Learn How To Taste Bourbon

[@javirios9234]

Fred you are the man! This is so helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to teach us. I look forward to the smell and the finish for the most part. Also thank you for your service sir! Cheers!🤙

[@FredMinnick]

Thank you, Javi. Glad you enjoyed

[@JohnGeorge-pw2xo]

I started drinking alcohol 18 years ago as a teenage, spent my whole life fighting alcohol addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 6 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@Caroljoyce-mp8sk]

YES very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@JacksonSmith-wc8oo]

How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

[@EthanEdward-wx7ut]

Yes he's Dr.alishrooms.Shrooms to me is a natrual healer. I know a guy who has used mushrooms in the same way and they have really helped him. mah dudes have safe trips all.

[@Iiisslogan-co6np]

Yes got mine shipped here in Malta 🇲🇹

[@filmwhiskeypodcast7759]

There are very few experts in their respective fields who remain as accessible and easy-to-understand as Fred. Great video.

[@FredMinnick]

Wow. Thank you. I try to be accessible, but not always easy

[@dylgotbyl]

@@FredMinnick lmfao

[@MikePulcinellaVideo]

Excellent, straight-forward tasting lesson with no snobbery or pretension!

[@ccabalar]

Wow that 'smell with your mouth open' tip actually changed things for me. I was drinking a Bib and Tucker while watching this and that really opened it up for me.

[@Tazewell92]

I’ve come to like a Penelope architect finished in French oak barrels. A lot of people don’t like it, but it’s a great bourbon with a good proof for me

[@yanksrule311]

Fred comes across as a down-to-earth man. Not some pompous, snooty ass like some professionals in their fields. Anyway, great video and thank you. You, and all veterans, deserve to drink all the whiskey you desire. Cheers!

[@sn1000k]

Thank goodness!

[@NebFan06]

Love this video. I have been drinking bourbon for around 5 years, and I am really working to develop my palate and understand all of the nuance of tasting bourbon. Thank you for creating content like this that helps people like me grow in our love of bourbon.

[@ottopreus7712]

One of the most informative bourbon tastings I have watched. Oh how I enjoy a good bourbon, and there are so many good ones.

[@mikem3726]

I'm starting to really like your work, Fred. This was professional and educational for some of us relative newbies. Thanks!

[@FredMinnick]

Thank you so much, Mike!!!!

[@yanksrule311]

I’m right there with you. Been at it for some time now, but still am very green. Oh well…enjoying the journey! 🥃

[@Erik_T_Thompson]

Thanks for the Kentucky Chew. Completely changes how new bourbons present on my pallette. I, however, never do it in company.

[@ajttambo]

This was a very helpful video, thank you!

[@robbieevans6536]

The wave analogy for the Glencairn tasting glass is a good one...Waves break when the swell comes from deeper water and hits shallower water...In the case of the tasting glass, the whiskey comes from the deeper bulb section of the glass and hits sort of a shelf in the narrow section creating a wave effect...Fantastic.

[@rememberthefallen1970]

I just started out about 4 months ago sipping bourbons and scotches and rye, and pretty much the whole category. I've got to say that taste and finish are huge for me. The flavor on most of the stuff I've tried in my now 25 bottle collection of mostly bourbon are all delicious. I haven't really found a bad whisky yet.

[@motohead077]

So you never had JB white or baby hudson?

[@scottradecki2228]

Finish for sure is the most important to me. Rebel Distillers collective is one of my favorites cus the finish is outstanding. Great video. Keep up the grade A content.

[@Erik_T_Thompson]

This was so instructive. I've finally smelled the corn and rye in my whiskey

[@ChessSet11]

I've been sceptical about this video, but I'm halfway through and it's actually very good and informative. I also picked up thing or two to think about, thanks!

[@FredMinnick]

Glad you watched. Enjoy the bourbon journey!

[@bethhiggins1907]

Great tutorial and I enjoy that Kentucky hug, the longer the better

[@mitchilito99]

Such a great video for a noob Bourbon junkie. Thanks, Fred, I loved this.

[@Dude62682]

Great video for me as a relatively new Whiskey sipper. Thanks Fred!!

