Things You'll Need:
- Tulip-shaped glass
- Light or neutral background
- Water
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Step 1
Pour scotch into a tulip-shaped glass, one that's rounded at the bottom with a small opening at the top. Find something similar to a snifter.
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Step 2
Hold your glass up to the light or a neutral background and note the color of the scotch. It can range from clear to brown to nearly black. This coloring can be an indication of age and what cask was used to mature the scotch.
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Step 3
Check the legs of the scotch. Swirl it around in your glass and coat the glass completely. Watch as the scotch runs back down the sides of the glass. Again, this is a good measure of the age of the scotch.
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Step 4
Nose the scotch. Sniff the top of the glass and note how you feel. You will get a prickle at the back of your nose.
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Step 5
Add water slowly and nose the scotch again. This will bring out more aromas as well as diluting the alcohol content. Keep adding water until that nose tingle is gone.
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Step 6
Take a sip of the scotch big enough to coat your tongue. Roll it around your mouth and let it find all of your taste buds. Keep it in your mouth long enough for the taste to fully register. Note the flavors as well as how long the scotch stays on your tongue—the finish.
