My Ritual

[funknik]

Still being new to this, I'm in sort of an "anything goes" sort of mode, but here's my ritual when it comes to trying something new.

I've been trying to not re-buy bottles I've tasted, but instead gather as many different ones as possible and try each one. So......

I typically read the bottle's label all over a few times to get acquainted, then unscrew or uncork it (although I am anti-cork, I still attach a stigma that screw top bottles are not as good as corked bottles -- VSOF proved me wrong). I smell the cork -- just for fun -- I've never really been able to discern anything from this. Then a small pour neat -- similar to being served the first sip of wine in a restaurant -- swirl it, smell it, down it. Mmmmmm.

Then, the serious, two-finger pour, also neat. If I dig the whiskey neat, I continue to drink it that way until I....A) have a pour that isn't up to par or B) get bored. At this point I might add a splash of water.

I, typically, like to add water to soften the texture of the whiskey, not to "bring out the flavors." Although I do understand this concept (similar to adding salt when cooking, no?), I feel that most of the time I can taste as well neat. If the whiskey is still not to my liking, I may add a rock or two.

There are very few bourbons that I prefer with water or rocks, but since I have nothing to lose, I like to be thorough and explore all of my options. My exception to the "Neat Rule":

Baker's - I like with a splash of water sometimes -- it seems to create a velvety texture I can't resist.

J.W.Dant BIB - gotta have some ice in this one....whoa...too sweet

WLW SR - I like to keep this one in the freezer

Beam White & WT101 - I like these on the rocks if I'm also drinking beer -- I find the bourbon scours up my mouth and really bring out the flavor of a good micro.

What I would like to add, but can't quite get, is what will help me cleanse my palate in-between tastings?

[polyamnesia]

i've been thinking about 80 proofers and why they even exist (an almost-rhetorical ponderance.... ), but i like your suggestion with JB: that one of the uses of such low proofers is for mixing ... and teaming up with good beer! maybe that is THE raison d'etre of JB white....

i, too, also prefer to buy new things i haven't had. there's alot out there to try...new or dusty.

but then, i do re-buy now....it's nice to have a few (hopefully) consistent pours.

but the joy of finding a new, mind-blowing one is one of the many pleasures of the whiskey experience

p.s.

about cleansing the palate...i don't really know...i am now pouring water into the glass and drinking it...not sure if THIS does the trick, but a small bit of dark chocolate on the tongue...let it melt...then go for a new pour. i like the collision of dark chocolate and bourbon. any bourbon. you get a new angle on the flavor...sort of like light thru stain'd glass....???

[sku]

Funknik, I think you're method sounds pretty sound. I just cleanse the palate with water, but if you feel that's not enough, bread is a good cleanser as well. Unlike Polyamnesia, I wouldn't cleanse with dark chocolate as it has its own complex taste which I think would interfere with your next Bourbon tasting.

Here's my tasting video from my YouTube series for Whiskey beginners: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEZto5O_Hj4

[Special Reserve]

I loved the bourbon and Coke presentation. Perfect!

[sku]

Thanks SR. That's actually from a different video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frKWr...eature=related

[funknik]

Funknik, I think you're method sounds pretty sound. I just cleanse the palate with water, but if you feel that's not enough, bread is a good cleanser as well. Unlike Polyamnesia, I wouldn't cleanse with dark chocolate as it has its own complex taste which I think would interfere with your next Bourbon tasting.

Here's my tasting video from my YouTube series for Whiskey beginners: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEZto5O_Hj4

Thanks, Sku...i also dug the bourbon & Coke -- priceless.

[funknik]

i, too, also prefer to buy new things i haven't had. there's alot out there to try...new or dusty.

but then, i do re-buy now....it's nice to have a few (hopefully) consistent pours.

but the joy of finding a new, mind-blowing one is one of the many pleasures of the whiskey experience.

Definitely. For every time I've "suffered" through a dull bottle (the Old Forester 86 I'm trying to finish now) -- there's been some revelation bottle that took a little extra effort to find, but was well worth it.
I have a few bottles I would definitely consider consistent pours:
EC12, George Dickel No.12, WLWSR, VSOF (for the BHC if I can continue to get it) & Rare Breed. The whole fun for me is to be able to sort through and find the ones that are really special.

Cheers!

[funknik]

Funknik, I think you're method sounds pretty sound. I just cleanse the palate with water, but if you feel that's not enough, bread is a good cleanser as well.

Thnaks, SKU, I was curious if anybody had another method....I like plain or fruit-essenced seltzer water....it seems to do the trick...I think the bubbles help.