It's one thing to drink alcohol with your friends at a party, but taking the time to really appreciate it can be difficult. There are many subtle differences as you figure out what you like and why you like it. But where do you start?? When it comes to starting your education tasting liquor, it is always good to experiment with different spirits. For this, you can explore a wide range of liquor at stores like Zipps Liquor. After all, it is a science too. An art that can only be perfected with time and patience! This short guide will help you out in your quest for perfecting your discovery of what Liquor is for you!
Starting Out
Not many people think of this factor, but that doesn't diminish its importance in any way. It is best to get away from noise and distractions while tasting your alcohol. Find a nice quiet spot where you know you won't be disturbed and focus your attention on the drink. Keep out any smells that may affect your taste in any way. Tasting is best done at room temperature, where it's neither too hot nor too cold.
Prepare your palate for the tasting session
It is essential to prepare your palate for a tasting session accordingly. That means keeping your taste buds clean by not having anything with a pungent taste like onions, garlic, and spices. Coffee also should be avoided, if possible. While tasting alcohol on an empty stomach, you could have some water biscuits or oatcakes. You can rinse your mother with water in between. If you plan to taste a wide variety of drinks at once, it is better to have plenty of biscuits at your side since the saliva produced by chewing resets your palate.
Select an appropriate time
Although you could taste the liquor any time you want, the best time to do it is during the late morning. The ideal time would be around 11 AM, with lunch just an hour or so away. That is when you have a heightened sense of taste and smell since you are hungry. You can even detect minor details at that time. You could also do your tasting after lunch, provided it is light, and you have it on time.
The shape of the glass
The shape of the glass can also influence the taste of the liquor as well as its aroma. It is advisable to select a tulip-shaped apparatus and whose sides gradually close together towards the top. The glassware should also meet the tasting specifications laid down by the ISO, or International Standards Organization. If you don't have such glasses, go for small wine glasses, which will do the job just fine. The ware should be completely clean without any lingering smell of machine rinse aids, detergents, and glass cloths. Consider washing by hand and rinsing thoroughly before going ahead.
Arrange the liquor according to their flavor
When you taste more than one sample, it is better to arrange them according to their flavor. The ideal arrangement would be where the lightest flavors come first, followed by those strong and finally those with bold flavors. Non-Aromatic samples should always take precedence over aromatic ones. The region where the alcohol comes from also plays a role and the age, with the youngest arranged first. You should also taste as many products as possible to give you an overall idea of what separates one drink from another. Don't be dissuaded by the price of a product, and remember that even the modestly priced one provides the best experience.
Things to look out for a while tasting the liquor
Appearance
Observe the spirit's appearance. Is it clear, or is it a bit hazy? If the beverage looks dull, it is not chill-filtered. If there are bubbles when you shake the bottle, it indicates the alcohol strength of the spirit. If a whiskey has aged enough, it will have different shades of color, including deep coppery amber, tawny brown, golden amber, licorice, and deep mahogany.
Aroma
The best way to know a spirit's aroma is to keep the glass under your nose and inhale from both the nose and mouth. Instead of taking a big sniff, wave the glass gently in front of your nose. It is believed that the first whiff provides the best idea of an aroma, so pay close attention to it.
Taste
Don't just gulp the drink in one way. Take a small sip and move the liquid throughout your mouth to distribute it evenly. Note how the flavors feel and how they play in your mouth. How can the taste be described, does it change after a while, and the aftertaste? However, if it is your first time or you are relatively inexperienced, try not to taste too many spirits at once, or it might lead to palate fatigue.
You are now on the road to being an expert in the art and science of tasting alcohol, you will want to take note on your next trip to Zipps Liquor. You might even become so passionate about liquor that you decide to make your own! Who knows, you might even start a successful liquor company. Just make sure you know things like what equipment you need, how to market your products, and how to fairly price liquor drinks before you get started. Of course, you might prefer to stick to just tasting. Liquor tasting is a great experience that lets you explore not only different spirits but also cultures and traditions that can leave a lasting impression on you and your friends. Go enjoy it in moderation!
