Welcome back to Whiskey Bourbon Club’s guide on how to taste spirits. In Part 1 of this series, we explored the importance of taking your time to visually and aromatically analyze a new spirit, much like getting to know a new lover. Now, the anticipation has built, and it’s time to finally taste what’s in your glass. Pour yourself a dram, settle in, and let’s dive into the sensory experience of tasting whisk(e)y.
The Tasting Experience
Once you’ve assessed the spirit’s visual and aromatic qualities, it’s time to bring it to your lips. Start with a small sip, allowing the liquid to spread across your palate. This initial sip is what I like to call your “primer.” It prepares your taste buds for what’s to come, helping them acclimate to the spirit’s proof and complexity.
Step 1: The Primer Sip
Take that first small sip and let it wash over your tongue, under your tongue, and across your gums. This step is crucial as it helps your palate adjust to the alcohol content, making it easier to identify specific flavors in subsequent sips.
Step 2: The Full Sip
Now that your palate is prepared, take a larger sip of the spirit. Allow it to touch all parts of your mouth—your tongue, inner cheeks, and even the roof of your mouth. Focus on what you’re tasting. Are the flavors you smelled earlier reflected in the taste? Instead of relying on vague descriptors like “smooth” or “harsh,” try to pinpoint what exactly is evoking those sensations. Is it the sweetness of caramel, the spiciness of cinnamon, or perhaps a smoky undertone?
Step 3: The Finish
After swallowing, pay attention to the lingering flavors—this is known as the finish. How long do the flavors stay on your palate? Count the seconds in your head until the taste starts to fade. A longer finish often indicates a more complex spirit, while a shorter finish might suggest a lighter, more straightforward profile.
Enhancing the Tasting Experience with Water
Now comes the part where your distilled or filtered water becomes essential. Adding a drop of water to your spirit can dramatically alter the tasting experience, often revealing new layers of flavor or intensifying existing ones.
How to Add Water:
- Use a water dropper or your clean finger to add a single drop of water to your glass.
- Swirl the glass gently to mix the water with the spirit. Be careful not to agitate the alcohol too much, as this can overwhelm the subtler flavors.
Repeat the tasting process after the spirit has settled. Do the aromas change? Are the flavors more nuanced or pronounced? This is the magic of water—it can either enhance or soften the spirit’s character, giving you a whole new perspective on what’s in your glass.
Making Tasting Notes
Whether you’re writing them down or keeping mental notes, documenting your tasting experience can be incredibly beneficial. By associating specific flavors and aromas with each spirit, you’ll quickly learn what you enjoy most, making future selections easier and more informed.
Enjoying Your Spirit
Now that you’ve tasted your spirit analytically—visually, aromatically, and on the palate—it’s time to enjoy it your way. Whether you prefer it neat, with a few more drops of water, or perhaps with ice or soda, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a spirit.
Let me emphasize that: There is no wrong way to enjoy a spirit.
If you’re drinking it the way you like, then you’re doing it right. However, by taking the time to get to know your spirit through the steps outlined above, you might find a deeper appreciation for what’s in the bottle. You may even discover that a simple drop of water is all it needs to shine.
So, drink what you like, how you like it, and don’t forget to share the experience with friends. Cheers!