The Whiskey & Bourbon distilleries in the United States alone stand at more than $5 billion annually! This shows how much people value & appreciate quality whiskey and how deeply rooted it is in the bar culture. For whiskey tasting, one doesn't need to be an expert or a connoisseur to appreciate and enjoy Bourbon; however, some common mistakes get in the way of honestly acknowledging this precious spirit. 

Experts in whiskey tasting have listed out the mistakes often made by people and how to avoid them to help people genuinely enjoy their drinks. By sticking to the guidelines mentioned in this article, anyone can uplift appreciation for whiskey and wholeheartedly embrace what it brings to the world of bar culture. Because it doesn't matter if you are new to whiskey or have been enjoying it for a long time, being aware of these common & easy-to-make errors can help you improve your next experience.

If you want to enjoy your whiskey fully, read the entire article to learn about the Bourbon tasting mistakes and tips to avoid them! 

Common Mistakes That Are Overlooked

1) Not Prioritizing A Clean Palate

The way different flavors are experienced depends a lot on what was consumed beforehand. For instance, consuming something immediately after brushing your teeth as food can taste strange. Likewise, if you eat something with a bold flavor, it can affect how the Bourbon tastes and prevent you from experiencing the subtle as well as complex notes of the whiskey. Foods with dominant flavors like garlic or spicy food can linger on your palate and hinder you from picking out the delicate flavors of your drink. 

It's better to have a clean palate before whiskey tasting to avoid the interference of other intense flavours and a dull experience. The best thing to do is to consume something mild, such as plain crackers and bread. You can even eat watery fruits like watermelon and apples. Even if you haven't eaten anything with a strong flavour, it's a good approach to cleanse your palate using still water. 

2) Skipping To Use A Whiskey Tasting Glass

A lot of people feel a bit unsure about using tasting glasses when it comes to whiskey tasting. It is often believed that different glasses are ideal for sampling as they help to highlight the flavour & aroma. But drinking whiskey cannot be enjoyed from them for an extended period. An excellent suggestion would be to utilize a whiskey tasting glass every single time. Whiskey tasting glasses are designed to guide the aroma to your nose, which enables you to notice the different layers of aroma. 

When it comes to the taste, the smaller opening restricts oxidation and helps keep the Bourbon accurate to its originality.  In addition, the whiskey tasting experience can differ a lot depending on the types of glasses used. After gaining experience in this area, you’ll definitely notice the difference. People prefer to begin with a tasting glass to get the most accurate first impression; after that, they might switch to a larger one for casual sipping. 

3) Didn't Pause To Take A Whiff

Never skip smelling Bourbon before tasting it, as the aroma plays a huge role in the whiskey tasting experience. Many bourbon enthusiasts value the aroma as much as the flavor, since both are closely connected. Generally, it signifies that a great smell is followed by an amazing taste. Taking in the variety of pleasant aromas while opening a brand-new Bourbon makes people confident that they have chosen a Bourbon worth enjoying. 

It's often suggested to sample the aroma about 3 to 4 times to appreciate its depth and complexity completely. You must know that the aroma is considered an essential part of the overall experience. Many distilleries like “Dread River Distilling Co.” share this enthusiasm, valuing the aroma as much as the flavour. Skipping this vital step means missing a significant part of what makes Bourbon special! Remember that great Bourbon is delicate and subtle; just take a soft breath through the nostrils near the glass rim to enjoy everything it offers. 

4) Taking An Overly Large Sip

This is one of the most common mistakes made by a lot of people. When drinking any strong alcohol like Bourbon, you mustn't drink it in large gulps or too fast. You might have seen people in TV shows or movies take large gulps of whiskey without flinching, but that's not how it works in real life. 

A small number of individuals can drink that way without facing any negative or harsh repercussions. Moreover, this is not how one can enjoy Bourbon. If you take a huge gulp, it will probably feel too overpowering and might make you splutter or cough. It's recommended to take small sips at a time if you still cough; that's the best way to enjoy the flavours. 

However, even if you manage to take a huge gulp without any signs of coughing, you are still missing out!  With too much Bourbon, your mouth will get overwhelmed, and you can't really savour the rich flavours. Instead, you’ll probably feel a strong burning sensation that makes you feel unpleasant about the Bourbon. But you are just drinking it the wrong way! Good whiskey isn't meant to be rushed and get you drunk; it's something to be enjoyed slowly, like the Dread River Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 

5) Pouring Too Much Bourbon 

Some people have the habit of pouring their tumbler half full so they can sit, relax and enjoy their drink slowly for a long time without needing to refill often. But this is a huge mistake! When whiskey is exposed to air, it starts to oxidize. A small amount of this can be quite a good thing, but if it sits too long, the flavors of the Bourbon will begin to fade away and become dull. 

When whiskey is left exposed, evaporation takes place, which results in flavor alteration and taste imbalance. It also becomes more vulnerable to things such as insects, dust, or even saliva. So, the Bourbon that tastes great at first won't be enjoyable by the last sip. To truly admire the complexity of Bourbon, it's always suggested to pour a small amount that can be wrapped up within 30 minutes. All you need to do is not pour too much at once, and pour less as required. 

Final Words

We hope these tips to avoid the Bourbon tasting mistakes will make a huge difference! While a lot of people try to improve their skills through a lengthy trial and experimentation process, even a small effort to comprehend a few proven techniques can completely make your experience extraordinary. 

And if you are someone who enjoys whiskey & knows more about it, attending tastings at distilleries, and ordering the award-winning spirits can be a good approach. Get in touch with them today to learn more! 

Author Bio:

Angelin is a content writer lead and enjoys research, seo optimization, and writing about fascinating topics. She also enjoys reading and art on the side. She hails from Kerala, India.

 

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