Whisky 101
As promised, here are the resources used and mentioned during the workshop.
Thank you for your participation!
Whiskey 101: Getting started
Introduction to Whiskey: Our guide will kick off the workshop with a captivating exploration of whiskey's rich history, its global significance, and the different styles and regions that make whiskey such a diverse and fascinating spirit.
The Art of Tasting: Learn to evaluate whiskey like a connoisseur. Discover the art of nose and tasting by immersing yourself in the sensory experience that whiskey offers. You'll gain insight into the flavors, aromas and complexities that make each whiskey unique.
Tasting
Notes
Here are the tasting notes for the different whiskeys from the Whiskey 101 workshop.
Oban
Little Bay
Region
Highlands
Map
Neutral
Colour
Golden - Amber
Texture (Mouthfeel)
Medium - Rich
Nose
Clean and bright fruit, with aromas of peach, orange peel and a touch of red fruits. Some pleasant notes of oats and biscuit, as well as honey and cherry.
Palate
The palate is fuller, with notes of cinnamon and clove mingling with rich, honeyed fruits – apricot, apple and orange – and brioche. A pinch of freshly ground black pepper also enhances the palate, accompanied by a hint of barrel flambé.
Finish
On the longer side
Glenlivet Founder's Reserve
Region
Speyside
Map
Neutral
Colour
Between Gold and Amber (colour added)
Texture (Mouthfeel)
Medium - Rich
Nose
Very clean and fresh, with notes of grass, freshly cut apples and pear drops, enriched by a rich caramel character. Light floral note, with minty and tangy notes.
Palate
The sweet fruitiness continues on the palate, with pear as the dominant note, accompanied by refreshing mint. Very soft texture and mouth feel, without rough edges. Easy to drink.
Finish
Quite short. Sweet, fruity and clean.
Dalmore
12
Region
Highlands
Map
Rich
Colour
Amber - Red
Texture (Mouthfeel)
Fat
Nose
A warm coffee house; roasted beans, the nutty oily taste of a fine espresso, there are small notes of malt and grains and butter from the pastry display with a rich orange from the fruit bowl on the counter.
Palate
Notes of marmalade and triple sec with Christmas spice cake and fruit. Spiced cocoa and milk chocolate.
Finish
Medium
Glenmorrangie
10
Région
Highlands
Carte
Délicat
Couleur
Pâle (Fût de Bourbon)
Texture
Moyenne
Nez
Fruites frais, butterscotch et toffee.
Palais
Soyeux en bouche, légèrement épicé, vanille et encore le toffee.
Finish
Assez longue
Glenmorrangie
10
Region
Highlands
Map
Delicate
Colour
Pale (Bourbon Barrel)
Texture (Mouthfeel)
Medium
Nose
Fresh Fruits, butterscotch et toffee.
Palate
Silky on the palate, slightly spicy, vanilla and more toffee.
Finish
Quite long
Glenmorrangie
10
Région
Highlands
Carte
Délicat
Couleur
Pâle (Fût de Bourbon)
Texture
Moyenne
Nez
Fruites frais, butterscotch et toffee.
Palais
Soyeux en bouche, légèrement épicé, vanille et encore le toffee.
Finish
Assez longue
Dalwhinnie
15
Region
Highlands
Map
Light
Colour
Pale
Texture (Mouthfeel)
Medium
Nose
Fresh on the nose, with pine needles, flowers and vanilla.
Palate
The taste is sweet and balanced, full of fruit, with notes of honey, malt and an impression of peat.
Finish
Medium and elegant.
Glenmorrangie
10
Région
Highlands
Carte
Délicat
Couleur
Pâle (Fût de Bourbon)
Texture
Moyenne
Nez
Fruites frais, butterscotch et toffee.
Palais
Soyeux en bouche, légèrement épicé, vanille et encore le toffee.
Finish
Assez longue
Bowmore
12
Region
Islay
Map
Smoky
Colour
Amber - Red
Texture (Mouthfeel)
Medium
Nose
The smoke and ash give way to yuzu, orange zest, lemon slices and a little hay before becoming rather floral, with a background of sea air.
Palate
Beautiful and round, even honeyed, at the start. Vanilla, fragrant smoke and coastal elements develop. Black peat. Flowering, oily sweetness (burnt taffy).
Finish
Smoky and long.
Tasting Method
One among many!
1. Look (Color)
-
Pale – Golden – Amber – Red
-
Bourbon – Europeans
-
Dark = old, but not always!
2. Observe (Texture)
-
Slim/fast: light
-
Slow/thick: Rich and oily
3. Smell (Nose)
-
Linked to memories
-
Vocabulary question (placemat)
4. Smell again (Nose again)
-
Cover, shake, smell quickly
-
Floral – Fruity – Cereal – Winey – Woody – Sulfurous – Peaty
-
Delicate – Easy to drink
-
Smoke – easier to detect
5. Taste (Palate)
-
Small sip, keep for a few seconds and circulate.
-
Taste can change over time!
-
Delicate – Smoked
-
Vocabulary… Several online resources on common whiskey descriptors. Choose your favorites!
13. Savor (Finish and Aftertaste)
-
Light – Rich
-
Short – Long
Again! Repeat 3 to 6.
Add water if necessary.
Resources
1 / Malt Whisky Yearbook
The Malt Whisky Yearbook has become an essential guide that whiskey lovers around the world look forward to each fall.
2 / Whisky Explorer
Mike Brisebois, founder of the Whisky Explorer,
is known and recognized as Canada's whiskey expert in knowledge, education, recommendations and tasting events.
Join the mailing list and subscribe to the free magazine.
3 / WhiskyBase
Build and curate your whisky collection, review bottles, check prices, and interact with like-minded enthusiasts.
4 / Secret-Scotland.com
Planning a trip to Scotland? Let Mike and Aurélie from Secret-Scotland.com plan your dream itinerary according to your preferences!