[@joshuabunkers1494]

I really enjoy the aroma the most.

[@railroadtrash09]

The finish, especially like the Russell's single barrel select, and Bakers 7 is absolute heaven.

[@FredMinnick]

i do like me some baker's :)

[@6angels451]

The jack black of taste testing lol. I enjoyed learning in this video.

[@citternboy]

I've been a Malt Whisky ( I'm a Scottish folk musician, it goes with the territory) and Rum drinker for a long time, and I'm a complete newbie to good bourbon, well I suppose that's objective (Jim Beam, Jack Daniels and the odd Makers Mark, Woodford here and there) just bought a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 after hearing here it's a good starter, and I must say yours Jason's channels are a god send as I navigate my beginner ways through the myriad of bourbons available today. Thanks Fred for easing my passage and really sparking my interest.

[@citternboy]

Also thanks to you and Mash and Drum I have a few more on my list

[@jloranger1]

This is excellent. I’m still learning, tasting as much bourbon as I can. Still working on identifying and separating aromas and flavors. I need more practice I guess. Thanks for a great video. Keep it up!

[@MF-kb2nv]

Have you noticed any differences from 7 months ago...I can't tell too much in tasye differences?.. I do detect some turpentine taste on a bottle of Larcency small batch but thats sbout it

[@mcrn12]

Thank you so much. Great video. I just had a glass today of 1910. I was commenting to a good friend of mine that also likes whiskey as to how long that finish lasted. The finish is the most important to me because that is what you are left with. If something has a poor finish then whats the point unless you are just continuing to drink.

[@chadpierce5549]

This is gonna be very helpful in me processing the different Whiskeys. Thank you

[@chriswsexton]

Wow! Great video! I’ve been drinking Bourbon for a few years but i’m just now trying to learn to appreciate it at a higher level. Looking forward to trying these techniques out on my 2 newest in my collection: Heaven Hill 7 year BiB and the Henry McKenna 10 yr SB!

[@mikewohlhutter5997]

Great video, very informative. Thank you.

[@kevinernst6424]

I agree, it's all about the finish. Taste is important too.

[@-MJ_]

I really appreciated this video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. The nosing with mouth open and moving side to side immediately helped. I was drinking Old Forester Statesman while watching and following along and definitely picked up more/better notes than I had previously. I’m no aficionado by any means...I just really enjoy slowly sipping on whiskey. Have 90 different kinds in my collection. Now I can enjoy them even more after watching this. Good work as always! Thanks again!

[@FredMinnick]

I am so glad you enjoyed this, MJ! That's exactly why I created this KZbin channel. While writing books led me here, I discovered quickly that social media and KZbin are the greatest tools to educate. Cheers!

[@glickgoings4041]

Hey Fred, at last I fount a bottle of EC A122. I am a happy man. Thanks for the review. Love it.

[@kevinchubb2293]

I almost didn't watch because of the ascot, but it was a nice down-to-Earth explanation.

[@infidel9810]

This is my first time watching your channel and all I have to say is wow! You are a book of knowledge and I thank God I found you! I’m new to Whiskey and your videos will help me a lot, for that I’ll say, thank you sir! I also noticed your Army Lapel Button!?!? 82nd Airborne here!

[@FredMinnick]

welcome to this whacky world! thanks for your service!!!!

[@infidel9810]

@@FredMinnick thanks and also subscribed. What do you think of Angel’s Envy Bourbon? I just purchased a bottle, it was recommended by a friend.

[@jeffm0518]

Fred, thank you as ALWAYS for a GREAT video. Wanted to watch this one again for a refresher! I have shared this video with so many people when they are getting into bourbon. I've sent this to newbies and old timers alike. Thank you for educating our community. So VERY APPRECIATED!

[@michaelrobertson8791]

This Michael ROBERTSON Dallas TX. I fell in love with Four Roses Small Batch then I tried Maker Mark 46 I keep both on hand all the time. Found that I do not like Jack anymore after tasting Four Roses S/B, also bought your book after seeing you on Marty & Magee

[@anthonyspadavecchio2036]

Thank you Fred I really enjoyed the show very interesting you broke it down great to understand how to taste bourbon

[@Jesus1sLord777]

This is a awesome video!... I stopped drinking some years ago but wouldn't mind learning how to taste!...

