HOW TO RUN A WHISKY TASTING

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Buck Gardner
7 years ago
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1 HOW TO RUN A WHISKY TASTING Welcome to our whisky tasting tutorial, Glen Grant style. Whether you intend conducting a tasting with a large group or one or two friends or family, always remember it is a process of sensual discovery and not a technical or clinical assignment. Everyone should be relaxed, open minded and ready to discover the legendary secrets and exquisite qualities of one of Scotland s oldest distilleries. Which implies, of course, that you will be tasting single malt as it should be Glen Grant. Step 1

sensual discovery and not a technical or clinical assignment.

2 THE RIGHT GLASS TO USE The tulip/glencairn glass is the preferred style because it focuses the aromas and splashes the spirit onto the tongue in a wide fashion. Of course, a whisky tumbler is quite acceptable. Once you ve poured a measure, tilt and turn the glass, letting the whisky coat the sides. Observe the consistency as it sticks to the sides of your glass. This is called the LEGS of the whisky it represents the alcoholic strength and natural viscosity. Step 2

Once you ve poured a measure, tilt and turn the glass, letting the whisky coat the sides.

3 ON THE NOSE Now, nose the whisky. Whisky tasting is done principally with the nose - while there are only few primary tastes, there are 32 primary smells. Place your nose a few inches away from the glass. Keep your mouth slightly open as you nose the whisky - it will help you to better discern and taste the different aromas. Using the supplied notesheets, write down the aromas that stand out for you, and discuss among your group. Only write the first 2 or 3 aromas you pick up. Step 3

Place your nose a few inches away from the glass.

4 NOW ADD WATER This helps release more of the aromas and flavours of a great whisky. Generally, we add as much water as there is whisky in the glass, half-andhalf, or as little as a few drops. Avoid tap water if possible. Step 4

5 USING THE AROMA WHEEL The Aroma Wheel, included in the print-out kit, shows more of the different fragrances the experts have defined. Choose which ones begin to emerge for you. Now make notes on the new aromas that are revealed. Step 5

6 NOW, TAKE A SIP Take just enough to coat your mouth and begin to slowly swirl it around your tongue. Feel the consistency of the whisky. Try to hold the whisky in your mouth as long as it takes to notice all of the different flavours. Identify the primary tastes the immediate flavours your tongue collects. There are only a few: sweet (on the tip of the tongue) salty and sour (at the sides) and dry/bitter (at the back). When you swallow, try not to open your mouth or close your throat. Let in a tiny amount of air through your mouth and breathe through your nose slowly as the fumes rise up into your sinuses. You may notice different flavours. Take a break and discuss them and make notes. Step 6

There are only a few: sweet (on the tip of the tongue) salty and sour (at the sides) and dry/bitter (at the back).

7 THE FINISH Do the flavours linger in your mouth, or do they fade rapidly? Is there any aftertaste, and what notes do you detect? This is called the finish. Try and identify these new flavours. Are they consistent with the whisky s aroma, or have new elements appeared? A well-made whisky will deliver in flavour what it promises to the nose. Once the flavours subside, breathe normally. Now discuss and write down the flavours you experience. Step 7

Try and identify these new flavours. Are they consistent with the whisky s aroma, or have new elements appeared?

8 LOOKING FOR WOOD The other special characteristic of the Glen Grant Distillery is the meticulous cask selection and limited use of these casks, where careful maturation brings Glen Grant to its highly acclaimed, softly fruity, intensely fresh natural taste. These casks are hand-picked by Dennis Malcolm himself as they play a critical role in defining what makes Glen Grant so special. Agitate your glass again, and repeat the process. Break and discuss the particular wood note flavours that come through. Step 8

These casks are hand-picked by Dennis Malcolm himself as they play a critical role in defining what makes Glen Grant so special.

9 GO AHEAD, USE YOUR FAVOURITE MIXER Regardless of what you ve heard from the so-called experts, yes it IS acceptable to mix your dram with something other than ice or water. If it is more to your taste to have a little mouth buzz by all means use soda. Or, for sweeter tastes, try it with a premium cola, with fresh lemon juice and sugar or with ginger ale or apple juice. A premium single malt such as Glen Grant will release new and intense characteristics to your favourite mixer, for a new and rewarding taste experience! Step 9

Or, for sweeter tastes, try it with a premium cola, with fresh lemon juice and sugar or with ginger ale or apple juice.

10 ENJOYMENT COMES FIRST Remember, a whisky tasting doesn t have to be all about study, analysis, prose and notation. As we always say here at Glen Grant, the vision of our founding fathers is to produce a whisky that is about pure enjoyment, without pretensions. Just authentic, smooth-tasting single malt whisky that s ready to be enjoyed right now. Year after year. And that s the real point of it all. Step 10

As we always say here at Glen Grant, the vision of our founding fathers is to produce a whisky that is

11 SLAINTE! MASTER DISTILLER Glen Grant

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