What’s the Best Way to Taste Test Whiskey Bourbon?

The Basics to Whiskey Bourbon Taste Testing

 Taste testing. Sounds like more of a wine thing rather than a bourbon tasting experience. After all this is a whiskey, bourbon blog – not some pansy taste testing pinky finger in the air, with the snooty it feels like, taste like, flowers in heaven on a Sunday afternoon…

No, we’re drinking whiskey bourbon, and occasionally smoking a cigar.

The question remains though as to what’s the best way to really discover the many flavors and complex layers everyone talks (and brags) about drinking their favorite bourbon.

Since I’ve started this amazing journey, I’ve found that my taste has changed as I try new whiskeys and bourbons. Developing a palate is one step in this discovery. Learning to describe what your tasting can be a challenge all on its own. So, let me share what I’ve learn.

Let’s keep it basic.

Glassware

Start with the right glass to truly taste test. Glencairn glasses or small white wine glasses are better designed to taste whiskey bourbon in. Why? The smaller opening keeps the aroma in the glass vs a rock glass with a large opening that allows the whiskey to air, and the aromas to escape. The small, rounded bottom of the glass allows you to swirl the drink and check out the color.

Pour it neat

You’re going to want to taste test the whiskey bourbon neat, room temperature, not iced or anything added so you have it all by its beautiful self to explore! Keep in mind, even the perfume (or aftershave) is going to interfere with your senses.  Same goes for your palate. Cleanse your taste buds first.

Observe the Color & the Swirl

Before tasting, check out the color. Hold it up to a light or a white background so you can notice the color and the destiny. A bourbon aged in a new charred oak barrel is going to give you more deep color than a whiskey. Notice what you’re seeing. Light browns, rich dark tones…? Give it a swirl in the glass, is it thick and clings to the side of the glass or light? If it’s thick it’s going to rich with flavors.

Smell

Bring the glass to your nose and have your mouth open, so you can smell fully. What are you noticing? Our memory can retain scents for many years, what smells are you experiencing?

Small Sips

Now we get to taste it…and I’m not talking about shooting a shot down or gulping it in a couple of hasty swallows! Take your time. Since different areas on your tongue gives you different tastes, let the whiskey bourbon run back and forth across your tongue before swallowing it.

Here’s the beauty of taste testing. What you taste and experience is going to be different from mine. So if you’re trying a new whiskey bourbon, don’t let someone else’s opinion alter your own. I’ve found that the first taste may taste different than the second, give it some time to explore the taste in your mouth. That burn at the end, that’s the finish. Some enjoy it some don’t. That’s a matter of preference.

Try to describe it

Describing what your tasting can be hard sometimes! We often say “yeah that’s smooth!” Smooth doesn’t describe it though, and I’m guilty of saying that as well. However, if we really focus on what we’re tasting and allow our memory of taste and smells play in we can begin to experience the different layers that come through.

Bourbon flavor wheels have been made to help us detect the notes we may be tasting. A bourbon quite often tastes like caramel flavor, a rye can taste of nutmeg spice layers. Bourbons that were finished in a sherry cast can pick up dark fruit flavors. The more you try and be open to what you’re experiencing the more your palate develops, (and your vocabular!)

Once you have tasted it neat, then add a little water (if your tap water has a lot of iron in it, use bottled or even distilled water). Notice how the taste changes with water. You’re not diluting it – you’re opening the flavors to come out more with some whiskey bourbons.

Now when you have your favorite cocktail, you may notice the difference of how the whiskey bourbon changes and compliments the other ingredients. Experience the different layers of a whiskey and the complexities of a bourbon.

There is no wrong way to drink bourbon. However, exploring the smoky, or the earthy peat smell, or the sweet smell of fresh baked goodies, or even the scent of old leather from the barn… opens the mind and our palate to discover that beautiful brown drink we used to call smooth – is so much more.

Cheers!