Whiskey is a complex mixture of alcohol, ingredients, and flavors that make up its unique taste profile. A prime example of that being Loch Lomond Whiskies. While many people like drinking whiskey for the pleasure of it, or some to simply have a good time with friends, there is much more to it than just the taste. Not ignoring that fact, that some just want to get drunk and there’s nothing wrong with that either as long as you and others are around are safe.
Some take their appreciation to a deeper level by studying the subtle nuances of flavor in each bottle. Tasting notes are an excellent way to explore the range of flavors in a whiskey. Whiskey connoisseurs often try to identify and appreciate each flavor that contributes to the overall taste of their whiskey by writing tasting notes. Tasting notes can come in many different forms, but they all serve the same purpose: helping whiskey drinkers get a better understanding of the flavors and aromas that make up a whiskey.
Different Types of Notes Found at Different Intervals of Tastings
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common types of tasting notes for whiskey.
Nose Notes
First, there are the nose/aroma tasting notes. These describe the smells and aromas you can detect when nosing your whiskey. For example, you might note that an Islay single malt has a very smoky aroma with hints of peat and sea salt. Other common descriptions include sweet caramel, dried fruit, toasted oak, and floral notes.
Palate Notes
Next are palate tasting notes which usually include descriptors such as sweetness, bitterness, acidity, complexity, tannins and body. You might taste flavors such as dark chocolate or coffee along with subtle nutty undertones in one whisky while detecting fruity notes and a creamy mouthfeel in another.
Finishing Notes
Finally, finish tasting notes focus on how the flavors linger after you swallow. You might describe the finish as sweet, spicy, smoky or even dry. This can be crucial in helping to determine whether a particular whiskey is right for your palate.
Most Common Flavours/Notes Found in Whiskeys
When it comes to whiskey tasting notes, there are many common flavors that you’re likely to come across. Common descriptors include vanilla, oak, honey, caramel, citrus, leather and tobacco. Many whiskeys also feature smoky or peaty notes as well as fruity aromas such as apple or blackberry.
Whiskey is an incredibly complex product with a huge range of flavors and aromas that can be explored through the art of tasting notes. While some drinkers may simply enjoy the flavor without going into too much detail, others will take the time to identify each component that contributes to their appreciation. By taking the time to write down your observations when drinking whisky, you can develop a deeper understanding of what makes each dram unique.
Conclusion
By taking the time to write tasting notes each time you try a new whiskey, you’ll develop a better understanding of what makes different whiskies unique and enjoyable. As your skills become more refined, you may even find yourself able to detect nuance flavors that no one else has noticed before. So next time you are trying a whiskey take some time to jot down some tasting notes – it will certainly help your appreciation and understanding of the drink. Cheers.
