40 Questions
What is the primary purpose of smelling yourself before tasting whiskey?
To reset your palate
What is the main reason bourbon whiskey tends to get darker quickly?
The use of new charred barrels
Why is it important to wash your hands with unscented soap before tasting whiskey?
To remove any strong aromas from your hands
What is the purpose of having a large glass of water when tasting whiskey?
To rinse your mouth between sips
Why is it recommended to use a plain bread or plain crackers when tasting whiskey?
To neutralize your palate
What is the purpose of taking notes when tasting whiskey?
To compare and contrast different whiskeys
Why is it important to evaluate the color of whiskey in a controlled environment?
To accurately evaluate the whiskey's color
What is spirit caramel, and why is it used in whiskey production?
A caramel coloring made from heating sugars/syrups
Why is it recommended to turn off distractions when tasting whiskey?
To minimize external influences on your evaluation
What is the primary purpose of setting up a vertical white background when tasting whiskey?
To comfortably hold up a glass and examine the color
What is the primary disadvantage of using a glass with too wide a bowl for whiskey tasting?
It allows the whiskey to come into contact with too much air, resulting in a loss of initial aromas.
What is the purpose of swirling the whiskey in the glass?
To stir up fresh aromas.
What is the ideal number of ounces of whiskey to pour into a glass for tasting?
Half an ounce (15ml).
What is the primary advantage of using a Glencairn glass for whiskey tasting?
It has a tapered, chimney-like neck to focus and funnel the aromas.
What is the result of whiskey being aged for too long?
It becomes overwhelmed by wood and evaporation, leading to a dry, astringent taste.
What is the primary source of flavors in Scotch whiskey?
The unique fermentation and distillation regimens of the distiller.
What is the purpose of holding the whiskey in the mouth before swallowing?
To allow the whiskey to flow across the tongue and release flavors.
Why is it important to use the same type of glass when tasting multiple whiskeys?
To avoid influencing perceptions of the whiskey's flavor and aroma.
What is the primary characteristic of a well-balanced whiskey?
A smooth progression from initial aromas to lingering flavors and sensations.
What is the effect of using a glass with too thick a rim for whiskey tasting?
It makes it difficult to hand-heat the whiskey.
What are the typical advantages of a Rye spirit?
Dry mint, anise, hard candy, flowers, meadow grass, butter rye oil
What is the purpose of adding water to whiskey?
To release the aromatic compounds and flavors
What is the result of water breaking the ethanol bonds in whiskey?
The release of fruity and zesty esters
What is the primary factor that contributes to a distillery's unique character?
All of the above
What is the effect of oxidation on whiskey?
It transforms and changes the flavors
Why do distillers blend multiple barrels to create a bottling batch?
To achieve the desired bottling proof
What is the purpose of the whiskey-dilution formula?
To calculate the amount of water to add to achieve a desired proof
What is the effect of whiskey sitting for a period of time?
It transforms and changes the flavors
What is the primary reason for the differences in whiskey character between distilleries?
The unique combination of factors specific to each distillery
Why do people often prefer whiskey from a particular distillery?
Because of the unique character of the whiskey
What is the primary function of triangle tasting in whiskey evaluation?
To focus the senses and identify similarities between whiskeys
Which of the following compounds is responsible for the smoky aroma in peat-smoked malt?
Phenols
What is the primary characteristic of Rye in whiskey production?
Bitter, herbal, and grassy flavors
What is the result of the breakdown of lignins in oak barrels during the aging process?
Formation of lactones
Which compound is responsible for the minty aroma in some young whiskeys?
Methyl Salicylate
What is the primary characteristic of fusel alcohols in whiskey production?
Oily flavors in high concentrations
Which type of whiskey is likely to pick up more lactones during the aging process?
Bourbon
What is the primary function of esters in whiskey production?
To contribute fruity and aromatic flavors to whiskey
What is the result of the reaction between aldehydes and oak lignin during aging?
Formation of esters
Which compound is responsible for the vanilla character in bourbon?
Vanillin
Study Notes
The Karate Kid Method
- Everyday experiences like eating, drinking, and smelling can be utilized to harness the power of scent memory when tasting whiskey
Preparing to Taste
- Eliminate distractions and strong aromas
- Set up a vertical white background to examine the color of the whiskey
- Use a large glass of water to rinse your mouth between sips
- Consider adding small amounts of water to the whiskey
- Refresh your palate with plain bread or crackers
- Take notes to compare and contrast different whiskeys
Evaluating Color
- Bourbon whiskey gets darker quickly due to new charred barrels
- Craft whiskey aged in small barrels can pick up color even more quickly
- Scotch, Irish, Canadian, and Japanese distillers may add color in the form of spirit caramel
- Some countries require labeling when coloring is added
Glassware
- The type of glass can affect the smell and taste of whiskey
- Glencairn Glass is recommended for its tapered, chimney-like neck and onion-like body
- Use a clear, uncolored glass with a solid base or stem
- Avoid using short, narrow glasses or those with too generous width and height
Relaxing with the Whiskey
- Pour a small amount of whiskey into the glass and lift it to your nose
- Close your eyes and think of what the smell evokes
- Take a sip and hold the whiskey in your mouth, then breathe and swallow
- Take another sip and work the whiskey through your mouth cavity
Flavor Sources
- Flavors come from two sources: the spirit side (grain and fermentation/distillation) and the barrel side (type of barrel and aging environment)
- Different types of whiskey have distinct flavor profiles:
- Scotch: sweet malts, nuts, fudge cake, peat, berries, honey, citrus, spice
- Irish: sugar cookie, fruits, toffee, fresh grain
- Bourbon: corn, mint, cinnamon, grass, rye
- Rye: dry mint, anise, hard candy, flowers, meadow grass, butter rye oil
- Canadian: spice, rye, sweet cereal, dark fruits
- Japanese: fruits, peat, grass, apple
Watering the Water of Life
- Whiskey comes out of the barrel at different proofs (40-70%)
- Distillers blend barrels and add water to achieve the desired proof
- Adding water can drop the proof and release aromas and flavors
- Use a whiskey-dilution formula to calculate the amount of water to add
Blind Justice
- Distilleries often have a unique character that is recognizable in their whiskeys
- This character can come from various factors, including stills, grain, barrel selection, water source, and peat source
- Blind tasting can help to eliminate prejudice and focus on the whiskey's true character
What You're Tasting
- Grains provide sweetness and distinct flavors:
- Malt: sweet and nutty
- Corn: sweet and corn-like
- Rye: bitter, herbal, grassy, and minty
- Esters are fruity and aromatic byproducts of fermentation and can come from the barrel
- Lactones come from oak and provide sweet, vanilla-coconut flavors
- Phenols provide smoky aromas in peat-smoked malt
- Alcohols, including ethanol and fusel alcohols, can affect the flavor of whiskey
- Other compounds, such as methyl salicylate, vanillin, and aldehydes, can also contribute to the flavor and aroma of whiskey
Learn how to harness your scent memory to enhance your whiskey tasting experience. Discover how to prepare and focus your senses to appreciate the complex flavors of whiskey.
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