How To Taste Scotch Whisky

A Guide to Tasting Scotch Whisky

A good Scotch on a fine evening is the perfect way to end a day and whether you appreciate fine blends or single malts, there is always more to learn and enjoy from your tasting experience.  Even with a very fine example, you can improve your enjoyment even more by following these steps and hints.

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Drinking fine malt served from a cut glass decanter in a heavy tumbler may be how many of us view drinking Scotch, however you are sacrificing some enjoyment of the drink itself in order to accentuate the social enjoyment.

Typical tumblers are wide and deep, and while the set off the color of the Scotch very well, they dissipate the aroma which emanates from the spirit.  Smelling good Scotch is part of the enjoyment of the drink, so it helps if you have a glass which will concentrate the aroma and fortunately, there is one you can now find on the market.

The glass in question is known as the Glencairn, and it has a narrowed neck which concentrates the aroma from the Scotch.  At the same time, it is a clear glass and uncut which allows you to fully appreciate the color of the Scotch being imbibed.  While this may be the glass for appreciating the full aroma of the Scotch, you may prefer to stick with your heavy crystal tumbler.  In either case, there are some tasting techniques you should understand which will help you appreciate your fine Scotch even more.

Tasting

Pour your Scotch in a glass (for this it is preferable to use a Glencairn glass though not absolutely necessary).

Appreciate the color first of all – is it a pale gold, possess a coppery tone or a dark amber?

Next, tilt and rotate the glass so the whisky is slopped around the inner sides of the glass.

Note how the liquid returns to the main body of the drink – is it thin, possessing what is known as a light body?  Does it take a long time to slowly run back down the inner sides of the glass – a heavy body? Or is it something in between – a medium body Scotch?

Now apply your sense of smell and bring the glass close to your nose.  Inhale deeply and consider what you smell.

Do you smell smoke?  Sense an earthy peat?  Can you identify hints of fruit or chocolate?

By now, your taste buds will be salivating, so after this try tasting the Scotch.

The first reaction to consider will be the palate – is it light or delicately sweet? Is it rich and full of fruitiness? How about spices or a peppery taste?  To accentuate this, take a small amount of Scotch into your mouth and roll it around your tongue – slowly roll your tongue together while having the tip of the tongue touching the back of your teeth.  Slowly, but deeply inhale.

The second reaction to appreciate is the “finish” – how long does the taste last in your mouth?  Is the taste gone quickly or does it linger providing a pleasant and enjoyable aftertaste?

Finally, repeat as required and enjoy!