Whisky Tasting Tips

Sharing is caring and everyone likes to share a dram with friends, whether it be with newbies or other fellow whisky aficionados. Before you do this, there are quite a few things that should be considered.

After all, you are sharing your own drams that you bought with your hard earned money. Follow these suggestions and it will help you and your friends to have the best possible experience.

1. Start with Food

Remember, you are drinking pure alcohol! You want to start with a solid foundation to soak up the alcohol that you will consume, as you don't want to do this on an empty stomach. If your guests are intoxicated too quickly, they will not have the full enjoyment that is desired.

The food should not be overly spicy, garlicky or intense on the palate, otherwise it will paralyze your taste buds and linger throughout the night. Stay away from garlic, chili seasonings and hot sauce.

Having an aperitif dram, light beer or a white wine will not hurt, but don't over do it.

2. Cleanse The Palate

To cleanse your palate between drams, serve bread, crackers and/or chocolate. Once again, nothing spicy or strong that could jeopardize your taste buds.

3. H2O

Have a pitcher of cooled still water for adding to the whisky and to drink in between. Also, have an extra empty pitcher ready in case, heaven forbid, one of your guests wants to discard a dram.

4. Don't Over Do It Early On

Even if you are convinced in your drinking capabilities, it is better to restrict the amount of whiskies in a tasting. Sooner or later you will notice the effect of the alcohol, and you don’t want your senses to be dimmed too early.

The number of whiskies in a tasting should not exceed five or six, even if you are tempted to show off all the great whiskies you might have in your collection.

5. Order Means Everything

We have had many discussions on whether or not the order in which you drink you whisky matters. We feel strongly that if you stick to these few tips, you will have a better experience.

- Low to High ABV - You don't want to start with cask strength whisky that could possibly numb your taste buds. Start with something around 43% ABV and work your way up. This will give your palate a nice little 'warm-up'.

- Mild to Strong - This refers to the general character of a whisky. I would recommend holding off on the stronger flavors which include heavily peated and sherried expressions.

6. Don’t Drink and Drive!

This should be self explanatory...so enjoy responsibly!

Comments (4)

1. 

   Reply By Derek on December 1, 2011

   I love scotch…scotchy scotchy scotch!

2. 

   Reply By Dave on January 7, 2012

   I dont do any of these things. It possibly may be why I dont fully understand how this whole scotch thing works. I will write this down and keep it with me at all times so that when I am trashed at the bar and I start drinking scotch and waters I can ask for cheese or a chocolate to cleanse my palate.

   • 

     Reply By Najlaa on February 25, 2012

     Wonderful story again. And bet they were hanvig a lot of fun. It is good to release the stress sometimes. Good shot of whiskey can do the trickThanks againDebbie

3. 

   Reply By Dave on January 7, 2012

   No but seriously folks, Derek has taught me very interesting things about scotch tastings and I have learned everything from picking out fruity tastes in the scotches to the way it covers your tongue while enjoying your sip. If you have questions ask this guy. He has the answers or knows someone who does.