[@SeihaS]

I saw you on the Mash and Drum channel for the final Blendageddon tasting. I appreciate your perspective on supporting the craft distillers. I find it hard to figure out who the craft distillers are vs the white label brands. What are your tips for figuring it out quickly at the store?

[@JohnSmith-vt5ry]

Love this video and it’s the most helpful I have seen. I subscribed last night. I m have V a B follow up question. If I need to start my adventure in whiskey and bourbon but my palate is sensitive to ethanol burn. Is it a good idea to start with 70 proof brandy or low proof whiskey, etc? I know brandy is made from grapes but will it help or hurt my goal of learning to taste bourbon? Is water in bourbon better approach.

[@colinjordan6610]

What matters to me is the aroma and the finish. I believe the taste comes from the Aroma when you have your mouth open right before the first taste is one of the most Aroma filling moments for me. The smoothness is most important if its burning and that burn lasts a bit to long its not the right one for you.

[@thestigisme2349]

Fred, I taste similarly to you in terms of my assessment of finish as so important. One thing I noticed that you do subconsciously that I am conscious about doing is to keep my head tilted down slightly to pick up more flavors and to keep the whisky from rushing down my throat too quickly(contributing to more throat burn). Also, I find it makes a difference to consciously deeply exhale through your nose while tasting the whiskey. What do you think?

[@stevel9188]

that was fantastic !!! i needed some help and you delivered..I will pass this on ...Thank You !!!

[@mikecherry3028]

Great info. I wish I watched this years ago.

[@troyhill4140]

As someone who is just starting out, I would say the finish is huge for me. For the first time last night, I had something that was so smooth for me going down. So I really do appreciate your comment about different pallets and what is smooth for someone my not be smooth for you. I kept wondering what I was missing.

[@JE-western-rider]

Excellent tutorial. Many thanks for the video. I really appreciate the way you lay it out in a sequence. The hardest part for me is associating the whiskey tasting notes with flavors I already know. .... Sometimes it isnt obvious, and at times there is no problem naming the tastes. [ Jack Daniel BIB - was left outside in 90 degree weather - we tasted it and it was like licking an Atomic Fireball ] .... As I've learned to taste whiskey, I've gravitated towards better whiskies. Along the way, I've noticed that I'm drinking less at a sitting and less over time. Again, thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@garyburton1216]

I have never heard of the Kentucky chew. But, being from Kentucky I found it VERY easy to do 😆 🤣

[@whiskeytaster]

Vodka sucks😂😂😂, cool, I agree in 100% even I'm Pole. Finally I found out what is going on with tasting of whiskey. I'm a big fan of American whiskey and will following your chanel. You do a great job👍

[@N.M.T.K]

Thank you for making this video presentation. It's helpful. Cheers 🥃

[@farmerjeanice874]

Had my first tasting last night. I wish I had watched this first! Great video and can't wait for my next tasting utilizing this information. Very informative!

[@nickp5511]

Nice info to use while learning the process! I’m a year into my journey and a nice nose is great but I’m still into the pallet at this time. However when I have a really nice pour (RR Rickhouse CNF) or (JDSBBP) types I really notice and enjoy how it last a really long time! I’m having a pour of Elijah Craig BP A123 and it hits on all three things! Cheers!

[@jimmymundt5369]

This is a great video. Thanks so much for the tips!!!

[@ChadWoodNC-PiedmontSkyCams]

Best video I’ve seen on this topic! Cheers friend!!

[@DirtyHairy01]

Oh man that Michter’s 20 year Bourbon! 😱🥳😍

[@geauxoutdoors]

I bet they all taste better in that fancy get up and tie thing :) Thanks for helping us bud!

[@FredMinnick]

the ascot is known to ameliorate taste buds. LOL. thanks for watching!

[@hulksmashing]

I too like the finish overall. Thanks for the video. If its harder to taste the different notes what shall be done? My wife has trouble distinguishing the different notes and flavors in the whiskey.

