How to taste spirits properly?

Whiskey rum cognac: 10 mistakes not to make when it comes to spirits

More and more courted, they won over a large public who devoted themselves to expert tasting.

If this universe differs from that of wine, the tasting is not the same.

The proof in 10 points.

1. Not paying attention to the service temperature

As with wine, the tasting temperature is important and a distinction must be made between “brown” spirits and “white” spirits. A brown spirit (whisky, rum, cognac) is best enjoyed at room temperature (in reality more like 16-17°) but contrary to popular belief it is not desirable to take your glass in your hands to warm it up, this would be more likely to cause bring out the esters (neutral bodies that contribute to the aroma of the wine) and the burning side of the alcohol. White spirits such as vodka, tequila or gin can be enjoyed chilled (6°) or even with ice, just like liqueurs and flavored spirits.

2. Neglecting glassware

Fine spirits, like wines, deserve beautiful, perfectly fitted serving glasses that will let the aromas slowly settle and fill the entire glass. With an unsuitable form, you may only smell the alcohol to the detriment of the aromas. Traditional glassmakers generally offer whiskey or cognac glasses that can be used for rums or armagnac. Forget the classic balloon glass and instead opt for a burgundy glass that is tighter at the top which will better bring out the aromas and texture of spirits in general. Finally, the fairly low and wide tumbler glass model is well suited to spirits tasted chilled or on ice. In any case, adapt the glass to pure tasting mode on ice or in a cocktail.

3. Drinking too fast

Take your time and aerate your spirit beforehand by leaving it a little in the glass, not for questions of temperature setting but rather for aromas and openness. You can also let your bottle breathe by opening it a third (and then re-bottling it later). You can even aerate the drink 1 to 2 hours before the service or even a whole night for an alcohol at 55% alcohol.

4. Taste a spirit like a wine

On the contrary of a wine , a cognac or a rum does not “grum” and one does not take a sip while leaving it in the mouth because the alcohol would then burn the taste buds. The olfaction is essential here – it represents 80% of the tasting – and the nose offers a plethora of perfumes which follow one another and mingle with the air. You must therefore first feel your glass well by small touches then take a few drops of the precious nectar on the tip of your lips and then bring them to the palate. At the end of the tasting, the empty glass still reveals new aromas – much more than for the wine – and this final step is very important.

5. Thinking of yourself as a barista

Cocktail preparations require golden rules. Venturing into hazardous mixtures without really knowing where you are going risks spoiling the product. Why not treat yourself to a very nice cocktail in a specialized establishment and reserve your bottles for tasting at home to better enjoy them?

6. Choosing the wrong time

The right time to taste it is probably outside the meal to better appreciate the beverage. The end of the morning and the end of the afternoon are two good windows for shooting the after-meal has an obvious hedonistic and relaxing dimension, provided you have not abused the wines too much before. On the other hand, you can choose the gastronomic route provided you create a tone-on-tone pairing, for example of saffron scallops witha lively and intense VSOP cognac or a chocolate fondant anda peated whisky . Beautiful pairings are also emerging with the cheeses, for example the combination ofBrillat-Savarin andBrie gin and Cognac VS Abundance and Fourme d'Ambert Irish whiskey and Williams pear .

7. Add ice cubes systematically

You can put ice cubes in your cognac or whiskey to relax it and thus reduce its strength, it's a matter of taste and above all it depends on the category (VS, VSOP, XO etc.). Concerning the purest and most precious blends, however, it is a pity to dilute them and it is better to appreciate them pure.

8. Focus on the 1st prize

You don't drink a fine spirit so often, so you might as well choose it carefully and call on a specialist wine merchant or specialized site who will guide you according to your tastes, your time of consumption and of course your budget.

9. Keep your bottle lying down

Unlike wines, spirits are stored upright. But always away from light and moisture. As for keeping, the spirits certainly keep very well for several years. Note, however, that if the bottle is opened, the lower its level, the more oxidation will be present, which risks eating away at the aromas.

10. Stick to one brand

Explore! Don't always drink the same whiskey or the same brand of gin or cognac. Today this innovative universe abounds with craftsmen producing exceptional products or original limited series. The whole world offers it, so it's a journey both sensory and mental that is offered to you from the Pacific Ocean to Asia via northern Europe, France and the West Indies of course, but also Guatemala Mexico Barbados Indonesia Philippines Hawaii or even Japan …

The world is Yours !