BEST TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR PALATE FOR BOURBON!

[@darkmeatchicken9416]

First tip I learned at a distillery tour tasting was this...your first sip is going to shock your palate. The alcohol intensity is what comes on first. It's the second sip you start to actually taste the whiskey. Usually on your third sip, the flavors start to pronounce even more. This video is awesome Jason. Helps the beginner thats getting into whiskey and teaches the casual drinker how to expand on the total experience. Cheers man!

[@capibn]

This is true of other spirits, too. No tasting notes until the second or even the third sip.

[@LeeRichardson808]

Never realized I always kept my mouth closed while nosing whiskey. Amazing what a difference it makes! Best whiskey channel in the game.

[@calebboudreaux3258]

You have no idea how much I appreciate you not making us listen to you tasting 😂. There's some guys that I love their takes on tasting notes but I cringe at the sound of them tasting. 🙌🏻 You're the real mvp.

[@azmendozafamily]

I second that! There's one where he sounds like he's swishing mouthwash, it's quite off-putting.

[@eriksossa5297]

The BEST bourbon channel - informative, straight to the point and his notes on tasting are spot on!

[@stevenmauer5054]

Wow, the open mouth when nosing , something that simple.. Thanks

[@TheMashandDrum]

Simple but so effective. Couldn't believe it when I first did it. Cheers.

[@shawnhudson9482]

I love this! I've started building my collection over the last couple months, but I've held off on drinking my nicer bottles because I'm afraid I don't have the palate to appreciate them.

[@salamisaver]

If you enjoy it, you enjoy it. You don't have to have a 'developed' palate to appreciate fine liquor. And by drinking those bottles you are developing your palate.

[@yanksrule311]

Yeah, don’t worry about that crap. It was meant to be sipped. And besides, you deserve it. 👍

[@hulkslayer626]

After a month or so of drinking Whisky with my nephew, we started pouring each others glasses of Whisky so it is a blind tasting and we try to guess if it is a Bourbon, Scotch or Whisky. For a bonus, we then try to guess what it is. I feel like it has definately improved our tasting abilities. So much fun and soooo satisfying when we get it right :)

[@matthewgabbard6415]

I was told once to let the alcohol rip all the moisture off your tongue and then the flavors start to trickle back. That seems to work more with Scotch though, especially that big rush of ashtray in the peaty ones. Then after that fades it comes with more sweetness. Bourbons seem more viscous and spicy. More all encompassing

[@berninme]

I appreciate that people can get good at this. For me I just prefer to drink it.

[@tosh962]

You can tip a Glencairn glass on its side as well (as long as your drams aren't megadrams). It's actually kinda fun to pour a nip, tip the glass and watch it roll around in a circle as it gently agitates your whiskey. You can even put your chin on the table and try to catch a whiff as it rolls by if you're talented enough. Just don't set it too close to the edge! Cheers!

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

While there are some differences, what you're recommending is pretty much what I've developed from experience. 🙂 10:39 *For me* water decreases the enjoyment. I've tried it with a number of whiskies, and it certainly made a difference, but in every case I preferred the juice straight. Every palate is different. 🙂

[@dylanroskop5134]

Great tips!! The biggest thing that has helped me is blind flights. I go slow, write down notes and try my best to not guess what each glass is. I've learned so much about my palate and preferences by doing this.

[@TheMashandDrum]

That's a great way to learn as well.

[@timevans103]

Great tip on keeping your mouth open on the bringing it to the nose to get enhanced aroma’s. Huge difference. I always had my mouth closed.

[@SentMyOwnWay]

Thanks for the tips. I definitely learned some things.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Cheers!

[@AlphaOneActual]

So you’re saying I should stop butt-chugging my bourbons, gotcha Jason, you’re the expert!

[@TheMashandDrum]

LMAO!! Maybe!

[@marksaliba4194]

I'm sure he would prefer to butt chug that Jephtha Creed

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@marksaliba4194 NOOOOOO! LOL!

[@AlphaOneActual]

The Mash and Drum hahaha, in all seriousness though I love chewing all my whiskies, it really does open up flavours more than just rolling whiskies on the tongue.

[@robertjones8826]

Very helpful. Thanks for guiding this neophyte on his exciting new journey! Ledge

[@edricksimmons4484]

I'm new to the art of whiskey and bourbon... I'm trying to get out of just making mixed drinks and shots... lol... I'm attempting to develop my pallate better and your videos are really helpful!! I remember when I would see people drinking whiskey and describing what they tasted or smelled and I was confused because all I smelled in my cup was a strong punch in the nose of straight alcohol..lol I have about 30 bottles now and I'm finding it pretty cool how there's so many layers in these bottles!!! It's a very cool and interesting hobby so I'm subscribed... teach me sir...👍

[@rolandjose4704]

That wild Turkey Rare breed with rockey patel 5yr aged corojo is awesome!

