Whiskey Tasting for Beginners: What to Know Before Your First Dram

When a bartender asks what you’d like to order, whiskey might not be the first liquor on your mind. People sometimes find it intimidating because there are numerous types. The liquor has a high-class vibe that you can unravel during a tasting, if you’re ready for one. Learn all about whiskey tasting to feel confident when you sign up for your first experience.

Understand the Types of Whiskey

Think of whiskey as an umbrella term. Numerous varieties exist to satisfy various taste palates and complement different foods. Break down the terms you’ll see at tastings to understand what may be in your glass.

Irish: A Triple-Distilled Beverage

People prefer Irish whiskey if they enjoy the taste of malted or unmalted barley. The lighter, fruitier liquor typically contains at least 51% corn, but Irish manufacturers add various types of barley to create a signature mellow flavor. You might start your whiskey experience with it because it’s not too strong.

Rye: Spicy American-Made Liquor

Anyone who loves dry drinks with a kick should schedule a rye whiskey tasting. The American liquor often includes spices like cloves and pepper to balance its floral undertones. You can also find flavor variations based on the kind of oak barrel your whiskey aged in.

Scotch: Your Double-Distilled Nightcap

Companies making Scottish whisky use malted barley to make premium products. Single-grain and blended varieties will have differing flavors, like peaty, floral or spicy. Expect to enjoy this evening drink at room temperature during tastings. If you bring a bottle home, you can create carbonated cocktails with garnishes to pair with meals.

Japanese: An Artful Drink

Japanese whiskey manufacturers follow a production process similar to that of Scotch producers. They use malted barley as the flavor base and distill it with a multi-step process to create a balanced, refined liquor. The final step involves blending. People who spend their careers training for this step will blend Japanese whiskies from various casks to produce unique flavors.

Bourbon: A Sweet Addition to Meals

American companies make bourbon without any artificial ingredients to preserve its oaky profile. The resulting sweet flavors only differ based on their aging barrels, which can lend spice, vanilla or caramel notes. Enjoy it by itself during a tasting or bring some home to create iconic cocktails like an old fashioned.

Whiskey Tasting for Beginners: Basic Steps to Expect

Once you choose a tasting experience based on the whiskey served, you’ll experience a few standard procedures. They show you how to taste whiskey by engaging multiple senses while you learn about each variety.

1. Check Its Appearance

Your tasting host may serve your whiskey in a variety of glasses. If you’re sampling bourbon, you’ll get one of three glassware types to enhance your sensory experience. Once your drink is in front of you, you’ll receive instructions to look at its color and clarity. Both will be specific to the brand served, resulting from the manufacturer’s choice of ingredients.

2. Enjoy the Aroma

Next, you’ll take a moment to smell what’s in your glass. Swirl it gently to open the aromas. Lean over the glass and inhale a gentle, small breath with your lips parted to avoid any shock to your senses. Your host may point out the notes you’re smelling based on how the manufacturer made the product.

If you volunteer your perspective, know there’s no wrong way to smell whiskey. Each person can have a slightly different experience while savoring the same ingredients.

3. Savor the Taste

Once your nose becomes familiar with your whiskey, it’s time to taste it. Your host might encourage you to add a drop or two of water, depending on whether the variety needs to open up before sampling. When they’re ready, you’ll take a sip and pause for the experience. 

Feel free to close your eyes to focus exclusively on your taste palate. See if you can sense the various ingredients your host mentioned. They may also provide a container to spit in. They’re common during tastings with more than a few whiskeys, so participants don’t get too drunk to drive home.

4. Pay Attention to Aftertastes

You’ll have a glass of water to clear your palate after each sampling, but don’t reach for it immediately. See which aftertastes linger in your mouth. They’re the final part of any serving and may change your feelings about each variety.

Tips to Navigate Your First Experience

Still nervous after reading your trusty whiskey tasting guide? Remember a few key tips to set yourself up for a great evening.

Prepare Your Taste Buds

Skip any meals or drinks with intense flavors before your event. Mints, coffee and spicy foods might prevent your taste buds from the whole whiskey experience. If you need to reset your palate, eat plain crackers and rinse your mouth with water. You could also rinse your toothbrush under water and gently scrub your tongue.

Drink Extra Water

Enjoy some refreshing iced water during the hours before your tasting. Even if you know how to beat a hangover with extra electrolytes and juices, you can avoid the unpleasant nausea by arriving extra hydrated. You could also request a spit container if your seat doesn’t automatically have one.

Bring a Notebook

You might not remember every flavor or ingredient if your tasting includes multiple whiskies. Feel free to take notes on each sample. You’ll identify trends in your flavor preferences that could guide your overall experience. You can even use your notes to confidently purchase a bottle or two after your tasting ends.

Ask a Friend to Join

Tastings are always more enjoyable with someone you love. Ask a friend or family member to attend the event too. You may feel less anxious if they’ve never sat for a tasting. If neither of you has a good time, the memory can become something to laugh about later. 

Enjoy Every Moment of Your Whiskey Tasting

You’re going to have a great time during your upcoming whiskey tasting. Don’t be afraid to take notes, ask your host questions and follow along with what other guests are doing. As long as you pay attention to your senses, you’ll experience tasting the way everyone should.