How to Properly Taste a Whisky

Before we can dive into how you can properly taste a whisky, it’s important to know there is a difference between drinking and tasting. With a new whisky, it is essential to taste it in order to understand the journey you’re about to embark upon. There are a few important steps when tasting a whisky. Luckily, our very own Certified Whisky Ambassador, Raj, helped us narrow them down.

Here’s what to think about before you taste a whisky

It is important when preparing to taste a whisky, that you ensure you are in an environment without distractions. This also includes avoiding other aromas like candles, food, and other potent odors. A neutral, calm environment will do the trick. Then you need to select a proper glass. Here is where preferences vary. Raj prefers a Glencairn Riedel, Norlan or blender’s glass, whereas some prefer the Neat Glass

Now it’s time to open your bottle and observe

Once you have your glass and you’re in the ideal environment, open the whisky bottle and pour 2 ounces. Raj recommends avoiding ice but having water on hand (distilled or spring should do the trick) and a dropper. Enjoying whisky is a multi-sensory process. First you must start, by looking at what is in your glass. Color will tell you very little, but this is where you can make sure there are no impurities.

Next comes the tasting

Start to raise the glass at chest level towards your nose, sniffing along the way. While doing so, make sure to note where you start to pick up aromas. The further from your nose, the whisky will have more intensity. Once you are close to your nose, tilt the glass to each side and inhale. If you are tasting a cask strength or high proof whisky, you should be gentle. Now add a few drops of water and nose again, allowing the aromas to linger. Make note of what you are smelling, this is preparing you for what you are about to taste. 

Now you can take a sip of whisky. Close your mouth and swish it around allowing the whisky to sit on your tongue for 10 seconds. Swallow and then inhale with your mouth open. This allows the whisky to evolve in your mouth giving you the full experience of tasting the spirit. This is a good point to make note of what you are tasting. Start at a higher level and work your way to more complex tastes. If you taste citrus, what type is it? If you find a hint of vegetable, which vegetable can you pinpoint? 

Next make sure to note the texture. Ask yourself where the taste is coming from. Is it coming from raw materials, maturation (the barrels), post maturation, or something else?

Last, but certainly not least, enjoy the finish

While your tasting experience of that initial sip is coming to a close, there are a few additional things to note. Pay attention to the taste- does it linger or end quickly, do other flavors evolve? Now that you have fully experienced your complex spirit, it’s time to sit back and enjoy your next sip. You now know the expert way to taste a whisky! 

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