[@rolandjose4704]

Especially with undercrown (any of their dark smokes really) unico series UF-13, found this out recently

[@BretSimmons]

That was great! I don't have a very sophisticated palate but I know what I like.

[@TheMashandDrum]

And that's all you need. But hopefully there are some useful tips in case you want to take a deeper dive. Cheers!

[@mike_w_21]

Just starting my Bourbon journey and have found your stuff very helpful Jason, thanks! Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is my first crack at. :)

[@TheGabrielberki]

The best tips, eat more food, drink more bourbon! Great info for the novice and experts alike!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Definitely don't mind the eating and drinking part. lol

[@sandralong1854]

Thank you for this. Now I understand why you taste cherry in many of your episodes! Just found you.

[@willbeverly7858]

Fine, fine video sir!

[@RoyHanks]

Love this.... I'll be using this to help in the introduction to friends who are just starting in the whiskey world. Also, thanks for muting out all the mouth noises. There are so many videos I've shut off for this very reason!!

[@twisard1]

Thanks, Jason. Once again, I've learned something new from you.

[@993C2S]

Great educational video

[@patrickfulmer9596]

Now that's some homework that I can get behind. Cheers!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Lol. Might as well with all the time we have now. Cheers!

[@travisloewen6191]

Great ideas for me me to try. Thanks! One thing that has helped me quite a bit is side-by-side comparisons. Being able to taste something different while the notes are still fresh in my memory made a big difference.

[@Posterharpua]

you can do all you possibly want to enhance your bourbon tasting experience, but if your tongue is burned or tainted by something you ate (think Onions), your palate is gonna be all kinds of screwed up and you wont get the best experience. I actually find if i drink coffee and follow it with loads of water and wait an hour or so, it's enough to sort of reset my palate so i can taste the bourbon really well. often times, drinking bourbon right after drinking coffee is a nice mix for my palate and i love the combination. If something tastes off to you, come back to it a day later when your palate has been reset.

[@terrysoule8441]

This was a most helpful video. Thanks so much for putting this together!

[@douglaspapa9545]

Great video Jason, very informative...a very big help. Thanks

[@ADHDWhiskey]

Great job Jason! I always feel that one thing that is often overlooked is temperature of the whiskey. For me, I like to warm my whiskey in my hands above room temperature before really starting to explore the nose and palate. Chilled whiskies seemed a bit closed off and need a few degrees to begin opening up.

[@TheMashandDrum]

That's a good call. Room temperature helps open it up as well especially if its a neck pour. Cheers buddy.

[@bourbonbuddies836]

ADHD Whiskey super agree with you man. Grabbing whiskey from the cellar for me needs at least 10-15 minutes to warm up to room temperature. Once that happens, the nose comes alive. It’s like when spring comes around, you start smelling everything outside. Big factor of that is temperature. You cool something it shuts down the aromas, but warm it up and you get to really know what’s going on. Great point indeed 🥃

[@wongjefx980]

Ha ha...crazy... I just asked this question yesterday on It's Bourbon Time live stream yesterday. I opened a new Elijah Craig bottle and was in heaven, then few days later after eating food heavy in garlic, the same drink tasted less than great in the mouth. Needed a palate reset.

[@jkdubya85]

This is exactly what I have been searching for on a vid. Subscribed months ago, and was only able to find this today. Great vids, man.

[@rbh1151]

Ever so helpful and fun to watch, as always! Thank you. I have noticed that my palate changes from day to day, in a big enough way that I have days when I just don't enjoy any bourbon. I have learned to drink wine or beer on those days. I can't find any pattern to it. I can go days in a row when bourbon is nectar of the gods, then suddenly a day when it is medicinal and unrewarding. It happens to both the nose and the taste at the same time. If only there was a way to reset to nectar mode or prevent the off days from occurring.

[@TheMashandDrum]

There are definitely a lot of factors that come into play. Palate fatigue and changing tastes can be a factor. I had a medicinal day that you mentioned recently. Sometimes your palate can be off.

[@driftwood9098]

covid

[@sightlinestrategies]

Fantastic tips thank you! Some of the best I've seen yet.

[@clearlycaribbeanreb7176]

Informative video. I prefer the sweet and heat of a higher proof bourbon.

[@andy1232269]

Super, super helpful! Thanks Jason!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Fantastic video. Great suggestions. I had no idea I was supposed to smell with the mouth open. The next drink is going to be a better one.

[@brianscott963]

Jason, You have been very informative. Keep up the excellent job that you have been doing. Through you and some other channels I have been finding a greater understanding and enjoyment in my Bourbon journey

[@ironheadjump5114]

Outstanding video 👍

[@andrewspecht4586]

This was the most interesting and helpful bourbon video I’ve ever watched. Cheers!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks so much!

