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  1. Home
  2. Food

6 ways to taste whisky like a pro

A master distiller shares his secrets. - by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
  • 05 Jun 2020

Interested in learning more about whisky? Tasting is the key to exploring flavours and finding out what you really love. 

WATCH: How to make toast pudding with whisky and rhubarb

We talked to Dennis Malcolm, master distiller at The Glen Grant for his expert tips for absolute whisky beginners.

1. Invest in glassware

Before you begin, consider your glassware and how it may enhance your tasting experience. The preferred tasting glass for Glen Grant whisky is a Glencairn glass. It is shaped with a bulbous bottom and narrow length, to concentrate the aromas.

If you don’t have access to a Glencairn glass, try a simple rocks glass, where the wider-mouthed shape allows the fumes to dissipate and bring the aromas forward.

Whiskey
Getty

2. Observe the colour

Hold your glass up to natural light to properly observe the whisky’s colour. Whisky can range from a pale amber to a deep brown, where the darker the colour, the more concentrated the flavour. You’ll notice the Glen Grant Arboralis is a bright gold colour, reflected in its ease on the taste buds.

 3. Distinguish the smell

Gently smell the liquid with your mouth slightly open to savour the best of the whisky’s aroma. You can also use an in and out movement where you put your nose into the glass and then back out again to waft the aroma to your nostrils.

Woman tasting whisky
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4. Take the time to taste

The key to a proper whisky tasting is sipping small mouthfuls at a time to allow all notes of the flavour to unlock on your tastebuds. Give your palate a chance to adjust to the alcohol content upon your first sip, then take another sip to properly digest all flavours. You can also use a spit bucket to assist with multiple tastings.

5. Consider the finish

Something that makes whisky so special is the aftertaste. After you swallow or spit the whisky, the flavour lingers on your palate and evolves before fading away. Dissect how long the finish is and the notes that develop within this.

Whisky
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6. Expand your horizons

Tasting whisky becomes even more exciting when you begin to recognise the nuances between different bottles and categories. Try for yourself the difference between an 18-year-old whisky, verse, a newer variance and how this affects the taste, aroma and finish.

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Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
Rebecca is the Digital Managing Editor of Better Homes and Gardens.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

The best booze Advent calendars for 2020

The best booze Advent calendars for 2020

8 beautiful bar carts for every taste and budget

8 beautiful bar carts for every taste and budget

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{headline}

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Ricky Ponting releases his own range of wines

Bubblegum, Apple, Custard Cream, Cola and Popcorn-flavoured gins are here.

Bubblegum, Apple, Custard Cream, Cola and Popcorn-flavoured gins are here.

You can now buy alcohol-free spirits

You can now buy alcohol-free spirits

Aldi is now selling 2L casks of your favourite cocktails

Aldi is now selling 2L casks of your favourite cocktails

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Research reveals 30-year-olds get the worst hangovers

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New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

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BWS is giving away a champagne vending machine

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