedule. Today, his days revolve around family, travel, and a deep commitment to the sailing community in Pensacola.
He and his wife, Rachael, have built a life centered on both adventure and connection. They have two sons, one in Pensacola, Ian Gillette, who is the Executive Chef at Angelina’s, and another in San Diego, Kevin Gillette, who is a merchant sea officer, along with three grandchildren who keep them grounded in what matters most.
What began as a spark during a teenage trip to the Virgin Islands evolved into a lifelong passion. Now serving in leadership roles at the yacht club, Gillette has shifted from participant to contributor, giving back to the community that has given him so much.
In this chapter of life, success looks different. It is measured in time spent with family, meaningful travel, and the freedom to pursue what matters most. For Gillette, the destination was never just the horizon; it was the ability to choose how to navigate it.
FROM COCKPIT TO COASTLINE
TIM KINSELLA
By Will Estell
For Tim Kinsella, leadership has never been confined to a single title. Instead, it is a lifelong commitment to service, adaptability, and impact. Today, as Vice President of Branch Operations for Navy Federal Credit Union, Kinsella draws on decades of experience shaped by military command, academic leadership, and a deep connection to the Pensacola community.
Kinsella’s journey began with a distinguished 33-year career in the United States Navy, culminating as Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Pensacola—a role of both operational significance and symbolic weight in a city known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.” His leadership during a particularly challenging tenure—including a terrorist attack, a global pandemic, and a major hurricane—reflected a steady, people-first philosophy rooted in discipline, accountability, and resilience.
Following his naval service, Kinsella was recruited by University of West Florida to create and direct its Center for Leadership within the College of Business. There, he guided the institution through growth and innovation, emphasizing student success and community engagement while reinforcing the evolving role of education in a rapidly changing world.
Today, in his leadership position at the world’s largest credit union, Kinsella oversees branch operations across a vast footprint of the country, stretching from New Orleans to Detroit, and from Oklahoma City to Charleston. When I asked about his role, he shared, “I love this position because of the mission-focused culture and incredible people I get to work with every day. Navy Federal is a people business that also happens to do banking very well. After 33 years in the military, joining Navy Federal truly felt like coming home.”
Reflecting on his time in Pensacola, he noted that while many remember his leadership during crises, he is most proud of advancing local education - helping establish a charter high school with Pensacola State College and supporting STEM initiatives like the National Flight Academy. “Nothing brings me more joy than seeing students discover that learning can be fun,” he said.
Guided by a simple philosophy, “Stay away from complainers” and “Go where you are valued,” Kinsella exemplifies the first principles of leadership, continuing to impact the community.
LEADERSHIP FORGED IN SERVICE AND GUIDED BY PURPOSE CONTINUED >
Hayden Cadwalader and Jared Willets
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Choosing the Right Boat:
ARTICLE BY WILL ESTELL Making The Vessel Match Your Lifestyle
For many of us few purchases capture our excitement quite like buying a boat. A boat purchase represents freedom, adventure, and the promise of time well spent on the water, whether solo, with family, or friends. However, choosing the right boat -one that truly fits your lifestyle and needsrequires more than falling in love with a sleek hull or a powerful engine. The ideal boat is the one that aligns seamlessly with how, and where, you plan to use it.
For many along the Northwest Florida Gulf, boating is about leisure. If your vision includes sunset cruises, Crab Island gatherings, and relaxed afternoons with family and friends, a pontoon or deck boat is often the perfect starting point. These boats prioritize space, comfort, and stability, typically ranging from 16 to 36 feet. Their wide beams and generous seating make pontoons ideal for entertaining, while newer models offer performance and upscale finishes that make the long days on the bay or gulf even more fun.
For anglers, however, purpose quickly becomes more specialized. Inshore fishing enthusiasts, and those targeting redfish,mahi, speckled trout, or flounder in bays and estuaries, often gravitate toward bay boats or flats boats. Typically, between 18 and 24 feet, these vessels are designed for shallow drafts, allowing access to the skinny waters where larger boats simply can’t go. Elevated casting decks, trolling motors, and
precision handling make bay boats indispensable tools for serious fishing.
Step offshore, and the equation changes entirely. Offshore fishing demands capability, range, and safety. Center console boats in the 24 to 42-foot range dominate this category, offering deep-V hulls to cut through open-water, higher freeboards for security, and the brute power needed to reach distant fishing grounds. These boats are built to handle the unpredictable nature of offshore conditions while providing storage for gear, bait systems, and advanced electronics.
For those drawn to speed and watersports, the focus shifts again. Wake boats and ski boats, generally between 18 and 26 feet, are engineered for performance. With specialized hull designs and ballast systems that create ideal wakes for surfing, tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding. These boats emphasize agility, low end torque for rapid acceleration, thus delivering a high-energy experience for families who thrive on watersports thrills.
Then there are us buyers who seek versatility. A boat that can do a little of everything. Dual console and bowrider models fill this space beautifully, blending comfort with capability. Whether it’s a morning fishing trip, afternoon of tubing, or a late day jaunt to grab a sunset dinner at your favorite coastal eatery, these hybrid designs offer flexibility without forcing a compromise in enjoyment.
WHERE FOREVER MEETS
Photography: Aislinn Kate Weddings
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
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Nice? Is Whiskey On Ice
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
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