If you’re a whisky enthusiast, the question of what constitutes good whisky never gets old. While there is no one definitive answer—after all, taste is subjective—there are certain characteristics that make for a truly remarkable whisky. Here’s what to look for when tasting your next dram.
What Makes a Good Whisky?
Alcohol Content
The Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of a whisky is an important consideration when tasting. As a general rule, whiskies with higher ABVs tend to have more intense flavors and aromas than those with lower ABVs.
For example, single malt scotch whiskies generally range from 40% to 46%. Cask-strength whiskies can be as high as 60% ABV or higher. Higher ABVs also tend to lead to longer finish times after swallowing the whisky. The “finish” refers to how long the flavor lingers in your mouth after you’ve taken a sip.
Cask Aging
Another factor to keep in mind when tasting whiskies is the type of cask used for aging and its age. Different types of casks impart different flavors on the whisky during aging, and older whiskies tend to have more complex flavors than younger ones.
For example, Scotch whiskies aged in sherry casks will have notes of dried fruit and nuts, while those aged in ex-bourbon casks will have notes of vanilla and caramel.
Age statements on bottles indicate how long the whisky was aged before it was bottled, which can give you an idea of its complexity and depth of flavor.
But it’s important to note that not all whiskies come with age statements! They also aren’t a definite mar of quality as some may enjoy an 8-year-old whisky more than an 18-year-old one. That being said, age is strong indicator of a quality whisky.
Nose/Aroma
When nosing/aromatizing any kind of whisky, pay attention for details such as sweetness (honey? maple syrup?), spices (cinnamon? pepper?), smoke (peaty? smoky?), floral notes (roses? lavender?), or fruitiness (citrus? stone fruits?).
Also take note if there are any off-notes or unpleasant aromas present; these could indicate that the whiskey was not distilled properly or was not stored properly over time. Generally speaking, good quality whiskies should have pleasant aromas rather than harsh or unpleasant ones.
Conclusion
From alcohol content to cask aging, nose/aroma, there are many factors that contribute to a great tasting whisky experience!
Ultimately though, it comes down your own individual palate preferences; what might be an outstanding dram for some may be too strong or too weak for others!
Always take your time while tasting so you can appreciate each detail and nuance in the whisky’s flavor profile, this will help you find the perfect dram just right for you.