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How To

How to Taste Whiskey

Contributor
By GrapeGriper
eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)
Taste Whiskey
Taste Whiskey

Whiskey, like wine and beer, is an acquired taste. Knowing how to taste whiskey is imperative to your enjoyment of it.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Good whiskey. Invest $50-$150 in a good bottle.
  • Snifter or rocks glass
  1. Step 1

    Pour about an ounce of whiskey into a snifter or a small rocks glass. The snifter is better for tasting because the tapered shape of the glass concentrates the bouquet inside the glass. Pick up the glass and tilt it enough for the whiskey to reach toward the rim. Slowly turn the glass to coat the inside with a sheet of whiskey. Standing the glass up, you will see the whiskey running down the sides, pooling at the bottom.

  2. Step 2

    As the whiskey continues to pool, cover the opening of the glass with your palm for five seconds. Then lift the glass to your face. As you remove your hand from the top of the snifter, put your nose into the glass and smell deeply.

    Think about all the scents that you are picking up. Look for mint, dark chocolate, caramel, and vanilla. Molasses. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove spice. Toasted wood, earth, and cedar.

    These scents are there because whiskey is a beautifully organic product made from the riches of the earth.

  3. Step 3

    Taste just a sip of the whiskey while breathing it in and let it linger on your tongue. Allow it to coat your mouth like fresh mint. The flavors will last for moments to come.

  4. Step 4

    Pair whiskey with decadent chocolates laden with dried fruit and nuts.

Tips & Warnings
  • Add a drop of water, which can open up a whiskey.

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