with every tasting we host, we tend to get a gauge on newcomers to the whisky tasting experience, and advise some helpful tips to maximise the experience and enjoyment of the whiskies, these can be applied to enjoying your own whiskies. So in our wisdom we thought it would a great idea to share some do's and don'ts of whisky tasting.

Before we start, While you whisky taste it useful and recommended to have some water at hand, this can help dilute some whisky and offer a palate cleanser in-between tastings 

1. Glass Selection 

Using the correct glass can enhance the tasting experience at home you may use a tumbler but for tasting events we use tasting/Glencairn glasses. Glencairn glasses have bulb shaped bottom with a narrower neck this direct some of aromas more directly. 

2. Observation 

After receiving or pouring a small measure of the whisky,  very gently roll the whisky around the glass, not quite a swirl just a gentle roll. As you do this observe the liquid sticking to the side of the glass, it can give you insight to potentially oily flavours and to some experts if a tiny bit of stickiness to the palate. The colour of whisky observed and studied can give a indicator of cask, some blind tasting where you don't which whisky it is may get you to guess if you can tell the cask from the colour. 

3. Aroma and Smelling 

The next step is to smell the whisky and start to feel the flavour dancing in the spirit. There are no wrong answers to aromas you may smell in whisky as they can connect to personal experiences or likes and dislikes. It is important when whisky tasting and taking in the scent and aroma. is not to stick you nose deep into the glass, as some strong whiskys could make your eye water. Keep your nose a couple fo centimetres above the rim of glass, breathe in slowly with mouth slightly open this opens the tastebuds to unlock the full depth of the flavours. 

Pro tip: Before taking a smell give the whisky a gentle swirl and cover the top of the glass with your hand for few seconds. 

4. The sip and Taste

 This is the part you've been waiting for, the moment of sampling this whisky that may become your new favorite. Take a good sip and let whisky coat your tongue for second. then sit back, relax and experience the palate and finish. Think about the finish, the aftertaste, did it linger long, di it fell smooth and velvety going down. The mouth feel and finish of a whisky are often the defining characters of spirit.

After trying it neat , you can if you wish add a drop or two of water it may unlock new flavours and maybe take the sting out of particularly sharp whisky or the edge of some of the cask strengths. this is not necessary in all whisky but may apply if you wish. 

5. Aftermath

 Once sampled the tasting of that whisky is over mostly, at our events we encourage discussion of flavours you experienced, likes and disliking of it. It is important to remember every whisky drinker has a unique flavour palate, so there never is truly wrong answer of what you taste, or taste reminds you of. 

 

We regularly host Tasting events, and now your expert come along and prove it to us, or just come enjoy some whisky with other enthusiasts, Our events often are hosted with a representative from said distillery to share their expertise.   

Check out our upcoming tasting events here: Whiskys.co.uk Tasting Events

 

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