wHISKEY tASTING 101
Your tongue can detect 6 taste sensations. Are you really tasting your whiskey?
Smell Before You Taste
Put your nose over the glass (not too close) and take some time to check out the aroma. You may have to do this 2-3x, as the smell of alcohol can be overpowering at first. Over time, you will start to pick up on notes like spice, oak and vanilla.
Glassware
The 2nd most important part of tasting (whiskey being the first) is your glassware. I prefer a glencairn, but have tasted from a number of different styles. While the shape of the glass is important, the most important part is that it is clean and free of other smells.
Try It Neat
Before you add anything to your dram, try some in its pure state. Drinking whiskey straight is not for everyone. It will, however, give you the purest sense of its flavor/aroma, and will help you decide whether you need to add ice or water.
Savor The Spirit
This seems like a simple one, but can be tough for newer whiskey drinkers. Start off with a small taste and let it roll around your mouth. Different parts of your tongue recognize different flavors, so take your time. You’ll want to sit with it for longer than your tongue will want you to at first, but trust, the payoff is well worth it.
Adding Water or Ice?
A few drops of water will help soften some of the intense flavors of the whiskey. Adding an ice cube (I recommend larger ones) will chill your drink, for a more refreshing experience. It will also add water as it melts, changing the flavor as the extra water gets mixed in.
Whiskey + Mixers
Some people say you should never mix anything with your whiskey. Those folks have CLEARLY never had a bourbon & ginger on a hot afternoon. Combining bourbon with a mixer is an excellent way to wade into the wonderful world of whiskey drinking. You can find a couple of my favorite whiskey cocktails here.
Enjoy!
Golden rule for tasting anything: The most important part about tasting is to enjoy it. Some people get caught up in the desire to find something to critique at all times. Here at the Black Bourbon Guy, we use a different approach. There is almost always something to enjoy about every spirit. So when we taste, we always have a great time!