[@susanwojcickisnicetwin]

Thank you. You are easy to understand for the layman and accessible to us beginners. I will use your advice to continue to improve my palate and you have earned my subscription.

[@FredMinnick]

awesome. i hope you find a passion in this wonderful hobby, susan. cheers!

[@1125mikem]

Just came across this.. very informative.. insightful 👏

[@gabrielpadilla1362]

Fred great video, I'm definitely a drink it if I like it kinda guy, appreciate the pointers. what I did notice is the "minute man" lapel pin, and the bracelet. won't delve but thanks for your service..

[@CavScout-ck1zq]

Indeed.

[@troyleach5471]

Great video Fred! super interesting fore me. I just got into whiskey about 2 years ago. I feel as if I am still very much a beginner. I rarely pick up on notes that other seem to get. For me, I don't want my whiskey to taste like 'booze'. folks give me a hard time about that comment but it is true. I like very complex flavors, huge fan of craft distillaries, typically the spirit does not taste like 'booze'. I like your palette for sure, I saw a review from you of 291, LOVE 291, super complex and I guess I would say medium finish. anyway, not sure why I shared all that with you but, thanks for everything you do! till next time, salute!

[@TMH478]

Fantastic video! I have learned a few more things to try! I also wanted to ask, what music are you using in the background? It's fantastic! Thank you sir!

[@omygandhi157]

Taste First, Finnish very close 2nd, Smell/Nose distant 3rd place. Your Thought on why taste for you is not first?

[@aldogomez2681]

Very good clip. Question for you? Have you heard or had Southwell 12 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey? Thank you Aldo from San Diego.

[@terrysoule8441]

Great video, thank you. I value the taste over the finish. In fact the aroma for me is number 2.

[@JS-go8gu]

Love your videos and everything you do on bourbon pursuit. From Canada our bourbon selection is very minimal. Can’t wait to be able to get back into the USA (best country in the world) and buy some more bourbon

[@philc1884]

Thx Fred, very informative. Is there a technique for clearing the nose and palette (besides water?) in between samplings for optimal differentiation?

[@deebacon9590]

I enjoyed this video!! Very educational and knowledge that I hope to be able to take away from and use the next time I’m tasting my Bourbons!! 😍😍

[@brandontavano6297]

Fred thanks for this video it was great. Your point on the spice hitting on the back of the tongue made me think about something. If I'm drinking a whiskey that for whatever isn't smooth on the way down I will let it swirl around my tongue but when I swallow I will almost push my tongue to the roof of my mouth. I'm wondering if that is eliminating some of the spice? I feel like I get a good taste still but less burn.

[@sumoneelse3011]

Thanks for the info, Fred! Curious on your thoughts about adding a drop or two of water during tastings. I did a tasting at J. Henry in Wisconsin. The server recommended I try it both ways, first without any water, then with just a drop or two. I was amazed at how that little bit of water changed the flavors significantly. The first sip I caught more of the spice/grain flavors. Some corn, heavy anise/licorice, and pepper. After adding a drop or two of water from an eye dropper, I really picked up the sweet flavors. A lot of caramel/vanilla. I found this to be fairly consistent with all three bourbons I sampled.

[@TheWhiskeyChannel]

I'm the first to admit that I need help improving my nose game. I'm going to try these tips and tricks the next time Kira and I pour ourselves a glass. Love the channel & the great content!

[@jonathandunn730]

Just want to say a big thanks for sharing this with us, it's great to learn this stuff from a real experienced man like yourself!

[@mstong59]

Howdy Fred...is there a fragrance set of the basic aromas available anywhere that you know of? I know in the perfume industry people train their noses using fragrances kits.

[@chriswalters5456]

Great tutorial! Thanks for breaking this down.

[@theladder06]

Great video…thanks for sharing🥃

[@MrStrongbox]

Hey Fred thanks for the videos! Always great to hear your perspective. I'm with you on the KC Rye. I've bought 2 bottles in one month of a KC Rye Binny's store pick. It's like Christmas in a bottle. I'm a little surprised that I never hear you include WT products in some of your articles, especially budget bourbon articles. 101 and RB have some of the richest, most classic bourbon flavors in the industry, no? Any who's, thanks again for your expertise and knowledge.

