Developing a nose and taste for quality whisky

Developing nose and taste for quality whisky 

If you are investing in single malt Scotch whisky, it is a smart thing to develop good judgment. It can mean the difference between a valuable investment and a missed opportunity when you have knowledge of what makes a whisky qualitative. This is not only about understanding technical aspects such as distillation and maturation, but also about refining your own senses such as the nose and the taste. In this blog, we'll tell you how you can train your senses to recognise and appreciate quality whiskies, so you can make even more informed investment decisions.  

Why is it important to develop nose and taste?  

Single malt Scotch whisky is known for its rich and in-depth flavour profiles, ranging from fruity and sweet to smoky and spicy. Each bottle tells a unique story about the region it comes from and about the production process and maturation that the whisky has undergone. Training your nose and taste will help you better understand these things and assess which whiskies have the potential to increase in value. This is not only important for collectors, but also for investors who want to know what really sets a whisky apart. Below we outline a number of steps that can help you develop your nose and taste, so that this can help you on your way to the most successful investment possible in the future.  

Step 1: The basics of whisky nosing  

We start with nosing, or smelling whisky. This is the first step in assessing whisky. With nosing, you can discover a lot of information about the quality and character of the drink. You do this by first smelling gently, without sticking your nose directly into the glass. This prevents strong alcohol smells from overwhelming your senses in one fell swoop. When nosing, it's also important to use the right glass, start neutral – so avoid strong smells like perfume or food before you start – and sniff in layers so that you can catch different aromas. Practice makes perfect: try to smell different types of whiskies regularly so that you develop your fragrance palette. In addition, you can keep notes of what you smell to discover patterns and preferences.  

Step 2: The taste development of whisky 

In addition to the nose, the taste also plays a crucial role in judging whisky. The first sip obviously gives a reliable first impression, but it is important to taste the whisky several times to experience the full palette of flavours. Tips to do that the right way is by taking small sips, focusing on different flavors and analyzing the aftertaste well. The latter says a lot about the quality. For example, a long, complex finish indicates a well-matured and high-quality whisky. 

Step 3: Using smell and taste memories 

Developing nose and taste is also a mental exercise. Whisky connoisseurs often use scent and taste memories to describe certain whiskies. Think, for example, of smells and tastes from your childhood, such as the smell of freshly baked bread or a wet forest or the taste of honey. By describing the complex taste of whiskies in this way, you can more easily remember the taste of certain whiskies and better describe it to other interested parties.  

Improving knowledge and judgement through whisky tastings 

One of the best ways to further develop your nose and taste is to participate in whisky tastings. Here you can not only taste different styles, but also learn from experts who will help you to recognize certain things about whiskies. Additionally, you can use tastings to network with other investors and whisky connoisseurs. This in turn can provide valuable insights.  

Investing in quality whisky? You can do that through Scotch Whisky Investments! 

Developing a good taste and aroma profile is therefore valuable for every whisky investor. Would you like to invest in whisky yourself? Then you are in the right place at Scotch Whisky Investments! We offer various investment options, where we unburden you through the right guidance in managed investing. Are you curious about how investing at Scotch Whisky Investments works? Or would you like to know how we can help you? Feel free to contact us and discover the possibilities of investing in high-quality whiskies!