Scotch Whiskey Tasting Help

[Charlie Mc.]

I will always recommend a single malt over a blend. I prefer Islay malts myself. They tend to be dark and peaty in flavor. My favorite is Ardbeg, but Lagavulin is quite tasty as well. For a non Islay malt Highland Park and Talisker top my list.

The tasting method I use is as follows:
warm the whisky a bit in my hand
Hold the glass up to admire the color of the whisky
swirl the whisky lightly to observe the Viscosity
Inhale the nose starting from away from the glass and ending with your nose almost in the glass
Sip the Whisky
swish it in your mouth making sure to hit all areas in your mouth
Swallow then inhale through your mouth

This is just my method, but I find it really lets you experience all aspects of the Whisky.

Finally I would keep the following in mind:
1. Don't chill the whisky, it kills the flavor
2. Proper whisky glasses enhance the tasting
3. Never pour over ice (see number 1)
4. A bit of water can enhance the flavor, but make sure it is spring water and only use a bit, the point isn't to water down the whisky.
5. Enjoy!