[@FredMinnick]

Nothing like a side by side

[@MyPourDecisions]

How do you recommend trying whiskey without buying a whole bottle? The small sample bottles are usually only available for the mainstream brands. I don't want to spend big money for something I'll be giving away

[@ScottieByNature79]

This was excellent, Fred! This was the first video of yours that I've watched and I'll definitely be diving in for more. The concise breakdown of the process, the specifics on what to look for in each step, and the reminders about how everyone's palates and perceptions are unique were all highlights for me. I'm curious: what are your thoughts on adding a few drops of spring water? Do you do this when you're tasting? Do you find it changes what you taste or smell? I feel like I get mixed results when I do this, so I'm still on the fence about whether its really doing anything or if its just a placebo effect.

[@FredMinnick]

Hi, Scot! Thanks for tuning in. I love adding water to some whiskeys, but in the analytical process I prefer to keep it neat. A fun experiment is to add water to the Jack Daniel's or Old Forester line and see how it impacts the prominent banana note. Thanks again for tuning in. Cheers!

[@ScottieByNature79]

@@FredMinnick Interesting! Old Fo 1920 and 1910 are a couple of my current faves so I'll definitely have to run that experiment. Cheers to you, sir!

[@pinkcricketer1921]

I agree, the Knob Creek is a great Rye. However, the best rye I have ever tasted is Old Maysville Club from Old Pogue. Just curious if you have tried it, and your review of it.

[@ZacChastain]

Great video! I’m hosting a charity bourbon tasting in a week and really appreciate your take on tasting/talking points.

[@KennethRathburn]

I like to use Knob Creek Single Barrel vs. Rare Breed as an example of taste vs. finish, respectively. Knob Creek hits with a huge burst of warm, buttery flavor that doesn't stick around as long as I wish it did. Rare Breed is spicier (likely thanks to the rye), maybe funkier, and takes a bit more time to hit its "flavor stride," if you will. But it sort of keeps you on your toes waiting for a surprise of flavors. As for which I prefer, I still need to put them head-to-head, but so far I've found that long-finishing bourbons tend to be more aggressive on the palate, which makes them great for building up to. I do tend to be won over by the finish since that means it has more of a lasting impression. But again, Knob Creek is just one bourbon that makes a fantastic case for bourbons that hit you with lots of flavor and finish a tad abruptly.

[@mojoelite]

Both are awesome 👌

[@Mike2trys]

I’m new to bourbon, I bought a bottle of early times BIB because it’s on everyone’s list of great cheap bourbon. But I get a strong “licking a fresh rubber tire” finish on it. Did I get a bad bottle made or is my brain just broken? 😆 Help trying to figure out what that note should be would be appreciated

[@evelucky5539]

Thank you for the insightful info. I for one loves long finishes too. cheers

[@renniecohen5021]

Fred , I’m a 21 year old college student and I enjoy a nice glass of bourbon once or twice a week. I notice after the finish something I really pick up is the after taste. Is this still technically apart of the finish and is it something you would judge in evaluating bourbon ? In particular , the finish on the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked extending beyond that ten second plethora you were discussing. Also, do you ever evaluate with a pinch of water? I’m learning currently to taste by drinking “neat” however am finding some bourbons aren’t as smooth as some people say due to my undeveloped pallet. Thank you for the video Fred!!

[@FredMinnick]

Hi, Rennie, thanks for watching. Yes, that glorious after taste is a part of the finish. How long it’s there and the sensation on the tongue make up my favorite parts of a good whiskey.

[@toddtaylor5852]

Love these videos! For me, I really hone in on the mouth feel. I've always been one to judge food on texture, and I see that carrying over to my whiskey journey.

[@FredMinnick]

Glad I was able to help! Cheers!

[@Mojoe70]

Another great video 👍🏼🥃

[@geecee1990]

Is there a best way to taste high-proof bourbons without getting blown away by the proof? I prefer higher proof because I want all that taste, but sometimes the alcohol can really blow you away. For instance, I recently acquired a bottle of GTS UCUF. At 138 proof it is pretty stout, but man are there some great flavors in it.

