How to Taste Whisky for the Best Flavour Notes
When it comes to whisky, there are a lot of different variables that can affect the flavour. The type of grain used, the type of oak barrel it was aged in, and even the climate where it was produced can all contribute to the flavour profile. That’s why it’s important to know how to taste whisky so you can pick out the different flavour notes to ascertain the type of cask whisky you prefer. In this article, we’ll give you a few tips on how to taste whisky like a pro.
Nosing the Whisky
The first step in tasting whisky is to give it a good sniff. Stick your nose in the glass and take a deep breath in through your nostrils. You should be able to pick out some basic aromas right away, like alcohol, oak, or fruit. See if you can pick out any more specific aromas, like vanilla or peat smoke.
Swirl patterns
Swirl the glass a bit and take another sniff. Pay attention to the swirl patterns that form when you swirl the whisky in your glass. These can give you an indication of the body and texture of the whisky. Sometimes swirling the whisky will release more aromatic compounds and give you a better sense of the flavour profile.
Tasting the Whisky
Once you’ve given the whisky a good smell, it’s time to take a sip. Take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue for a minute so you can fully experience the flavour. Again, see if you can pick out any basic flavours like sweetness, bitterness, or saltiness. Once you’ve identified those flavours, see if you can identify any more specific taste notes like caramel, oak, or citrus. Swish the whisky around in your mouth a bit and see if that releases any more flavours.
If you’re at a formal tasting, you’ll probably want to spit the whisky out so you don’t get too drunk (not to mention, spitting is considered more polite). But if you’re just tasting whisky for fun with friends, then drinking the taster is perfectly fine. Just remember that swallowing whisky means it will be difficult to taste any other whiskies after that because your palate will be too overwhelmed by the alcohol. So, rinse your mouth out with water after tasting the whisky. This helps to remove any residual alcohol and allows you to reset your palate before moving on to another dram.
Investing in cask whisky
Tasting whisky is a great way to learn about different flavour profiles and find a new type of whisky that you like. By following these simple steps, you can be sure to get the most out of your whisky-tasting experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what sort of new flavours you can discover.
Contact Riverside Whisky Partners Today and take a look at our FAQs for further information about the amazing opportunity that cask whisky investment offers.
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