15 Signs You're Becoming A Whiskey Expert - Tasting Table

"The foundation of whiskey will always be about what you taste in your glass, but behind this legendary spirit is a whole world of depth and craftsmanship. Whiskey lovers appreciate both of these parts, especially how they marry to create beautiful bottles. However, the journey to fully appreciate whiskey can be a long one. There is no shortcut to becoming a whiskey expert. For those on this journey, it's good to recognize the signs that will tell you you're on the right track."

"If you're reading this, there's already a good chance you've started to pick up some useful habits and techniques. I've had nearly two decades of whiskey-tasting experience that included visiting distilleries and speaking to those who work in the field. That has given me valuable expert insight. Yet I also remember what it's like to be a newbie and not being able to distinguish my Scotch from my bourbon."

"It will have a small amount of malted barley and, as stipulated by law, at least 51% corn. The remaining mash bill will then be made up of either wheat or rye, but here are some that use both. While malted barley is mostly for fermentation, the other three elements can have a significant impact on the taste. When you first sip a bourbon, you want to have a good idea of its ingredients and the percentages that were used."

Whiskey expertise combines sensory tasting skills with knowledge of production and aging. Experience in tasting, visiting distilleries, and talking with industry workers builds valuable insight. Recognizing mash bills helps identify bourbon ingredients: at least 51% corn, plus malted barley and either wheat or rye. Corn-heavy mash bills produce sweeter bourbons, rye-heavy bills give spicy character, and wheat-heavy recipes yield creamier, mellower profiles. Malted barley primarily aids fermentation while other grains impart distinct flavors. The path to expertise is gradual, requiring practice and attention to flavor cues to distinguish styles like Scotch and bourbon.

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