Whether you ’re a whiskey novice or veteran collector , tasting new ( and familiar ) product is one of the full parts of the hobby . Seventh multiplication Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe ’s favorite part of his caper is tasting the whisky at every step in yield . “ When you ’re tasting what comes out [ of the barrel ] at unlike point while it ’s aging , you get to see it come together , ” he says .
When he was untried , his Father-God Booker Noe — namesake of Booker ’s bourbon and 6th coevals passe-partout distiller — taught him how to taste whisky . The experience , he says , made him remember “ Wow , maybe I should start listen to this old humanity ! ” To facilitate you shape your whisky journey , we got Fred to share his method acting for tasting liveliness .
Photo by Clair McLafferty
1. Look at the color.
“ As it gets deeper and darker in coloring material , it gets more complex in tone , ” says Noe . Two factors can impact the color : the amount of meter the distillate spends in the barrel and how much it ’s diluted before bottling .
2. Get the nose.
Once you ’ve valuate the color , move onto its aroma . “ Dad had a deception for reek bourbon — when you stick your olfactory organ into the glass , part your lip , ” says Noe . “ If you smell it both manner , you will see that it smells different if you have your sassing open or unopen . ” Others suggest sense it both ways to see what differences you could pick out .
3. Taste it.
“ This is the most fun part of the whole escapade , ” say Noe . “ My dad had a unparalleled way of life of tasting bourbon . He would put the bourbon in his sassing and he would masticate on it , turn it all through his mouth . ” After encounter him do so , a reporter mint the condition “ Kentucky chew ” to describe the move . Spreading the whisky around in your mouth brings it into contact with all your taste bud , give you the chance to taste very subtle flavors .
4. Assess the finish.
The finish is “ the flavor that the [ whisky ] leaves behind after you swallow . ” Also have it off negatively as an aftertaste , the finish should be enjoyable and impart you wanting another sip .
