Sku's Whiskey Minute: Episode 9- How to Taste Whiskey

[whiskeyminute]

Thanks for your comment Jackferwerda. Sounds like hokum to me. Of course, Hunter S might have seen more in the bubbles than I do since he was using mind-altering substances. The real way to tell the quality of a liquor...stop staring at the bubbles and taste the damn thing.

[jackferwerda]

i heard one time (from a quote from hunter s thomson actually) that you can tell about the quality of the liquor by shaking the bottle and watching what the bubbles do. .. have you heard of this? Can you explain this, because I didn't quite understand it at first when I heard it.

[jackferwerda]

sorry "thompson" ... I was typing too quick. Anyway .. I think this was in reference to the bead or beading oil in some whiskey.

[popebenadict16]

i tend to drink it from the bottle,saves washing the glass.

[lobzdik]

hey kool vid, can i ask u sumthing?

i just read on a bottle of whisky a sign that said "non chill filtered" whats that mean?

[whiskeyminute]

Thanks lobzdik. Chill filtering is a process by which whiky is filtered to remove certain oils that can give whisky a cloudy appearance, but it is also thought to remove elements that contribute to flavor. Non-chill filtered is good in that it retains those flavor elements.

[wellsm3]

This was a very down to earth and informative lesson on how to truly enjoy a good whisky. As far as Bourbon goes, I am particularly fond of Knob Creek and Maker's Mark; both complex and smooth and best of all, very affordable : )...how would you compare these Bourbons to the one you discussed which I've never tried. I also quite enjoy a good glass of Macallan or Glenfiddich single Malt scotch or a johnnie walker black blend...how about you, are you a Scotch fan yourself

[whiskeyminute]

Thanks for your comments wellsm3. KC and Maker's are decent for their price points, but there is more complex stuff out there. Try an Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve or Eagle Rare, a bit more expensive but worth it. Yes, I'm a big Scotch fan. In terms of really affordable Scotch I would recommend Dalmore 12 year old, Laphroaig 10 year old (very peaty) or Famous Grouse blended.

Cheers

Sku.

[wellsm3]

ok thank you for the suggestions I will definitely look into them. I was wondering if you had any knowledge about values of whiskys. i found in the bowels of my basement a 37 year old bottle of Canadian Club whisky and was curious as to the approximate value of such an old bottle

[whiskeyminute]

I'm not an expert on collecting but I don't think there's a huge market for Canadians. I would do a search on whiskey collecting or whiskey auctions.

[Quag7]

Excellent and shockingly unpretentious.

I use a brandy snifter, which does a good job, especially with peaty scotches where the vapors almost pull me under in joyful reverie without ever taking a sip.

I have these Reidel "whiskey glasses," which I don't quite understand as they are cylindrical with a flared top - vaguely tulip shaped.

I would assume in almost all cases (or all cases) the ideal is to have the top narrower than the bottom...

[Quag7]

Nevermind - you cover this in episode 4!

[whiskeyminute]

Yes, that's right. The narrow top focuses the aroma so it doesn't dissipate. I'm not a fan of the Reidel glass for the reason you give and they are also way too expensive.

[whiskeyminute]

P.S. I don't really think Parker's tastes like fruit.  It was my attempt at (dry) humor regarding the silliness of some tasting notes.

[kansaiPJ]

Excellent display of whisky testing technique!

[whiskeyminute]

Thanks KansaiPJ.