After longstanding success in the hit drama “CSI: Miami,” numerous film and television credits, and a couple of turns as stripper in the  “Magic Mike” films; actor and whisky connoisseur Adam Rodriguez  has returned to the small screen as a cast member on television’s hottest series ‘Empire,” airing Wednesday nights on FOX.
After a stint as spokesman for Chivas Regal, we caught up with the busy thespian for a little education on all things Scotch.

H: How do you like your Chivas?
AR: I never thought about drinking scotch whisky in a cocktail. But then I learned that what they call the “Old Fashioned,” was the first cocktail ever made and it was with Chivas.  Other combinations like “Gentleman’s Punch” and “The Chivalry” are great. Nothing is ever too sweet or too bitter. It has a nice balanced flavor I really like. I used to drink it straight up, or on the rocks.
I was a single malt guy and now I realize you can take all those single malts and make a blend like Chivas and enjoy a more well-rounded flavor.

H: How did you develop this taste?
AR: With time your palate becomes more sophisticated. Before you just had one note which may have been okay because you were learning, I don’t knock it, but that’s not what I’m about now.  I’m about something that’s more well-rounded, more worldly; whether it’s the food I’m eating, the spirits I’m drinking, the clothes I’m wearing.   This brand is about heritage, honor, brotherhood; all of those things are things that really do matter to me in my life and what I live by. So whether is the sophistication of your palate as you grow or the sophistication of your friends you’ve maintained throughout the years ; brotherhood is what matters.

H: Have you always been a scotch drinker?
AR: I always have been. I had a short spell with vodka and with tequila but the last 8 years I have gotten into my scotches. I started out with single malts and experimented with different flavors, different regions of Scotland’; the Lowlands  are smoky and petty, others from the Highlands have  more fruity and aromatic bouquets and then you have the Speyside which are well-balanced, floral and lighter.

H: Chivas has different aged whiskys, tell us about that?
AR: Chivas is the only whisky that puts the age distinction on the bottle; 12, 18, and 25 years; even Johnnie Walker doesn’t.

H: Which is your favorite?
AR: I go between the 18 and the 25. I think the 12 is amazing in cocktails. These others start to get their own distinct flavor at 18 and 25 so you appreciate them more on their own.  But certainly for mixing I would do the 12, but either 18 or 25 straight up or on the rocks.

H: What is the difference between a blended scotch and single malt?
AR: It was described to me that the single malt is like going to see a soloist perform. You listen and its great and you love it. But the blends are like going to see an entire symphony. You get everyone that’s a great maestro at their instrument all blended together into one beautiful sound. It’s not mine but it sums it up beautifully.

H: Yes, a great summary. Moving on to some of your other projects, how was it working on the “Magic Mike” films?
AR: It was the best experience… the most fun I’ve had doing any role. I like to stay fit but it was never to this level or intensity. It was the diet, it was the exercise regime… It was a 24 hour, 7 day commitment. I dedicated myself to getting in shape and learning the dance routines and to just be prepare to do the best work I could do for a director I admired so much. And it was great.