Sip Into Something More Comfortable
With Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands
We all have tools of the trade we use to accomplish our tasks through the days and weeks of our lives. As I began to ponder the idea of the tools of my trade it occurred to me for the hundredth time “WOW I am a lucky women!” Why you may wonder do I count my many blessings….well, because the tools of my trade include Whisky! as well as beautiful glassware, water and food to name a few. One of my favorite aspects of my profession is to conduct tasting seminars for people eager to learn a little more about the spirits they enjoy. Since I can’t be there with everyone I’d like to give you a few tips on how to prepare and conduct your own Whisky tasting for your friends and family. There are a few items you will need to begin.
- A quiet, private room
- Lot’s of flat table space
- Spring water for everyone to drink and add to their whisky
- Bread or crackers if you’re not trying a food pairing
- And various whiskies
If you want to get a little fancy you might try putting together a tasting mat. This will help to guide your guests on their journey through tasting. It’s always good to have at least 4-6 whiskies of various flavors. This will allow your guests to build a frame of reference when discussing flavor. I have two favorites to begin with. First, “Whisky from Around the World”. Pick one from each whisky category to compare. For example, choose one Irish whiskey, one Scotch whisky, one Bourbon whiskey, one Canadian whisky, etc. This is a mat I put together for a Whisky 101 for women. If you’re a Scotch lover then a scotch tasting would be fabulous. You can taste single malts from the various regions in Scotland or try a Single Malts vs. Blends tasting to become better acquainted with their differences. When tasting whiskies remember they are not wines so your portions should reflect as such. ¼ ounce to begin will do. I like to first taste nose and taste neat then add a few drops of water then nose and taste again. Why? Water drops the alcohol strength a bit so you can taste sweeter flavors hiding beneath the surface. Once you’re done with the comparative you can always go back and enjoy a full cocktail of your new favorite whisky. For your glassware it’s always best to use something with a narrow opening so all the aromas are directed upwards. Wine, champagne or brandy glasses work great. If you don’t have enough glassware feel free to use small plastic portion cups for the tasting and save your glasses for enjoying a full cocktail afterwards. Once you have laid out your mats, placed all the glasses and pour your samples, if you’re not doing all the talking then start with which ever you think is the lightest in flavor and open the floor to a discussion. It can also be a lot of fun to have each person bring a bottle of their choice and present it to the group. There are many websites that can give you more in-depth information on various whiskies I recommend: www.ClassicMalts.com and www.JohnnieWalker.com .
Whatever style of tasting you go with remember sprits invite lively spirited conversation and the most important thing is that you and your friends spend a fun, comfortable night at home enjoying each others company. As always, sip into something more comfortable responsibly and who knows you may come away from the night having learned something new.
Slainte! Salud! Cheers!
