Tasting
To fully appreciate the tasting experience, you have to understand each step without rushing. So before you just "drink your gin," take the time to observe and write down.
To fully appreciate the tasting experience, you have to understand each step without rushing. So before you just "drink your gin," take the time to observe and write down.
Aging gives the gin a yellow-brown color but it is mainly a maceration which gives the gin a color and time greatly varies the intensity of the color.
The alcohol level, the sugar level and the essential oils greatly influence the consistency of a gin which is observable via the droplets.
The appearance of a gin gives you some clues as much on its manufacture as on its consistency.
On the nose, you can assume, based on your personal opinion, if the flavors of a gin seem well balanced or too strong, if the taste of alcohol seems too strong, or if the gin seems well done.
The strength of the odor of alcohol felt in the nose makes it possible to prepare and helps to assume the quality of gin manufacturing process.
With the smell, you can easily distinguish certain botanical present in gin with their aromatic power to know what to expect in the mouth.
The strength of the taste of alcohol felt in the mouth makes it possible to confirm or not your assumption made in the nose on the quality of the manufacturing process of the gin.
It's mostly your tongue that can tell if a gin is rather dry, sweet or otherwise.
The length in the mouth varies according to the botanicals used, it can be felt as much in terms of flavors as in terms of texture.
On the palate, you can tell, based on your personal opinion, if the flavors of a gin are well balanced or too strong, if the taste of alcohol is too strong or if the gin is well made.
Personal appreciation is an important step because it allows you to finish tasting a gin by saying whether or not you like it and how you prefer it.
It is important, when tasting a gin, to know if you prefer it alone, on ice or in a cocktail.
After tasting, rate your gin based on its appearance, smell and taste.