Re Kendall's question about the differnce between water and an ice cube - ask the captain of the Titanic!

Without wishing to be boringly technical, most whiskys (and whiskeys) go through a process called "chill-filtering", This effectively kills of the living enzymes in whisky and ensures uniformity whether a whisky is bought in the UK or New Zealand. Adding water only dilutes the strength of the whisky. Ice will certainly kill off some of the more delicate flavours.

You can buy whiskies marked "Not Chill-filtered" where the flavour and after-taste is altered by adding water.

There is no such thing as "the best" whisky. We all have different tastes and even these change according to our moods.

Generally I prefer single malts but I make one exception. Grants, makers of "Stand Fast" and other good paint-removers, produce an excellent blended whisky which is laid up in casks previously used for real ale. Beautiful taste! https://www.grantswhisky.com/uk/discover-our-whiskies/ale-cask-finish/

Happy drinking!

Eddie