But just drinking them is not enough. You need to understand and savour it. You have to respect the work that goes into making the drink. But how can you do it?
Whether you are an expert or a beginner; appreciating good whisky takes knowledge and practice. This post will walk you through expert advice on how to taste and appreciate rare spirits.
1. The importance of glassware
The journey begins with the right glass. The shape of the glass can impact your tasting experience. It influences how aromas are concentrated and delivered to your nose. Experts recommend a tulip-shaped glass. The narrow rim allows the aroma to gather and intensify.
The wider bowl lets the whisky breathe. When you hold the glass from the stem; you will not be warming the whisky. Doing all this helps with the whisky experience.
2. Art of the nose
Your nose is very important in the whisky tasting process. Nosing or smelling the whisky prepares your palate. It reveals the complex layers of aroma. Do you wish to nose a whisky properly? Hold the glass below your nose and take gentle yet deep inhales.
You should avoid whirling the whisky too much. This can overpower the subtle aromas with the alcohol’s sharpness. You should take your time and appreciate the aroma.
3. Savour the complexity
If you are going to taste a rare whisky; you need patience. You should take a small sip and let it linger on your tongue. This will allow the flavours to evolve. You must notice the initial taste and the finish. You should take note of the lingering aftertaste that remains when you swallow. Each of these stages offers different insights. Pay attention to how your mouth feels.
A lot of experts recommend to add few drops of water to the whisky. Doing this can help open up the Flavors and reduce the intensity of the alcohol.
4. The environment is important
It also matters where you drink your whisky. Tasting whisky is all about atmosphere. In a calm environment, you can delight in a rare spirit. It will enable you to pay attention to the details. It also matters who you surround yourself with. Calling other enthusiasts is an option. You can have a great conversation about whisky. Some recommend whisky to be paired with particular cigars and foods. All of this could result in a more complete experience.
In short
Tasting and appreciating rare whisky is an art. It requires time and practice. It would help if you had a deep respect for the craft. Make sure to keep the above points in mind. They can help you appreciate the spirit in the right way. Remember- Each bottle of whisky is a unique creation. So, take your time and savour every sip. We hope you have a good one!
