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Do you keep a whiskey journal?

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Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

Interested to see the spread, who here keeps a journal with tasting on notes, batches tasted and the like?

My better half has been nagging me for a while now to record these details of the whiskeys I drink, I do think its a good idea but lazyness has won out so far.

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Bushko Novice

Bushko

Posted
Posted

I just started a journal before going on the KY bourbon trail in June. My journal is simply a series of entries into an Evernote notebook. While it's not an exhaustive analysis like the Whisky Bible, I've made enough notes on each tasting to help me remember what I've already tasted and liked (or not), and what I might be interested in buying in the future. The search mechanism within Evernote should help me find relevant notes easily, and since I can access them even from my iPhone, I can look at them anytime I'm in a store.

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Enoch Virtuoso

Enoch

Posted
Posted (edited)

I keep a whiskey spreadsheet that tracks what I've tasted, whats currently open, what, how much and size bunkered, taste evaluation, and detaials on proof, age, mash bill, etc.

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD=class: xl66]Name[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 43]Tried[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 43]Bar[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 42]Mini[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 55]Grade[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 89]Notes[/TD]

[TD=class: xl71, width: 12][/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 52]200ml[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 50]375ml[/TD]

[TD=class: xl70, width: 52]500ml[/TD]

[TD=class: xl70, width: 54]750ml[/TD]

[TD=class: xl70, width: 49]1L[/TD]

[TD=class: xl70, width: 50]1.75L[/TD]

[TD=class: xl70, width: 48]Pints[/TD]

[TD=class: xl70, width: 48]Fifth[/TD]

[TD=class: xl70, width: 53]Quarts[/TD]

[TD=class: xl70, width: 71]1/2 Gal[/TD]

[TD=class: xl73, width: 71]Total[/TD]

[TD=class: xl71, width: 16][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 83]Distillery[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 70]Year[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 36]UPC?[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 42]Govt Warn[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 48]Corn %[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 55]Rye %[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 55]Wheat %[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 55]Barley %[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 55]Total %[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 45]Proof[/TD]

[TD=class: xl67, width: 40]Age[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD=class: xl66]Old Grand Dad 114 ND[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 43]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 43]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 42][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 55]****[/TD]

[TD=class: xl69, width: 89][/TD]

[TD=class: xl72, width: 12][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 52, align: right]6[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 50, align: right]2[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 52][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 54, align: right]2[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 49][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 50][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 48][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 48][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 53][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 71][/TD]

[TD=class: xl75, width: 71, align: right]3.45[/TD]

[TD=class: xl74, width: 16][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 83]ND[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 70][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 36][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, width: 42][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 48]63[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 55]27[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 55][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 55]10[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 55]100[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 45]114[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68, width: 40][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: xl70]Old Grand Dad 114 Beam[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]*[/TD]

[TD=class: xl69][/TD]

[TD=class: xl72][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, align: right]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl75, align: right]0.75[/TD]

[TD=class: xl74][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66]Beam[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]63[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]27[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]10[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]100[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]114[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: xl66]Old Grand-Dad Bonded ND[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]****[/TD]

[TD=class: xl69][/TD]

[TD=class: xl72][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, align: right]4[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, align: right]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, align: right]11[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl75, align: right]13.25[/TD]

[TD=class: xl74][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]63[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]27[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]10[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]100[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]100[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: xl66]Old Grand-Dad 86 ND[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]****[/TD]

[TD=class: xl69][/TD]

[TD=class: xl72][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, align: right]4[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, align: right]20[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, align: right]4[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66, align: right]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl75, align: right]21.55[/TD]

[TD=class: xl74][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]63[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]27[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]10[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]100[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=class: xl70]Old Grand-Dad 86 Beam[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]1[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]*[/TD]

[TD=class: xl69][/TD]

[TD=class: xl72][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl75][/TD]

[TD=class: xl74][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl66][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]63[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]27[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]10[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68]100[/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[TD=class: xl68][/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

The copy paste didn't line p so well but gives you an idea.

Edited by Enoch
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MyOldKyDram Guru

MyOldKyDram

Posted
Posted

Yup. Just a Bento spreadsheet here w all of the relevant purchase data plus tasting notes.

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GaryT Guru

GaryT

Posted
Posted

I have a spreadsheet of my "inventory" with specs, approx fill levels, purchase date, date last poured, etc (so I can easily see how many ounces I have on hand - in case I feel I'm running short). I have a word doc where I keep some of my tasting notes, as well as "tasting homework" (things I've thought about trying as a tasting experiment, or things I've read here that sounded like interesting match-ups). Some of my current homework assignments (no due date thankfully!) are a blind SBS with ORVW 10yr 107 vs OWA 107; MM 84 vs MM 90, and RRSmBSB (110 proof) vs WTRB (108.2). I'll log the results of things like that, but if I try something at a bar - I won't typically jot all of those notes down (probably should as the gray matter starts to go!)

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Richnimrod Deity

Richnimrod

Posted
Posted

Being so completely 'tech-challenged', along with being very lazy by nature, I just keep my pencil & paper notes (actual pencil with graphite, used on actual paper made of wood pulp). :rolleyes:

These are haphazardly stored on the shelves near the Bourbons to which they refer. Not of much use when shopping, or out 'tasting' somewhere other than my own home; but, that's the penalty for being so clueless with info-tech-widgets. I do occasionally reference these pages when deciding what to enjoy or to serve. :blush:

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gooneygoogoo Enthusiast

gooneygoogoo

Posted
Posted

I have a journal where I keep track of purchases and my tasting notes. I found that trying to describe what I am tasting, even though I don't have a great palate, helps develop one. It's fun and I don't do it every time I drink because sometime I just want to relax but I do try to "review" every bottle that I buy. I like the pencil and paper method because it allows me to jot notes down while in my comfy chair, watching a game.

