The Perfect Tasting

Your whisky sample box has arrived. Time to unpack your special personal treat.

Every sample box has it's own tasting guide webpage. On this page  you can find some information about the whiskies that come with the sample box.

 

For some of us it's the first time ordering a whisky sample box. By scrolling down we provide you with some information about having a whisky tasting.

 

We try to keep the information as simple and general as possible by discussing the following things:

  • The Glencairn Glass
  • The Color
  • The Nose
  • The Body
  • The Palate
  • The Finish

The Glencairn Glass:

 

In the long and illustrious history of whisky there had never been a single definitive glass that the whisky world could call its own.

Brandy, champagne, and beer all have their own distinct glasses. Yet whisky, the world's most complex spirit, could be found in any old receptacle.

 

The Unique Shape:

The tapering mouth allowed for an ease of drinking whilst capturing the all-important aromas of the whisky. 

The wide crystal bowl enhances the appreciation of the whisky's colour and the solid base is designed to be easily cradled in the hand. It's also robust enough for the discerning whisky drinkers. 

It had to be an attractive glass fit for the superb spirits it would carry!

A tasting with the Glencairn Glass

The Colour:

Is your whisky pale gold, deep gold, copper or amber in colour?

 

This indicates the type of cask in which the liquid has been matured.

 

The Nose:

Which aromas do you recognize when you nose your whisky - fruity, smoky,...?

 

Take your time, the scents change in the glass all the time. Add a drop of water (first give it a try without water) - just the amount to remove any prickle or burning sensation felt on the nose - and sniff again. Has the spirit opened up or closed down?

 

 


The Body:

Does your whisky have a light, medium or full body?

 

As you swirl the whisky does it cling to the sides and do the legs slide down slowly or quickly?  A more dense texture is recognized by thick, slow running legs. Thin, fast running legs indicate the opposite.

 

The Palate:

Which characteristics do you notice when you taste the whisky?

 

Sip the whisky without adding water and identify the primary tastes. Sweet on the front of your tongue, salty and acidic at the sides and bitter or dry, spicy or smoky at the back.

Add a little bit of water to hold the liquid longer in your mouth to explore it's taste. 

If you can resist temptation and leave some spirit in the glass for 15 minutes and return to nose and taste to explore how the flavor has developed.

 

 


The Finish:

Does the flavour remain for a long time or does it disappear quickly?

 

Whiskies from the Glencairn Glass are best enjoyed neat or with a little water. Consider whether the flavours linger, slowly change or disappear quite quickly.