[@vladtepes9614]

Up to this point I've been sipping my bourbon out of a small wine glass. Just ordered a glencairn, a Túath and a Highland glass. Gonna do a side by side to see which one I prefer.

[@themooseloungepodcast]

Jason, do you have any more videos like this?? I'm not necessarily a "connoisseur" of bourbon I'll leave that to you but I'd like to get more than just the basic tastes and smells I usually get. Thanks man, love the channel.

[@johnpickett8533]

Great stuff!!!

[@nickp5511]

Awesome tips, really helpful!

[@jacksonfl]

Man, I needed this! Thanks so much.

[@Richie.Z]

Awesome episode, Jason, very informative! Cheers!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Richie!

[@keano41]

for me being a noob these are great tips!

[@KennethRathburn]

Late comment, but for me the most effective way to distinguish different distillers from one another was with blind versus rounds and flights. This is my favorite way to try whiskey, especially if I'm unfamiliar with what I'm tasting since it means I have to think that much more about what I'm trying and figure out what it is I like and dislike about each expression. That said, I do think deep dives into one distillery at a time is also a fun, effective way to get accustomed to them and train your palate to recognize big similarities and subtle differences simultaneously.

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

Fantastic video Jason. I was just talking about this very subject recently with another enthusiast and your tips are brilliant. I'll be directing people to this video. Cheers!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Al! Finally was able to produce this one. Thanks for watching!

[@Bourbinsane]

Phenomenal video Jason! Great info and all spot on! Thx for all the education!

[@TheMashandDrum]

cheers chris!

[@gman5986]

Thanks Jason for this educational Whisky tasting video!

[@TMats100]

Nice job, as always, Jason

[@zoolander221]

Great tips, thank you. I look forward to trying some of these methods.

[@dougborkman3115]

Thanks. Very informative. Been drinking brown water (and smoking cigars) for years, and have often wondered if I was really getting the most enjoyment out of the hobbies. This will help.

[@williamleidy6713]

Great vid. When having an evening of sipping I tend to start out low in proof and move up. I will then stop with whatever clicks with my palate that evening. I also clean my glass / use a new glass when change pours so I am not polluting one whiskey with the remnants of another.

[@nickbonvino]

Great video!! Stagg Jr is one of my favorite bourbons!! Also love four roses barrel strength. The flavors are excellent!! Love your no-nonsense approach!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks! Nick! Cheers!

[@nickp5511]

Another thought, maybe use a easily available pour so we can sample with you. Also are there any foods or snacks to have and not alter flavor? Thanks for all the info!

[@miguelluzardo2720]

It really is hard to determine age based on what you drink due to many distillery's adding food coloring to their liquor. Great vid.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Hopefully that is the case for the most part but that can definitely be a factor in scotch and some bourbons with alot of finishing. Cheers!

[@BigSteve34]

Bourbon can not be colored. Other whiskeys can be tho

[@robr.3679]

Outstanding video! I'm trying to improve my palate and this video was a big help. Work in progress!

[@frankkirbyiii2368]

Thanks for the tips.

[@jimmykaptis8455]

Awesome help man! Always appreciate help enjoying bourbon!!!

[@WhiskeyQuests]

Nice man great tips and learned something new myself about what part of our palate picks up what 👍

[@scottdbsn]

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@bourbonapprentice]

As always, I love your stuff man. Been training my palate hard for a while so this was helpful. I feel like I’m making progress each week. I’ve been doing a weekly review on Sundays on my Insta page to call out some notes. Cheers

[@TheMashandDrum]

I've noticed. It's just practice and context. Familiarizing yourself with flavors and scents. One day it just all clicks but some days the palate isn't there. Always an exciting trip. Cheers.

[@rockermork]

Thanks Jason. Good stuff. I've always heard that we shouldn't swirl whiskey. Maybe not "shouldn't" but don't need to like wine. I'm sure it's all about personal preference or if the whiskey is real high proof.

[@msa4998]

Thank you. I have tried many different bourbons and my biggest issue is that although I can smell and taste differences in different selections and really can discern nuances between different distillers, I find it very difficult to say a pour smells like X or Y. I hear someone say they pickup caramel corn or apple or graham cracker and unless something just smacks me in the face on a very dominant smell, I just have a very difficult time saying it smells like X. I have tried different glasses and methods thinking that would help with identification ... to no avail. It's pretty odd as out in the world, I pick up and identify smells pretty well, but with bourbon (whiskey) I have hit a wall. I received a nosing kit for Christmas so hoping that helps, but we will see. In the end, I guess it doesn't matter, but it would be nice to be able to describe to someone what I smell and taste versus just he basic notes (sweet, earthy, ect...).

