How to properly taste whisky
Ready to taste?
Once you've poured yourself a glass of whisky, draw out the full experience by noting all aspects of the beverage, starting with appearance and aroma.
1. Colour/appearance
Note the colour of the whisky. Many malts and blends are colour-enhanced with caramel, an addition some say doesn't affect the flavour, although many purists disagree. Swirl the whisky and note the “legs” (the way the whisky clings to the surface of the glass). As with wine, the longer and more pronounced the legs, the higher the level of alcohol.
2. Nose
Believe it or not, scent is more important than taste when evaluating whisky – what aromatic notes do you detect from the whisky? Is it smoky? Fruity? Spicy? A hint of chocolate? Does your initial sniff leave your nose feeling warmer? Cooler? Take time to note the sensations and scents.
Once you've poured yourself a glass of whisky, draw out the full experience by noting all aspects of the beverage, starting with appearance and aroma.
1. Colour/appearance
Note the colour of the whisky. Many malts and blends are colour-enhanced with caramel, an addition some say doesn't affect the flavour, although many purists disagree. Swirl the whisky and note the “legs” (the way the whisky clings to the surface of the glass). As with wine, the longer and more pronounced the legs, the higher the level of alcohol.
2. Nose
Believe it or not, scent is more important than taste when evaluating whisky – what aromatic notes do you detect from the whisky? Is it smoky? Fruity? Spicy? A hint of chocolate? Does your initial sniff leave your nose feeling warmer? Cooler? Take time to note the sensations and scents.
3. The first sip
It's the moment you've waited for: take a small sip. Don't swirl it around in your mouth as you might do with a wine. Master Distiller Emeritus Cattanach calls this "chewing" the whisky, and it leaves a strong unpleasant flavour in your mouth. Rather, let it roll over your tongue and then swallow.
4. Taste
Typical taste notes in whisky include: peaty, floral, woody, fruity, smoky. You'll note an aftertaste of the whisky and the length of time it lingers depends on the whisky.
5. Tasting notes: Record your experience
If you record your whisky-tasting experience, make note of the whisky name, its age, appearance, flavour and aroma (record the aroma both straight and diluted with water.)
Whisky storage
While wine ages, whisky does not. The flavour, as long as the bottle is stored out of direct sunlight, will not change.
As with wines and beers, whisky preference is highly personal. Finding your personal favourite is half the fun.
Did you know: Scotch refers to whisky produced only in Scotland
Page 2 of 2
It's the moment you've waited for: take a small sip. Don't swirl it around in your mouth as you might do with a wine. Master Distiller Emeritus Cattanach calls this "chewing" the whisky, and it leaves a strong unpleasant flavour in your mouth. Rather, let it roll over your tongue and then swallow.
4. Taste
Typical taste notes in whisky include: peaty, floral, woody, fruity, smoky. You'll note an aftertaste of the whisky and the length of time it lingers depends on the whisky.
5. Tasting notes: Record your experience
If you record your whisky-tasting experience, make note of the whisky name, its age, appearance, flavour and aroma (record the aroma both straight and diluted with water.)
Whisky storage
While wine ages, whisky does not. The flavour, as long as the bottle is stored out of direct sunlight, will not change.
As with wines and beers, whisky preference is highly personal. Finding your personal favourite is half the fun.
Did you know: Scotch refers to whisky produced only in Scotland
Page 2 of 2
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