Taste whisky like an expert: step by step
Learn how to taste whisky properly, step by step. Expert tips on the aroma, smell, and taste of whisky. Discover the world of whisky with Svet nápojov.
Whisky tasting is not just about drinking, but about a complex experience. The right glass, aroma, taste and step-by-step procedure will help you discover the subtle differences between Scotch, Irish and Japanese whisky. In this guide, we will show you how to taste whisky like an expert – from the first sniff to the last sip.
Color
The color of whiskey depends on several factors, such as age, type of barrels in which it matured, or whether it was colored. A paler color may indicate that the whiskey is either younger or has been aged in ex-bourbon barrels, in which case we can expect notes of citrus, orchard fruit, vanilla, oak, or black pepper. If the whiskey is darker, it may be older or matured in sherry or port wine barrels, in which case we can expect to encounter notes of cocoa or coffee, dried fruit, forest fruits, or cinnamon when tasting it. However, the color of whiskey can also be misleading, especially if it has been colored with caramel coloring (E150a), in which case it may have an intense dark color even if it is young or matured in bourbon barrels. Therefore, it is not always necessary to judge a book by its cover and reject a bottle of whiskey just because of its color.
The color can tell us a lot about whiskey, but its true character is only revealed during tasting. Therefore, important factors include not only the tasting technique and temperature, but also the environment and atmosphere in which we drink whisky, the glass from which we serve it, and the time we spend with it. All of these play a role in discovering the nuances of this exceptional drink.
Space
As for the environment in which we taste whisky, it should be a quiet place with neutral lighting, without any strong smells or aromas that could overpower the aroma of the whisky we plan to taste.
Temperature
The temperature of the whiskey is also crucial. It is recommended to drink whiskey at room temperature (between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius), without ice. If the whisky is too aggressive, or you feel the need to soften it a little, you can add a dash of water, also at room temperature, to help open up the whisky. After adding water, its softer or sweeter tones may come to the fore.
Glasses
Choosing the right glass also plays an important role in tasting whisky properly. In movies and TV shows, we often see people drinking whisky "on the rocks" from a so-called "whisky glass." However, this is not the ideal way to taste this drink. Whisky is best tasted from a Glencairn glass.
This glass was launched in 2001 by Glencairn Crystal in collaboration with various Scottish master blenders, and was designed as the first official whisky tasting glass. Its tulip shape with a wide base allows the whisky to swirl gently, which leads to a better release of its aroma, which is well concentrated by its narrow neck. Originally, these glasses were made with a short stem, but today we also find a version of this glass with a long stem, called the "Glencairn copita."
Time
Last but not least, we must also realize that whisky tasting takes time. The more time we have, the more the whisky can tell us about itself. This is true whether it is the time we spend over a single glass or the time we devote to a single bottle.
Once opened, whisky comes into contact with air, which causes it to oxidize over time. Initially, this leads to the whisky opening up, but over time it can lead to excessive oxidation and a loss of flavor intensity.
The first shot after opening the whiskey is called a "neck pour" and usually tastes sharper or more closed than the whiskey will taste when tasted later. Therefore, when reviewing whisky, it is not recommended to evaluate it based on the neck pour. We can return to the whisky a few days after opening it, when its flavor profile will be more balanced and open due to oxidation.
Whiskey also opens up after it is poured into a glass. It is said that whiskey should spend one minute in the glass for every year it spent in the barrel in order to sufficiently aerate and open up.
So, let's say we've chosen a whiskey, we're in a pleasant environment, with the right glass, and we want to taste the whiskey. How do we do that?
1. First, pour the whiskey into a glass so we can take a closer look at its color.
2. Next, it's time to smell the whiskey. Slowly swirl the glass and gently sniff it. This is the first encounter with whiskey, as Richard Paterson would say, who claims that we engage in a dialogue with whiskey and that the first sniff is a kind of "Hello, how are you?" In the aroma, we can detect the first hint of the whiskey's character. Is it dominated by black pepper or the scent of oak? Can you smell sour citrus or sweet vanilla? Do you get more of a hint of orchard fruit or forest berries? All of this will help guide us to the next step. Which is the tasting itself.
3. Whiskey should be drunk slowly, savoring every sip. We also try to feel it with our whole mouth. We first taste it on the palate, then on the entire surface of the tongue. We try to identify as many flavors as possible that the whiskey offers. Its aroma can help us with this, as it is common for the aromas we smell in whiskey to also be present in its taste. Black pepper, vanilla, oak, and citrus are transferred from the aroma to the taste, and we can also find new tones that were not present in the aroma.
4. It is also important to realize that when tasting whiskey, there are no limits to imagination and associations. Everyone is different and everyone can smell something different in whisky, and just because you don't smell what you "should" doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. So don't be afraid to try to identify the individual flavors or nuances you smell in the whisky.
5. After swallowing the whisky comes its conclusion or finish, slang for finish. This is when we most often try to identify whether the whiskey is dry, bitter, spicy, or woody. We also tend to evaluate the viscosity or density of the whiskey or its creaminess. We can also taste the various flavors that distinguish individual whiskeys from one another. The finish can last for a shorter or longer period of time, which is called the length of the finish and also plays a role in tasting – more distinctive or denser whiskeys tend to have a longer finish than less distinctive or weaker ones.
Whisky tasting is an experience you can enjoy at home with friends. Discover our wide range of whiskies, choose the right whisky glasses and get inspired by more tips in the article How to choose whisky.
