Learning Taste Whiskey

It's not just about taking a sip and swallowing it down! To experience the nuances of this beloved spirit, you need to engage all your senses and pay attention to the flavours that unfold on your palate.

The Kentucky Chew

 

The “Kentucky Chew” is a tasting technique popularised by Booker Noe, the late Master Distiller of Jim Beam. This method involves

  • taking a sip of bourbon and moving it around the mouth, mimicking a chewing motion, to ensure the whiskey coats all areas of the palate and hits your taste buds This process helps in fully experiencing the bourbon’s complex flavours and aromas.
  • Swallow smack your lips to introduce air and enhance the finish, noting lingering flavours and sensations.

Notice the initial flavours that hit your taste buds. Is it mellow or punchy? Is it reminiscent of red wine with a dry finish, Bourbons are sweeter with the influence f corn, does it have spice from they rye or offer a smooth and fruity profile like a port? After you've taken note of the initial sensations, swallow the whiskey. Try to disregard the alcohol burn and focus on the flavours that emerge. Look for hints of dry oak, caramel, vanilla,a touch of spice or saltiness. 

You can't really get a proper taste on your first SIP...Repeat!!

Now that you are familiar with what to look for, it’s time to take another sip. This time, pay close attention to the flavours that unfold on your taste buds. Can you pinpoint specific notes or aromas that you may have missed before?

As you continue to explore different whiskies, you'll start to develop a more refined palate and be able to distinguish between various flavor profiles. Some whiskies may surprise you with unexpected notes of caramel, spices, or even tropical fruit

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