While whiskies may be an acquired taste, many lovers of this robust and full-bodied spirit will tell you that once you understand its unique character, you will quickly become a convert. The best way to gain this important understanding is to learn how to taste whisky, allowing you to enjoy and appreciate it at your leisure.
It is important to remember that while there are recommended tips and advice on how to taste and enjoy this golden liquid, how you enjoy it best is ultimately up to you. So head to your local Chivas Regal Liquorland, select the blend that speaks loudest to you and enter the world of whisky.
Know Where to Begin
When starting your journey to becoming a whisky connoisseur, it is important to know where to begin. Johnnie Walker brand ambassador Ali Reynolds recommends starting with an introductory whisky that is easier to get on board with. Traditionally, blended scotches will have a diverse flavour range to explore and enjoy within the blend itself.
Once you have the basics down, you can move on to something slightly more complex. Single malts from the Speyside region of Scotland are generally viewed as a fantastic next step thanks to their palatable flavour base, such as baked apples and pears.
Once you are comfortable tasting, identifying, and enjoying single malt, you can move on to complex blends with their unique structures and delicate flavour profiles. It is crucial to take your time tasting these blends to fully understand the individual flavours and how they work together.
The last step of any whisky tasting is heavy whisky blends. These robust, dark and smoky flavours have a somewhat acquired taste, but once you know how to identify the different flavours and aromas, you will be able to appreciate their punchy profiles. Whiskies from the west coast of Scotland will deliver everything you could ask for in a heavy blend.
Appearance
When enjoying a whisky tasting, you begin by pouring a measure into a tasting glass. These glasses are specifically designed to capture the aromas from the whisky and direct them towards your nose. Aroma is as important as taste and appearance, so it is essential to use these clever glasses to get the full effect of the entire experience.
Properly observe the whisky and consider what the colour of the liquid reminds you of. Perhaps it has a golden hue like straw or a burnished copper appearance like an old coin. Take down a few notes about its appearance. It doesn’t have to be a detailed summary, but recording one or two characteristics is worth doing.
Aroma
Before tasting, it is time to smell your drink. Considered by many to be the most important stage of assessing any alcoholic drink as your olfactory system, or sense of smell, can identify and reveal far more than your taste buds. Some whisky experts believe that your palate should merely confirm what your nose has already told you.
Before you sip your drink, check the ABV of your chosen whisky. Intense blends can be fairly harsh on your sinuses, so take your time absorbing the different aromas. The easiest way to identify unfamiliar smells is to search your mind for nostalgia. Smells are often linked to memories, which can be a great tool for picking up specific notes. Hints of oak and leather may transport you back to your childhood home, while dried fruits and port could remind you of your favourite family Christmas parties growing up.
Palate
When tasting your whisky, you will likely pick up on similar notes that you found with your nose, but you may discover new notes that develop thanks to the sweetness, spiciness, or savoury elements of the liquid. These flavours could change over time, so hold the whisky on your tongue for a moment to see which parts of the flavour profile continue to develop.
Once you have swallowed it, note whether the flavour lingers in your mouth for a while or disappears fairly quickly. Perhaps new flavours can be discovered once the more robust notes have calmed down somewhat.
In addition to the flavour, pay attention to how the whisky feels in your mouth. It may be soft and creamy, direct and spiky, refreshing or drying. The feeling of the drink can hint at the various notes within the whisky and ultimately add to the overall tasting.
Delicious Food Pairings
As is the case with most alcoholic drinks, incorporating carefully selected food pairings is a fantastic way to bring out the different flavours and aromas within the whisky and amplify the overall experience. Try pairing foods like dark chocolate, cheese, and other charcuterie favourites with different expressions to see which flavours they highlight and amplify.
An additional expert tip is to have a glass of water and a teaspoon ready during your tastings. When you taste your whisky, add a small teaspoon of water to see how it changes the taste. This will alter the way you experience the drink and accentuate dominant flavours.
Do Your Research
One of the key pillars of becoming an expert in the world of whisky is research. Understanding the background and origin of the casks used in whisky production is crucial. This knowledge will empower you to identify and appreciate the unique characteristics of your chosen whisky.
Whisky is traditionally crafted and matured in a variety of different casks, such as American white oak barrels often used for bourbons, sherry casks, or even wine casks. Each of these different vessels impacts the aroma and character of the whisky. Knowing these impacts will go a long way to significantly enhancing your drinking experience.
