How to Compare Scotch

Refrain from smoking for at least two hours before beginning to compare Scotch.

Scotch, formally referred to as Scotch whiskey, is an alcoholic drink produced entirely in Scotland. Starting from a distillation of water and malted barley, Scotch is not official until it has aged in a Scottish oak cask for at least three years. Like wine, Scotch lends itself to connoisseurship. An understanding of how various Scotch whiskeys compare is critical to becoming an enlightened consumer of the spirit. Once your palate is strong enough to stand it, you can start sipping your way to Scotch expertise.

Things You'll Need

• Brandy snifter -- 12 oz.
• Table
• Tablespoon
• Cup of water at room temperature
• Writing pad
• Paper or pencil
• Scotch whiskeys -- at least two brands
• Bland white bread or a baguette, sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare your palate and your liquor. Wait at least two hours after having smoked, eaten, or tasted any other spirits or drinks. Be alert and relaxed. Feeling tipsy is not a great state for Scotch tasting. Locate a quiet and cool spot where you can set up. Arrange 1/2-oz. samples of at least two Scotch whiskeys.

2. Begin engaging in proper tasting technique with one of your Scotch whiskeys. Pour the Scotch into the brandy snifter. Swirl it with some effort. Raise the snifter to your nose until it is parallel to your chin. Sniff deeply. Repeat a few times, sometimes tilting your head from side to side, sometimes the snifter. Identify the distance between your nose and the snifter that lets you smell easily.

3. Add 1 tbsp. of water to the Scotch. Note how the aromas intensify. Sip the tiniest amount of Scotch to coat the entirety of your mouth. Agitate it gently and slowly inside your mouth. Swallow, and feel the Scotch's vapors penetrate your sinuses.

4. Inhale a tiny bit, opening your mouth as little as possible. Exhale slowly through your nose, further exposing your sinuses to the vapors. Repeat this respiration twice, maintaining the petite opening in your mouth. Take your time, because the Scotch's flavor may subtly transform as it develops its potential during the tasting.

5. Write down exactly what you experienced, in your own simple words -- for example, "Slightly burned leather" or "a tiny amount of sugar that later gave way to bitterness." Remember to detail the exact brand and label for this particular Scotch whiskey.

6. Cleanse your palate. Eat a slice of bland white bread or a baguette in between tastings. Then wash it down with water.

7. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 with your other Scotch whiskey or whiskeys. Compile your results. Ponder how the spirits compare and contrast. Rank the spirits in the order of your preference. Archive your notes so as to build up a collection of your comparisons.

Tips & Warnings

• Train your tongue to mature your palate. Scotch whiskey is known for a strong punch that can overpower unfamiliar drinkers. You likely won't be able to discern any nuances in the liquor the first few times you drink it. Simply sip patiently and appreciate what you're imbibing. In time, your taste buds can focus on the liquid's details.

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• Interact with Scotch professionals. Attend formal scotch tasting seminars and events, such as those hosted by Dr. David McCoy, also known as "The Scotch Doc." Regularly search for articles on the best Scotch whiskeys, and use their counsel to pick the new servings of Scotch that you'll analyze and compare.

References

• The Art of Manliness; The Art of Manliness Guide to Scotch Whisky; April 2009
• The Wine Virgin; Cleanse the Palate; March 2008
• The Scotch Doc; Tasting The Scotch Single Malt Whisky - The Scotch Doc Method
• The Official Home of UK Legislation; The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009

Resources

• The Independent; The Ten Best Scotch Whiskies; Charles Maclean; January 2009
• Whisky.com