If, on the other hand your friends force you to attend a whiskey-tasting event, even though you do not like whiskey, and you want to avoid looking like you are clueless, then you’re also in the right place.
It’s not as difficult as you might think or believe. This simple guide will teach you how to drink whiskey with ease.
This is a complete guide for beginners to whiskey.
Whiskey Basics: What is it?
Whiskey, along with vodka and gin are the standard liquors. Many different whiskeys are produced in various regions and cultures. However, the essence of whiskey is that it’s a distilled spirit, made of cereal grains most commonly wheat or rye.
A whiskey is a liquor that contains at least 40% alcohol (ABV). Each whiskey has its own distinct flavor, but whiskeys around the world are generally classified as caramel, vanilla or toasty.
What are the different types of Whiskeys?
- The most popular American whiskey is the Bourbon Whiskey. Bourbon whiskeys are only allowed to be produced in the United States. They must also contain at least 51% of corn. The Bourbon whiskey then ages in charred new oak barrels.
- Rye Whiskey is not required to be produced in the United States. Rye whiskey, also known as whisky in Canada, is very popular in the US. Rye whiskey is made with a minimum of 51% rye in the mash bill. The rye whiskey is known for its spicy flavor.
- Tennessee Whiskey Tennessee Whiskey is one of most restricted whiskeys in the world. Tennessee whiskey has to be produced in Tennessee. The mash bill must contain 51% corn, just like in bourbon. It must also be aged in new oak barrels that have been charred. The Tennessee whiskey undergoes a charcoal filtering process to remove impurities. This also mellows the Tennessee whiskey flavor.
- Scotch Whisky: One of the oldest whiskies in the world is Scotch. Scotch Whisky is spelled the same as Canadian whisky without an “e”. Scotch is made from a minimum of 51% malted grain. Scotch whisky is produced using pot stills and then aged for three years in Scotland before bottling.
- Irish Whiskey: Irish whiskey is one of the oldest whiskeys. Irish whiskey, like Scotch, is made from 51% barley but is usually unmalted. Irish whiskey is known as well for its smooth, light taste profile. Scotch on the other hand is known for a peaty and smokey flavor.
- Japanese whiskey: Japanese Whiskey has been around only for a hundred years, but has cemented its place in the world of whiskey as a well-crafted whiskey. Japanese whisky is a close relative of Scotch whiskey. It uses malted barley, which is usually imported from Scotland. Japanese whiskey is aged either in American or Japanese wood barrels. Sherry casks also give it a unique flavor.
How To Taste Whiskey
You are now ready to learn about the whiskey tasting etiquette. Remember that these are all suggestions. Whiskey is for everyone and can be enjoyed in any way you like.
Whiskey Observation
First, you should observe the whiskey. This is basically looking at it before you consume it. You may be surprised to learn that whiskey comes in its own glass called the Glencairn.
Glencairn glasses are round at the bottom, bulbous and tapered up top. This allows the aromas to be concentrated and rise to the surface while still allowing you to pour a good amount of wine.
The color of the whiskey will become more apparent. The wood in which your whiskey is aged is what gives it its color and flavor. The darker the color of the whiskey, the more flavorful it is.
Smell your Whiskey
Next, you should smell your whiskey. You can tell a great deal about whiskey just by taking a whiff. What you smell can influence a large part of what you taste, so nose your whiskey to complement the tasting process.
This technique is used to enjoy cigars. The technique is to breathe in through the mouth, then close your lips, hold that breath in for a few seconds, and finally breathe out through the mouth. This should prevent the burning sensation that can be associated with the smell and taste of whiskey.
Is your whiskey smelling of caramel? Vanilla? Oak? Does it smell spicy or oak? Smoky? Smoky?
Sip and Savor
Sipping your whiskey and enjoying its flavors is the final step in tasting it. You should remember that tasting is different than drinking. Your goal is to taste and identify the notes and flavors of your whiskey, not to chug it down.
It is best to take small, slow sips. You can adjust your mouth by taking a small sip, letting the alcohol adjust your palate to the whiskey and then slowly increasing your size. You can then take another sip, this time slightly larger. Keep tasting to find the flavor notes.
Don’t Try This Whiskey Tasting!
Let’s discuss briefly a few things you shouldn’t do during a whisky tasting now that you know the right way to behave. These are some simple etiquette errors that you may not notice, but others can ruin your experience.
Do not swirl whisky
Swirling your whiskey is the first big no-no of whiskey tasting. You may have been to a tasting of wine and know how important the swirling is. Aerating wine releases more aromas and flavors in the air.
With whiskey, however, the swirl can make the aroma unbearable. You release the aromas and alcohol vapors when you swirl alcohol. This may not be a big deal for wine that has a 12% ABV. With whiskeys with at least 40% ABV you can release vapors so strong that they intoxicate the olfactory system.
You can smell your whiskey without swirling it. In fact, you’ll be able smell the subtleties much better.
Don’t drink water immediately after drinking whisky
Avoid drinking water immediately after drinking whiskey at a tasting. Water is great for cleansing your palate and resetting before drinking the next whiskey. However, drinking too much water after you have sipped could cause you to miss the final notes.
You should taste each whiskey’s “finish”, or aftertaste, after you swallow it. Do not rush through your sips and do not feel the need to drink something else afterward.
Try to concentrate on the flavors that are playing on your palate and how they change and develop after you swallow.
Expert Tips for Whiskey Tasting
We will also give you some expert tips on how to enjoy whiskey more. You don’t need to follow any of these tips, but they are from experts in the field of whiskey.
Add some water or ice
Add a little water or ice into your glass to improve the taste of your whiskey. This will dilute the whiskey and make it less alcoholic. You can then taste subtler flavors that you may have missed otherwise.
Be careful not to overdo it. Pouring a single cube of ice into your whiskey, and letting it melt during the tasting will give you different notes and elements.
Chew your whiskey
We’ve included this last tip even though it may be a little extreme for casual whiskey drinkers. You can chew the whiskey like food after you’ve taken a sip. This will ensure that it covers every part of your mouth.
You can taste the whiskey in different parts of your mouth. You can taste different flavors and tastes in your mouth by allowing the whiskey to spread throughout your mouth.
Takeaways from How to Drink Whiskey
Beginners can find drinking whiskey intimidating. They are worried about doing it wrong. But is all about having fun while drinking whiskey.
There are some techniques you can use to make the most of your whiskey tasting experience. Start with the correct Glencairn Glass, then slowly sniff, sip and enjoy your experience.
Our Whiskeys are a great way to discover new whiskeys. Each of our whiskeys is finished in a glass bottle with patented wooden spires. These spires add flavor and smoothness while your whiskey sits in the glass.
