Improving Your Whisky Tasting Skills 2

At the beginning of my whisky journey, I regularly attended whisky tasting nights at the Oak Barrel in Sydney. I remember fondly the infectious enthusiasm of Dave Withers, now the master distiller at Archie Rose, who ran most of those events back in the day. Sometimes we were graced with the presence of a visiting distillery from Scotland; I recall being especially blown away by tastings from Glenfarclas and Glendronach – indeed they are probably to blame for my current career choice!

Most spirits specialty stores around Australia, and some independent bottlers such as the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, regularly run whisky tasting nights. They are a fantastic way to learn about different styles of whisky, without having to commit to buying full bottles, and everyone serious about increasing their whisky knowledge should go. How can you make the most of these experiences?

One of the biggest challenges at such events is the reality that at the volumes presented (often 5+ drams), our tasting acuity and mental focus will likely decline over the course of the evening unless we actively manage what we consume, particularly limiting our capacity to enjoy the final dram of the night, given that often the best is saved until last!

My observation is that most people attending such events feel compelled to drink every drop of every dram presented to them. Perceiving greater “value for money” by consuming everything may be part of the sentiment here, but it comes at a cost to your understanding of what you are tasting.

For the reasons set out in my first article in this series, I advocate tasting smaller quantities when trying multiple drams of whisky. Resist the temptation to finish drinking each dram – instead leave some spirit in each glass. This will not only leave you in a better state to appreciate all of the expressions on offer, but it will also allow you to pivot between expressions later on, drawing a proper comparison between drams by the end of the evening, including with the addition of a few drops of water.

It is sensible to eat something mild in flavour before you arrive at the tasting event, to help absorb some of the alcohol you will be imbibing during the course of the night.

Another issue to be conscious of is the impact of competing flavours from any food that may be on offer during the event. It is good to be able to break up tasting each dram with a neutral food, such as a dry cracker with a slice of mild cheese, or perhaps some fruit, but stay well clear of strong flavours such as cured meats, olives, blue vein cheese etc. These foods can dramatically alter your experience of subsequent whisky expressions, totally confusing your palette.

Bring along a notebook, listen well, ask questions, and make notes about each dram. If it helps you, use one of the several phone apps available which allow you to upload your comments and ratings of each dram. Where possible, take a photo of the label of each of the bottles you are tasting.

I am a big fan of using a rating system to focus my attention on the strengths and weaknesses of each dram. One dram might have a more pleasing up front taste, but fade quickly and leave a bitter finish. Another dram might not immediately be described as knock-down delicious, but grow on you as you sit with it, and appreciate its inherent depth and complexity. Ratings systems vary, but usually include a score for nose, taste, balance and finish. Over time I have come to consider a dram’s balance of flavours as its most important characteristic, and I will tend to weight my scoring accordingly.

At most tastings, there is a small supply of bottles on hand for purchase, but they run out quickly.  At the risk of being unduly pragmatic, it can pay dividends to sit close to the exit that leads to the sales area if you intend on making a purchase. Indeed, if you have already decided on the bottle you want to buy before the tasting has finished, see if you can duck out and secure that prized bottle before the hoards descend.

Lastly, make sure you are safe to travel home, and if in doubt get a taxi or Uber ride home. You are far more precious than any bottle of whisky.