
How To Appreciate Your Whisky
Colour
Is your whisky pale gold, deep gold, copper or rich amber in colour?
How To Use
This indicates the type of cask in which the liquid has been matured.

How To Appreciate Your Whisky
Nose
Which aromas do you recognise when you nose your whisky – is it smoky, fruity, chocolatey..?
How To Use
Give it time; the scents change in the glass all the time. Add a drop of water -The amount is up to you (but enough to remove any prickle or burning sensation felt on the nose) – and sniff again. Has the spirit opened up or closed down?

How To Appreciate Your Whisky
Body
Does your whisky have a light, medium or full body?
How To Use
As you swirl the whisky in the glass does it cling to the sides and do the “legs” slide down slowly or quickly? Thick, slow running “legs” indicate a more dense texture; whilst thin fast moving “legs” suggest the opposite. Both are good!

How To Appreciate Your Whisky
Palate
Which characteristics do you notice when you taste the whisky?
How To Use
First, sip the whisky without adding water. Identify the balance of ‘primary tastes’ – sweet (on the front of your tongue), salty and acidic (at the sides) and bitter or dry, spicy and smoky (at the back). Then add a little water. This makes it easier to hold the liquid in your mouth for longer and further explore its taste. If you can resist temptation and leave a little liquid in the glass for 20 minutes or so, return to nose and taste to explore how the flavour has developed.

How To Appreciate Your Whisky
Finish
Does the flavour remain for a long time or does it disappear quickly?
How To Use
Whiskies from the Glencairn Glass are best enjoyed neat or with a little water. Consider whether the flavours linger, slowly change or disappear quite quickly.
Whisky Wheel
The 5 steps to appreciate your whisky.