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BigRich Guru

BigRich

Posted
Posted

I used to have a paper journal, then it was a couple of spreadsheet iterations. Some of that is what let to starting a website.

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T Comp Disciple

T Comp

Posted
Posted

No on tasting journal (other than posts here) or inventory logs. I have some personal reasons for this which I won't bore you with ;) but content with my memories and that whatever is my next pour is sure to be great too.

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bingstein Connoisseur

bingstein

Posted
Posted

I don't but I am jealous of those who do. Honestly, I think I might be the worst person on this site for tasting notes. I pretty much have a like/don't like binary choice. Sometimes I try it after its been open and if it improves then I will take a mental note for all subsequent purchases of that particular bottle. Moreover, my bunker is not big enough to need an inventory list, though I wish it were. I sometimes think I am not doing something right if I am not tasting all the specific complex flavors and taking notes, but so be it.

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whiskeyagonzo Virtuoso

whiskeyagonzo

Posted
Posted

I am planning on starting one, the old school way that is. You can get a very nice tasting journal by signing up www.singlepotstill.com. I was shocked at how nice it was just for signing up with Midelton Distillery. Worth the time and effort. I think it took about 2 months to get here.

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Enoch Virtuoso

Enoch

Posted
Posted
I keep a journal of tasting notes. Or at least try to. My wife got me a couple of those 33 Drams of Whiskey books (http://www.33books.com/products/33-drams-of-whiskey). They're neat journals and cheap plus eco-friendly. I also, store about 4oz of each bottle for the bunker archive--got the idea from a few other SBers.

Just ordered a three pack to try. Seems like a great idea when traveling.

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GaryT Guru

GaryT

Posted
Posted
I keep a journal of tasting notes. Or at least try to. My wife got me a couple of those 33 Drams of Whiskey books (http://www.33books.com/products/33-drams-of-whiskey). They're neat journals and cheap plus eco-friendly. I also, store about 4oz of each bottle for the bunker archive--got the idea from a few other SBers.

I do like those - I have one that I'll use when I go to a Scotch tasting or something along those lines!

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WAINWRIGHT Disciple

WAINWRIGHT

Posted
Posted

I enjoy jotting down notes on different releases and then comparing my notes to others such a J.Hansell and J.Pyle for instance to see if what I am experiencing is similar to others.I think that this is a bit of a cheat in some such way to myself,but I am often surprised by the similar yet often less descript reviews/notes I come up with.The other thing I often enjoy is that note you can't quite put your finger on,but after reading someone else's review it makes perfect sense and is rather prominent at this point and all seems to just fall into place.

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HighHorse Enthusiast

HighHorse

Posted
Posted

I don't but wish I did. We were talking the other night about ECTaylor Rye .. had we tasted it and did we like it? Nobody remembered! Sooo we order shots and then remember .. yes .. we had tasted it .. and we were not impressed. Notes would have saved a couple of bucks and could have been drinking a pour I enjoyed. Like the "33 Drams" booklet idea .. and Josh, your notes are so complete. I've always enjoyed your notes .. so .. gotta start.

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DrBob Enthusiast

DrBob

Posted
Posted (edited)

post-10167-14489819713681_thumb.jpg

I use this excel file, I also track our wine stocks, and have a nice dilution calculator in it. Yeah I am a geek all around, not just a bourbon geek. The "next" list is a lot longer than this snapshot shows.

Edited by DrBob
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Young Blacksmith Connoisseur

Young Blacksmith

Posted
Posted

I do not. I vacillate between starting one and staying just as lazy as I am. So far, lazy has won! I would do a paper version if I did, seems more permanent than binary bits floating around in a box.

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squire Deity

squire

Posted
Posted

I did for years, hand written with a fountain pen. Its been misplaced and I lack the energy to start another one.

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Bourbon Boiler Virtuoso

Bourbon Boiler

Posted
Posted

I had a spreadsheet with 50+ American whiskies on it with very basic tasting notes, a 1-10 rating, proof, the mashbill, the age, and the char level of the barrel. The goal was to try to create a correlation coefficient with the various input variables to guide me to "The best whiskey for me". However, even if I had complete information, the problem is that I'm simply not a good enough taster to have consistant enough scores and notes experience to experience. What I call an 8 today I might call a 6 tomorrow.

Even without hard math data, it did help me to realize that I like 20-35 percent rye, 90 - 105 proof, and 7-10 years as my sweet spot.

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squire Deity

squire

Posted
Posted
Even without hard math data, it did help me to realize that I like 20-35 percent rye, 90 - 105 proof, and 7-10 years as my sweet spot.

For me the best part of keeping a journal was how a pattern emerged showing what I really liked.

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boneuphtoner Enthusiast

boneuphtoner

Posted
Posted

I don't keep a formal journal with tasting notes or anything that detailed...I'm far too lazy for that. I do keep a running Microsoft Word document and have assigned a very loose rating on everything I've ever tried. I only add to it when I try something new, or I experience something that completely changes my impression from something I've tried before.

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B.B. Babington Disciple

B.B. Babington

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Posted

closest thing I have to a journal is memory and hundreds of open bottles. a formal journal is a good idea and wished I'd kept one.

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