Tasting whisky correctly: the ideal order for full flavour
In order for whisky to develop its full flavour, the order in which it is tasted plays a decisive role. Less is often more. Four to a maximum of five samples per evening are completely sufficient to consciously perceive the nuances. Start with light and mild whiskies before moving on to more intense and heavily peated varieties. In this way, you will spare your taste buds and can savour the diversity of each individual bottling. Find out here how professionals proceed and which tips beginners and connoisseurs should follow.
What should we consider when tasting Whisky?
The first criterion for the order of tasting single malt is age. The older the whisky, the fuller and more voluminous it is. Whiskies matured in wine casks have strong flavours and should follow. How smoky a whisky is also plays a role. Smoke fills the nose and mouth and should therefore be tasted at the end. The alcohol content should also be taken into account. The higher the percentage by volume, the further back a whisky should slide in the tasting order.
Also be careful with food in between. Starch is broken down into sugar in the mouth and sweetens the flavour.
A possible example of a tasting sequence of single malt whiskies:
A mild Lowland to start with: Glenkinchie
Then from the Highlands without after-ageing: Cragganmore
Followed by an older whisky: Dalwhinnie15 years or an after-ageing: Aberlour
Drink plenty of water in between!
Now smoky whiskies can follow!
A slightly smoky whisky from the Highlands or from the coast: Highland Park, Oban
or a smoky whisky from the island of Islay: Caol Ila
or a heavily smoky whisky: Laphroaig, Lagavulin
As a general rule: Less flavour at the beginning – stronger flavour at the end!
Caution: If a high-proof whisky is NOT diluted, it should be categorised towards the end.
Video by Horst Lüning on the tasting order of single malts from 2014
A possible example of a tasting sequence of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys
There are other criteria to consider when tasting bourbon. Overall, bourbon is milder than single malt Scotch whisky due to the distilling process. A high proportion of wheat also makes bourbon milder. A fresh American white oak barrel, on the other hand, gives the bourbon a distinct flavour. The age of the whisky is therefore the most important criterion for the order of tasting. If there is no age on the bottle, it is between two and four years. The second criterion is the grain blend. Then comes the type and treatment of the cask - the darker the whisky, the more intense the flavour. So pay attention to the proportion of wheat, the age, the colour and the alcohol content.
Here is a suggestion:
Makers Mark
Bulleit
Knob Creek
Blanton's is a single barrel and therefore has more flavours
Baker's
Elijah Craig 12J, old age!
Please also note the alcohol content in the order!
Video by Horst Lüning on the tasting order of Kentucky Straight Bourbon from 2014
Conclusion
The right order counts for a successful whisky tasting. Start with mild whiskies and build up to stronger flavours. This keeps the enjoyment balanced and varied, because tasting whisky is a special experience!
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