Common Whisky Tasting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Now, we’ve previously discussed top tips for whisky tasting at home, but what should you be avoiding when it comes to tasting and enjoying your favourite whiskies?
You may have thought up until now that there is no right or wrong way to taste whisky. While preferences and various methods exist, there are a few whisky don’ts that you want to avoid to get the best out of your experience.
Today, Whisky Tasting Company will show you all of the mistakes you didn’t know you were making and how to avoid them for a fulfilling tasting experience.
So, sit back with a dram in hand and explore our Valentine's whisky gifts while you’re here to surprise your partner with a luxurious treat this year.
1. Rushing the Sip
As creatures that are constantly on the go, we forget to slow down and enjoy the moment we’re in. When it comes to whisky tasting, this habit can negatively impact the experience.
Whisky isn’t something to gulp down like a fizzy drink. You need to go slow in order to take all the underlying notes and appreciate the depth of its character.
Try allowing the whisky to coat your mouth instead. Swallowing too fast will cause that burning sensation that’s synonymous with whisky (don’t say we didn’t warn you!)
2. Neglecting the Nose
Part of the whisky-tasting experience lies in its aroma and how the smell affects the taste.
If you dive straight in without smelling the whisky for a few moments, then you’ll miss out on half of the experience. Hold your glass at chin level and take a gentle sniff to identify all of the different aromas before tasting.
Avoid taking one big sniff, as this will just hit you with an overpowering smell of alcohol.
3. Adding Ice Prematurely
Many people make the mistake of watering down their whisky before trying it neat. You’re cheating your way out of the natural, bold taste!
Adding ice too soon to your whisky, especially if tasting for the first time, can mute the flavours. Ice rapidly chills the whisky, covering the complex notes and dulling your taste buds.
We suggest tasting the whisky neat first, then adding an ice cube or two if it’s too strong for you. A few drops of mineral water can lift the aromas and flavours while diluting the harsh taste of alcohol.
4. Overlooking Glassware
Yes, the glass that you drink out of does affect the taste of your whisky! Who knew?
Many people assume that whisky can just be enjoyed from a standard glass, but we’re here to prove that false. A standard tumbler is the most common glassware, but this can actually cause the aromas to dissipate too quickly.
Instead, opt for a tulip-shaped glass, such as a Glencairn, as its narrow rim traps and concentrates the aromas. This causes the smell to go directly to your nose. If you don’t have a whisky glass, opt for a wine glass instead of a tumbler.
5. Letting Preconceptions Cloud Judgment
If you’re someone who is easily influenced by other people’s opinions and will steer away from something because of it, then try to shed your old habits before going into whisky tasting!
It’s easier said than done, but whisky is incredibly diverse, and just because someone else doesn’t like it doesn’t mean you will too. The worst that will happen is you dislike it; the best that will happen is you’ll leave with a new favourite whisky. That sounds like a good deal to us!
Keep an open mind when trying new whiskies and explore different regions, brands, and styles. It’s good to remember that palates evolve, and a whisky that didn’t appeal to you a few years ago might taste completely different now.
6. Ignoring the Finish
The finish is an essential part of the tasting experience: it’s the lingering sensation and flavours left behind.
Once you’ve finished your sip of whisky, don’t rush to try another one or take a new sip. Instead, pay attention to how long the flavours linger and whether they evolve into something new.
Some whiskies disappear quickly, while others leave behind waves of spice, warmth, or sweetness that unfold over time. The finish can reveal a whisky’s quality—evolving finishes can indicate a well-aged or expertly crafted whisky.
7. Failing to Cleanse the Palate
Before jumping right into trying a new whisky, make sure that you’ve drunk some water after the previous bottle and get rid of any residual flavours from food, tea, or coffee.
Failing to do so can cause the flavours and aromas to get mixed up, affecting the natural taste of the whisky. Sip water between each taste, or eat a plain cracker or piece of bread as a neutral palate cleanser.
Your external environment can also affect the taste of the whisky, so try to find a space that isn’t heavily perfumed or surrounded by strong external scents like food or smoke.
8. Overpouring
It’s tempting to pour yourself more whisky than necessary, but this can lead to the whisky losing its vibrancy (and potentially wasting a lot of good whisky when it turns out you don’t like it.)
A large pour can cause the whisky to oxidise and lose flavour. It also makes it harder to taste multiple whiskies without overwhelming your palate. Aim to pour around 25 ml of whisky into your glass and allow each sip to settle in your mouth before tasting the next.
If the whisky has been left to sit out for too long, a gentle swirl can help reawaken its aromas.
9. Not Taking Notes
If you want to remember what each whisky tasted like, then it’s best to make note of the mouthfeel, taste, aromas, and appearance during the tasting experience.
Relying on memory alone will cause you to confuse the details and mix up one whisky for another. You don’t want to fork out loads of money on a whisky that you thought you liked because you got it confused with another.
Create a whisky note for each bottle or start a whisky journal to write down your favourites and compare different expressions.
10. Skipping the Research
Skipping the research behind each whisky means skipping out on the importance of its backstory and appreciation.
Why taste something when you don’t really know what it is that you’re tasting? Where the whisky has come from, and the distillery methods add to the character of each whisky, helping you put flavours into context.
Plus, if you’re hosting a tasting night, everyone expects the host to know what they’re talking about! Take time to research the barrel influence, ageing process, and production methods of each whisky, and compare expert reviews with your own.
Elevate Your Whisky Tasting Experience Today
Whether you’re a whisky novice or an expert in the field, whisky tasting is a great way to expand your palate and add to your collection.
Discover expertly curated whisky-tasting sets from the Whisky Tasting Company to take your tasting journey to the next level.
If you’re buying for a loved one, browse our thoughtfully curated whisky gifts to make a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas that much sweeter. Cheers to you, and happy drinking!