There's A Right And Wrong Way To Smell Whiskey
Whiskey is a beloved spirit that people worldwide have enjoyed for centuries. It's a complexly-flavored liquor distilled from corn, barley, wheat or rye and aged for months or years in wooden barrels. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of whiskey, one thing is sure: smelling your whiskey is essential to the tasting experience. Sommelier training for whiskey connoisseurs is on the rise. In the world of high-end adult beverage tasters, whiskey sommeliers are outpaced only by their wine and beer counterparts.
However, there are right and wrong ways to smell whiskey. The proper way differs from the way a wine sommelier would inhale a glass of Cabernet or Merlot. But doing things the wrong way can lead to an unpleasant whiskey drinking experience. Let's explore the dos and don'ts of smelling whiskey to ensure that you can get the most out of your tasting.
The right way to smell whiskey
Here is how whiskey experts smell and taste whiskey: Before you pour your whiskey, make sure your glass is clean and free of any lingering odors or flavors. Rinse the glass with hot water and dry it thoroughly before you pour. Hold the glass at a slight angle and tilt it towards your nose. Doing this will help concentrate the aromas toward your nose, allowing you to appreciate the whiskey's complexity in full.
Next, keep the glass upright and inhale with the bottom of your lip pressed against the top edge of the glass. Take short, quick sniffs to smell the whiskey. This will help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by the strong alcohol fumes. Take your time and don't rush the process. Breathe in through your nose and exhale out of your slightly parted mouth. Savor the smell of the whiskey and appreciate the different aromas that emerge, and try to identify them. Look for vanilla, caramel, oak, spice, and fruit notes. Think about how these aromas work together to create a unique flavor profile.
The wrong way to smell whiskey
Here is how not to smell whiskey: Don't sniff too hard or deeply. This can cause the alcohol to overwhelm your senses, making it difficult to appreciate the subtle aromas. Holding the glass too close to your nose can also cause the alcohol to overpower the aromas. Also, if you fail to keep the glass at a slight angle, the aromas won't become concentrated to detect. And remember, your nose should be resting on the edge of the glass, not buried in it.
Make sure you use the correct type of glass for your whiskey. A Glencairn glass or a tulip-shaped glass is ideal for whiskey tasting, as it helps concentrate the aromas towards your nose. Using the wrong glass will hinder the notes from reaching your nose, and might make drinking the whiskey more difficult.
Finally, make sure you understand the type of whiskey you're tasting. Different types of whiskey have different flavor profiles depending on where they were made, what grain they were made from, and how they were aged. They could even be called other names; bourbon is technically a whiskey, as is scotch. You'll have a better experience if you know what to expect before you start smelling and tasting. With some practice, you'll be on your way to becoming a whiskey sommelier.