Introduction
This summer, I explored Normandy, where I indulged in a variety of local flavours. We stayed at an apple farm and enjoyed fresh apple juice, cider, and Calvados. We also experienced a wine tasting and, of course, tried plenty of brie. As always, I was outspoken with my tasting notes, which my friends often found amusing, given that they often don’t sound so positive.
The Beauty of Tasting Notes
Tasting is one of life’s great joys, yet it can be challenging to do well. It’s a skill that can be trained, and tasters have their own vocabulary of tasting notes. For example, Islay’s peated whiskies are known for their strong aromas. Descriptors like iodine, bandages, and burnt wood are common. While I wouldn’t want to eat a bandage, I love the taste of a peated whisky.
I advocate for more outspoken tasting notes, shedding the stigma around them. There’s no reason why chloride, manure, iodine, fish, and rotting leaves can’t be valid descriptors. These terms may not sound appealing, but they capture the essence of certain flavours, making the tasting experience richer and more nuanced.
How to Train Your Senses
Training our senses enhances our experience of the world. The importance of taste and smell training gained attention after the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many without these senses.
Every time you taste quality food or drink, challenge yourself to identify the flavours. Start broadly—is it sweet? What kind of sweetness? Candy, sugar, honey, fruit? If it’s fruit, what type? Apple? What kind of apple—Jonagold or Granny Smith? Does the drink develop over time? Is the taste different from the smell? How about the aftertaste?
Invite friends for a blind tasting. Can you distinguish different ages and regions of whisky? What’s easy to identify and why? This practice helps develop your senses, allowing you to experience tastes more vividly.
Conclusion
Embrace the art of tasting with a wide vocabulary and open mind. By training your senses and exploring diverse tasting notes, you can enhance your appreciation for food and drink, making each tasting experience richer and more enjoyable.
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