On a balmy evening in Woodstock, New York, in August, the melodies of Hozier filled the air as he sang his popular track “Too Sweet,” reflecting on the contrast between him and a love interest he considers too saccharine for his tastes.

As described by Hozier, he distinguishes himself by preferring his whiskey straight, his coffee without sugar or cream, and late nights over early evenings.

Amid the performance at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, where the historic 1969 Woodstock Music Festival occurred, I was accompanied by Andy Wahl, co-founder of Ammunition Wines and Whiskey. He shared insights about whiskey and suggested ways to savor Hozier’s beverage of choice.

While Hozier favors his whiskey neat, I enjoyed the concert sipping a whiskey sour—a blend of whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. Wahl explained that whiskey is not only versatile, appreciated neat, with ice, or in cocktails, but also pairs well with various meals, enhancing both light appetizers and robust dinners.

One common misconception about whiskey drinking, as pointed out by the founder of Ammunition, is believing there’s a correct or incorrect way to enjoy this beverage.

“Enjoying whiskey should be a relaxed activity with friends or family,” Wahl humorously remarked, adding that his main advice for beginners is to “explore their tastes.”

According to Wahl, becoming adept in whiskey appreciation simply requires understanding your preferences. “Judge for yourself and make decisions that enhance your sophistication and knowledge as a whiskey aficionado,” he suggested, emphasizing that there’s no singular method to enjoy whiskey.

However, Wahl did share that some approaches to savoring whiskey might be more enriching, especially how one smells it. Contrary to wine tasting techniques, when drinking neat whiskey, he suggests “allowing the aroma to rise gently by keeping the glass a few inches from the nose.” Following the olfactory experience, a subtle sip to let the flavor settle on the palate is recommended.

And just because Hozier enjoys his whiskey neat doesn’t mean you have to, as the addition of an ice cube is the perfect way to make the spirit more palatable.

“While drinking neat certainly is preferred by a lot of connoisseurs these days, it isn’t a requirement,” Wahl said. Take, for example, the brand’s Ammunition Bourbon and Rye, which is 90 proof and 45 percent ABV.

According to Wahl, with this slightly higher than normal alcohol proof, pouring the whiskey over an ice cube and slowly enjoying the drink over an hour “makes it really the perfect balance of water, oils, aromas and flavors.”

However, when it comes to whiskey, there’s one pairing that Ammunition Whiskey’s founder swears by: good company. “Like any refined and delicious whiskey, Ammunition Straight Bourbon should only be paired with the best of friends, family, and colleagues,” he explained. “Whether you are drinking neat, over ice, or mixed with a splash of coke, when drinking the finest whiskies they should only be enjoyed, cherished, and paired with the people you love and respect the most.”