How to Taste Whiskey: A Guide to Savoring Every Sip 

Prepare for Tasting Whiskey

Before you begin tasting whiskey, and to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, there are a few things to keep in mind—and a few to prepare… including your palate.

Warm Up Your Palate

Not preparing your palate before a tasting can prevent you from fully experiencing the whiskey’s flavors and nuances. Whether it’s because of lingering tobacco, coffee, or strong foods in your mouth, or because your taste buds are overwhelmed by the alcohol burn, failing to warm up your palate might keep you from appreciating the bourbon’s complexity.  

The ideal way to awaken your taste buds is to ease into it—start with a small sip or even a light cocktail. Some foods, like plain crackers, bread, or mild cheese, can also help cleanse your palate and get it ready. 

Choose the Right Glass for Tasting Bourbon

The glass you use for whiskey tasting can make a huge difference in your experience. Glencairn glasses are ideal, as they are specifically designed to allow you to observe the bourbon’s color and consistency while also directing its aromas straight to your nose as you sip.
 

Now that you know that Glencairn glasses are one of the best gifts for a bourbon lover, let us tell you that if you don’t have one on hand right now, don’t worry. Treat yourself or drop a hint to someone special, but in the meantime, a sherry glass will work too. It may not be as effective, but it’s still a great option. 

Do You Have to Taste Whiskeys in a Specific Order?

If you’re tasting multiple whiskeys, you might hear conflicting advice—some experts say to save the best for last, while others recommend the opposite. The reality is that after about four whiskeys, your taste buds start to get fatigued, meaning that if you leave the best one for last, you might not enjoy it as much as you’d hoped.  

That’s why it’s generally best to start with lighter, fruitier flavors and gradually work your way up to older, bolder, and more intense whiskeys. 

Don't Underestimate the Whiskey Tasting Wheel

Not everyone is trained to put aromas and flavors into words while tasting bourbon. That’s why having a Whiskey Tasting Wheel can be a great tool—it helps you express what you’re smelling and tasting in a structured way.  

Thinking about memories and sensations can also help you put words to what you’re experiencing. 

How to Taste Whiskey Step by Step
 

Now that you’re all set, let’s walk through a bourbon tasting step by step.
 

First of All: Sight

The first thing you should do when pouring whiskey into your glass is observe its color, preferably against a white background. It might be pale, amber, golden, or a deep, dark shade.  

In general, the color depends on both the grain mash bill used in the bourbon-making process and the barrel in which it was aged. Typically, older whiskeys have a darker color, and fresh oak barrels—like those required for bourbon—contribute more color to the spirit. But it’s not an exact science, as many factors influence the final result.  

It’s also interesting to observe the whiskey’s texture. Gently swirl the glass and watch its “legs”—the way the droplets slide down the sides of the glass.  

With these two factors—color and texture—you already have valuable information about what to expect when you smell and taste the bourbon: whether it will be strong or mild in flavor, and whether it will feel light and fruity or buttery and heavy on the palate. 

How Important Can Your Nose Be in a Bourbon Tasting?  

Your nose plays a much bigger role in whiskey tasting than you might think. Some experts even rely more on their sense of smell than on their taste buds to identify the complexities of a bourbon.  

To catch all the delicate aromas, it’s a good idea to keep your mouth slightly open and gently inhale as you bring the glass closer to your nose. Be careful not to stick your nose too far into the glass—whiskey releases alcohol vapors that can overwhelm your senses and prevent you from detecting all the aromas.  

The aroma is one of the most important aspects of whiskey, so take your time and enjoy it.  

Compare what you smell with what you observed in the color and texture. Does the scent match your expectations? Does it feel light or heavy? Is alcohol the dominant note, or do you pick up specific aromas like fruits, spices, or floral hints? Do you notice more of the distillation process, like roasted corn, or more of the aging notes, like vanilla and caramel?  

Vanilla, in fact, is one of the most common aromas and flavors in bourbon. This comes from the American oak barrels used to age it during the making-bourbon process. The wood contains lignin, a natural polymer that, when toasted or charred, breaks down and releases vanillin, the same compound that gives natural vanilla its aroma. That’s why many bourbons have notes reminiscent of vanilla custard.