There is no right or wrong way to taste whisky; it is a personal experience. However, the following guidelines can help you get the most out of your whiskey tasting experience:
Take a look at the whisky first. Note the hue, which can range from light straw to deep amber, by holding it up to the light.
To unleash the scent, swirl the whisky in the glass.
Take a little sip and give it a little time to meld tastes in your mouth.
Before drinking the whisky, “chew” it by moving it around in your mouth.
To help your palate become clear, take a few long, deep breaths.
Follow the steps again as needed, paying attention to the sensations and aromas you encounter.
- Aroma: Take a deep sniff of the whiskey to pick up on the different aromas. You may detect notes of fruit, spice, or wood.
- Taste: Pay attention to the flavors that you experience as you sip the whiskey. You may taste sweet, spicy, or smoky notes.
- Mouthfeel: Notice the texture of the whiskey as it coats your mouth. Is it smooth or rough? Does it feel thin or thick?
- Finish: Pay attention to the aftertaste of the whiskey as you swallow it. Does the flavor linger or does it disappear quickly?
- Color: Hold the whiskey up to the light and note its color. The color can range from pale straw to deep amber and can be an indication of the whiskey’s age and the type of barrel it was aged in.
By looking for these characteristics, you can get a sense of the complexity and depth of the whiskey you are tasting.
To let the flavors of their whisky come through, some folks like to add a little water. Try varying the water content to see how it changes the whiskey’s flavor.