[@B.A.S.Drydock]

I love to try new bourbons, in following along with your video I don't smell much! I definitely taste different things but have no ides what they are! I drink or sip jim beam and Wild Turkey honey and discovered a bourbon that is made just for Total Wine called Black Eagle! What i have discovered is I tend to like the honey bourbon more then the regular! And I take a lot of crap for it! The regular bourbon has too much of a bite/ burn to it! Something you eluded to in the video! Is it possible to love them as much and the honey? Great video! As you can tell I may be 57 but I am a toddler when it comes to drinking bourbon " the right way" Thanks for the info Fred

[@MikeM91320]

So happy to discover your channel as I am new to whiskey. Thanks for this great video--look forward to watching more. Side note, I am third generation San Franciscan.

[@bryanbaker5942]

Very informative. But bro.....what are you wearing around your neck?

[@ronaldwells1805]

I like this channel ran a crossed it the other day🎉🎉

[@GuyNAustin]

Very nice explanation. My preference lends toward overall flavor, and the layers that my unsophisticated palette is able to detect. It’s not trained enough to specify many notes individually, and particularly the more nuanced ones, but recognize the presence of multiple notes, when they are there. The basic ones like chocolate, dark fruit, citrus, oak, vanilla, caramel, I have no problem identifying, but many of the others that someone with a more sophisticated palette can identify is beyond my reach. I just know what I like, and what tastes good to me, which almost invariably gravitates to the higher dollar selections LOL. I don’t ignore the finish though, as that is one’s last impression, but I don’t harshly judge a good tasting whiskey if it exits too quickly. As for the nose, it’s been my experience that you cannot have a bad aroma and good flavor, so again the taste is king, because without taste, there is no purpose.

[@coryreedy2752]

Personally, the finish is least important for me. The aroma and then taste is what draws me to a whiskey or bourbon. I can understand that for competitions, the finish is more important. Great video.

[@FredMinnick]

thank you cory! thanks for tuning in. aroma and taste are huge but i also think they play into the finish 90% of the time. usually when both are good, finish follows

[@mbranbb]

Hey Fred I’m new to bourbon. I do love the taste of bourbon however I greatly struggle differentiating between the tastes of bourbons. I also struggle to get the right sip out of my glencairn. Meaning sometimes I take a sip and it perfectly coats my mouth and other sips I don’t seem to get that. I’m assuming my pallet just isn’t that great and as far as getting the right sip that’ll take practice. I didn’t know if you had tips for helping me taste the notes a little better similar to the smelling with the mouth open tip. Thanks in advance.

[@michaelhonea7407]

I found this video very informative. As someone that is new to whiskey/burbon how would you suggest building ones ability to pick out specific tastes/sents in a whiskey. I can taste a whiskey and know if I like it or not but I struggle when it comes to describing specifc flavors in the tast or sents on nose. Are there any exercises or routines you would suggest to build those "muscles"?

[@paulvanheuklom6439]

One thing I was looking for is how to interpret rating numbers. What, for example, distinguishes a 92 from an 84, etc.?

[@bryanwalker1737]

Excellent! Thank you sir! I think my olfactory nerves are pretty shot....I cannot smell the whiskies at all...but maybe I need to get a Glencairn glass.

[@uncledave6804]

I really like feel of whiskey hits the sides of my tongue especially because this is where I seem to get a burst of caramel or other dark sweetness that’s not fruit. I like how you described it as drizzling over the palate like butter. Thanks for the video.

[@jonnyfish76]

I would pour anything in my collection for this dude..subbed! lmao

[@mikemiller30]

Fred, by finish, do you mean lingering taste or aftertaste, or the warmth that lingers?

[@steelers6pak852]

Great video again. As for what is most important, all three? If it doesn’t have a great aroma I’m going to be skeptical going in, while anticipating a bad taste. If it smells good, but the notes don’t carry to flavor then who wants a long finish on a bad pour? I guess I just want it all. BTW got three of your books for Father’s Day; some good reading at the beach this summer!