Mastering the Flavour Wheel: A Step-by-Step Guide to Tasting Whiskey

Whiskey tasting is as much an art as it is a science, and our Flavour Wheel is here to help you refine your palate and put words to what you're experiencing in every sip. Included in your Tasting Vault Journal, this tool allows you to visually map out the distinct flavors of each whiskey you try. But how exactly do you use it? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Observe the Whiskey’s Colour

Before diving into taste, take a moment to assess the colour meter beside the Flavour Wheel in your journal. Using a pen or pencil, mark the shade that best matches your whiskey—ranging from clear to mahogany. This can offer clues about the whiskey’s maturation, the cask used, and even its potential flavour profile.

Colour Meter:

• Clear

• Straw

• Honey

• Gold

• Amber

• Caramel

• Mahogany

Step 2: Take a Sip and Start at the Center

Now for the fun part—tasting! Take a small sip and let the whiskey coat your palate. Start at the center of the Flavour Wheel, where the most general descriptors (like sweet, spicy, or smoky) are located. Ask yourself: What’s the first thing you notice?

Step 3: Extend a Line to Match the Intensity

Using a pen or pencil, draw a line outward from the center toward the flavour descriptor that best represents what you’re tasting. If the flavour is strong, extend the line farther outward. If the flavour is subtle, keep the line shorter.

For example, if you detect a strong citrus note (common in sherry cask-aged whiskey), extend the line almost all the way to citrus. If you sense just a hint of vanilla, mark a short line toward sweet. If a flavour isn't present—say smoky—simply leave that section flat and move on.

Step 4: Connect the Flavours 

As you continue tasting, repeat this process for each flavour you identify. The result will be a unique, connected web of lines that visually represents the whiskey’s profile. Some whiskeys will have bold, well-defined shapes, while others may be more balanced or subtle.

Step 5: Reflect and Compare

Once your flavour wheel is complete, take a moment to compare it with previous tastings. Over time, this process helps you recognize patterns, distinguish different cask influences, and develop a more refined palate.

This simple but effective method allows you to track your whiskey journey visually, making it easier to recall the nuances of each tasting. So grab your Tasting Vault Journal, pour yourself a dram, and start exploring the depth of Irish whiskey like never before! Cheers! 🥃