Whisky is more than just a drink — it’s a journey. From the smoky peat of Islay to the sweetness of a Kentucky bourbon, every dram tells a story. But here’s the thing: if you don’t write those stories down, they’re easy to forget.
Enter: the whisky journal — your personal tasting log, memory bank, and flavor roadmap.
Whether you're a budding enthusiast or a seasoned collector, a whisky journal is an easy, enjoyable way to deepen your appreciation and track your whisky journey. Here’s how to start one.
📝 Why Keep a Whisky Journal?
✅ You’ll Learn Faster
Writing down your tasting notes helps sharpen your palate. Over time, you’ll start identifying flavors more easily and understanding your own preferences.
✅ You’ll Track What You Like (and Don’t)
Ever forget the name of that amazing single malt you tried six months ago? A journal solves that.
✅ It’s a Great Hobby
Like collecting bottles, journaling adds a ritual to your whisky enjoyment. Bonus: it's more affordable than buying everything you see.
📚 What to Record in Your Whisky Journal
You can go as simple or as geeky as you like. Here’s a good starting template:
🥃 Basic Info:
-
Name
-
Distillery
-
Region/Country
-
Age Statement (if any)
-
ABV (%)
-
Date Tasted
-
Where You Tried It (bar, event, bottle at home)
👃 Tasting Notes:
Break it into stages to train your senses:
-
Appearance – Color, legs, clarity
-
Nose – First aromas, evolving scents, complexity
-
Palate – Texture, flavors, balance
-
Finish – Length, lingering flavors, mouthfeel
-
Overall Impression – Personal thoughts, mood, occasion
🌟 Ratings (Optional):
Score it out of 10 or 100, or use simple icons (🔥 for bold, 🌸 for floral, 🧂 for savory, etc.)
🛠 Tools of the Trade
-
Notebook: A Moleskine, leather-bound journal, or a custom whisky-tasting notebook.
-
Digital Option: Apps like Distiller, Whiskybase, or Evernote if you’re on the go.
-
Tasting Glass: A Glencairn glass or tulip-shaped glass enhances aromas.
-
Pen (Yes, an actual pen. It makes it feel more personal.)
🧪 Tips for Better Tasting Notes
-
Taste in a neutral environment — avoid heavy smells or spicy foods before tasting.
-
Add a few drops of water — it can open up hidden aromas.
-
Don’t rush — take a few sips, jot things down slowly.
-
Compare side-by-side — tasting two or three drams helps highlight differences.
🧭 Organize for Long-Term Use
You can organize your journal by:
-
Region (e.g., Islay, Highlands, Kentucky)
-
Type (Single malt, bourbon, rye, blend)
-
Rating or favorites
-
Special occasions (first bottle of the year, birthday drams, etc.)
🗂️ Bonus: Fun Additions to Track
-
Wish list – Bottles you want to try
-
Empty Bottle Log – What you finished and why you’d (or wouldn’t) buy it again
-
Tasting Events Attended – Names, themes, standouts
-
Pairing Notes – Food, cigars, or chocolate combos you loved
🥃 Final Pour
A whisky journal is your passport to a deeper appreciation of the dram. It helps you slow down, notice the nuances, and turn each glass into a memory.
So grab a notebook, pour a small dram, and start writing your whisky story — one sip at a time.