Unlike Beginners, those who are looking to take their expertise to the next level will want to learn what the pro’s know. Industry pros are about examining appearance, aromas, flavor notes, and finishes. But first…. It’s all about the glass!
Glass
Over time, you will find that the shape of your glass with affect your tasting experience. Tulips-shaped glass with a thick base is the best glass for you ergonomically. You will be able to view it better from a variety of angles and is excellent for swirling. The narrow neck and flared rim allows the aroma to move towards the nose in a more concentrated way. Once you have acquired your glass, pour a few drops.
Appearance
By, studying the appearance over time, you will be able to tell the strength, filtration process and age. Swirl your glass, and hold it up to the light. Notice the color intensity and clarity. The clarity can be clear or hazy and color can be opaque or light. The longer a bourbon has aged the more amber and darker in color it will be.
Aroma
Swirl your glass again to aerate the bourbon, and place your nose over the glass and slightly into the neck of the glass. Breathe in and observe. Be sure to keep your lips parted and it reduces the ability of the alcohol to dominate the aroma. Common aroma groups are: sweet, grainy, smoky, floral, fruity, spicy, woody.
Taste
Next take a mouthful of bourbon. Using a chewing motion, coat you tongue to activate all of your taste zones. If you recall from high school anatomy the tongue has five regions:
Beginners focus on the five senses. Think of what flavors come to mind. Often, I hear people say chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, etc. Seasoned individuals, take note of textures (smooth, rough, watery, dry) and various flavors and flavor intensity. Adding a drop of distilled water aerates the aromas future.
Tip: Do not let the “pros” discourage you from enjoying what you like. As I was starting my bourbon journey, I really took a liking to Basil Hayden. I proudly posted my glass on a forum and a pro was adamant to tell me that that is was the dishwater of bourbon. The one he posted and I tries was disgusting. It is all about personal preference, really.
Finish
Finally swallow the bourbon and take notice of the different tastes and they way your tongue feels afterwards. Finish is short or long a reflection of how quickly a take dissipates. Long finishes linger.
How to Drink Bourbon
Finding a bourbon that you enjoy comes through trial and error. It is based on one’s own perceptions and preferences. Using the ideas above, you have been able to evaluate the bourbon itself. Seasoned bourbon drinkers, evaluate a third level:
| Neat | straight bourbon, no ice, water, or mixer |
| On the rocks | chilled with ice cubes |
| distilled water added | brings out flavors |
| Mixed | bourbon with ginger ale, bitters, cherries, etc create delicious cocktails such as the old fashioned, mint julep, and bourbon buck. |