Whisky Tasting

Fusion

Fusion

Fusion

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
10,632
Location
Notts
I'm on a whisky tasting session tomorrow as part of a stag do, and am after the advice of the La Cuisine experts on varieties to try, tips and general education!

I'm a total novice where Whisky is concerned :o

As unuseful as the fact may be, I'm not a fan of Johnnie Walker Black Label. You may be able to infer more about that nugget than I, and point me in a better direction :p
 
i would imagine the venue will have a selection pre-selected, rather than yourself pointing out bottles to try.

If you can, try and look different cask's and area's that the whisky was made as the local water and peat can make a difference.

My favorite bottle is a 12yr old Glenlivet from a sherry cask.
 
There's no 'way' to taste/drink whisky, nor are there any correct answers to what you taste/experience. However, I will say this:

Pick it up.
Smell it. Get your nose right in there.
Swirl it.
Smell it.
Taste a bit.
Notice that every single time you've smelt it, you've had your mouth shut.
Smell it again, with your mouth open.
Swirl.
Smell again with mouth open.
Taste a bit and notice the differences.
If there is any left, pop a bit of water in (couple of drops) [NEVER PUT ICE IN WHISKY].
Drink the rest.If you have a sheet with the whisky tasted on it, then note something about them and pop it in your pocket. I like to grade my whiskies A - E (with + & -'s) as well as note their style).
 
I'd be very interested to hear how you got on earlier tonight at the whisky tasting session OP? In my opinion the taste of whisky is very much down to the individuals personal opinion. For instance my preference would go with the smooth Speyside whiskies with my personal favourite being the 12 year old Royal Lochnagar. However - and I may very well get slated for this as many wouldn't consider this a true whisky as it's a blend and not a "true" malt but, Monkey Shoulder is also a lovely smooth whisky.

You'll generally find the more peaty flavoured whisky come from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland such as Laphroaig or Finlaggan. I must admit none of the peaty whiskies have ever appealed to me as my palate prefers the smoother variety.
 
Take your jacket, and wellies.

Seriously, we've got Orange weather warnings all over Scotland for tomorrow and the coming days. :o I'm sure the water of life will keep you warm though!
 
Sonea Fifer said:
I'd be very interested to hear how you got on earlier tonight at the whisky tasting session OP? In my opinion the taste of whisky is very much down to the individuals personal opinion. For instance my preference would go with the smooth Speyside whiskies with my personal favourite being the 12 year old Royal Lochnagar.
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The evening was great! I enjoyed the Speyside Whiskies too, particularly the 12 year old Balvenie. As you say, it is very smooth and often cited as a good introductory Whisky.

We were fortunate enough to try a 20 year old Bladnoch, and other including Fettercairn Fior (no aged specified, so quite young), Tomintoul and Bowmore.

Was great to learn about the intricacies of distilling and production and to appreciate the variations in the nose, palate and finish.

We also got to try a range of foods with the drinks ranging from Dates, Cornish clotted Ice Cream to Popcorn (!), Ginger Biscuits etc, noting how the Whisky taste metamorphosised each time. There wer even pipettes on hand to add a few drops of water, gauging the taste after.

Tasting was followed by dinner of homemade Steak, Ale and Mushroom pie with Chips and Mushy Peas which was delightful!

A thoroughly fun evening.
 
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