[@jimmueller3525]

Great job as always.

[@timpe23]

Love the video! Just getting into bourbon and these are some great tips!

[@whiskyfrontier3150]

Great tips Jason, thanks! I appreciate your content! Cheers.

[@scottwilliams5388]

Expert advice! Thanks!

[@dgsutube01]

Very educational! Thank you!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Cheers!

[@edwardwilcox6606]

Great advise, thanks for sharing it. On glass choice I`m really enjoying the Libbey Signature Bourbon Trail Glass, a sort of squat but larger diameter Glencairn, I highly recommend them....even better if there`s some Stagg JR in it!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Ohh! Thanks for the call out! I will check that glass out! Cheers!

[@jimcordry845]

Love you channel Jason, after viewing this I'm having a pour early today. Stagg jr # 12 or Booker's country ham? Decisions decisions.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Ooohh the Stagg! Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@PixelPilgrim7]

Great Video! Cheers

[@orionrock9206]

Awesome thanks

[@Bourbonsouth47]

Good stuff

[@seabeebuilder1486]

Thanks.

[@spencergrady4575]

I'm usually a Maker's 46 drinker (as far as an affordable, always on hand drink goes), but I've recently really started enjoying Middle West Straight Rye Dark Pumpernickel; any recommendations of drinks similar to that? As a bonus, any cigar pairing recommendations? Rose of Sharyn currently is my go-to when drinking that.

[@JS-fz6jh]

Tip #1, find someone more experienced than yourself and take their advice. Thanks for the advice, will try these methods as well...

[@azmendozafamily]

I like to have my whiskey up, so chilled, strained and served in a stemmed copita.

[@SomthingWonderful]

Best tip from a master taster was to put a little hot sauce on a cracker and eat it; then you want to gargle the whiskey for about thirty seconds, then spit it out and immediately drink some water. After that you’re going to have to wait about five hours to allow your taste buds to proof and then taste the whiskey by first taking five shots. Hold the fifth shot to allow the flavors to settle. You are now primed for a master tasting session. Cleanse the palate between tastes - forty five minute intervals - by have the hot sauces cracker. Hot sauce is magic when tasting high proof whiskey. Enjoy!

[@RebeccaPaige]

Link to video/interview referenced @4:45?

[@TheMashandDrum]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYq8ap-jmZeSobM

[@BadWeatherfreak]

What high proof would you recommend on a budget?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Wild Turkey rare breed, old Ezra 7 year or makers mark cask strength

[@BadWeatherfreak]

@@TheMashandDrum I think I will give rare breed a shot first

[@WhiskeyQuests]

One tip from me. Drink it in a quiet place no distractions to concentrate on the flavors. Maybe some low volume music. Just sit back and relax

[@TheMashandDrum]

I like that one.

[@physics2112]

Like or Dislike: Like. I'm happy the video didn't focus on the aspect of water properties in a bourbon's flavor profile. A lot of distilleries in the U.S. like to tout their water source as imparting all sorts of nuances that are unique to their bourbons. The actual number of bourbon consumers whose palates are sensitive enough to detect these nuances is minuscule, to say nothing of the fact that the distillation process basically equalizes all the water properties across the nation's distilleries. Now, as for adding water to bourbon, here there might be noticeable differences between tap water and mineral water, but I still think that's on a much more advanced level of palate training and wouldn't be relevant to the vast majority of viewers.

[@popio]

👍

[@PalParkTigers]

oh my jason, what did you do with all those pours! I hope you didnt throw them out!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Blended them like I always do. lol

[@TheBaldDog32]

Okay.... I WANT to like bourbon, whisky, brandy, tequila, etc. But I don't. Pretty much HATE the taste of liquor straight, all I get are gag-inducing flavors and throat burning. I realize I don't buy the best stuff on the market but I've tried everything from cheap Evan Williams to some fairly expensive Scotch's and all I get is brown and burning. Part of me remembers I used to hate beer as well before I got used to it. Are hard liquors the same way? Am I just going to wake up one day and be okay with them if I keep sampling? Do y'all have a "Here are the Idiot's Guide into tolerating and eventually enjoying bourbon"?

[@TheMashandDrum]

I've run into alot of people in the same boat. Let me ask...do you have a sweet tooth? What kind of foods do you like? What do you drink now?

[@TheBaldDog32]

@@TheMashandDrum Wouldn't say I have a sweet tooth more than most people, who doesn't like sugar. Foods: Pizza, steak, Tacos, sushi, etc. I'd say more savory than sweet in general flavor. Drink: Beer, just about anything that's well made but lately have been into Sours and stouts. Also I make wine but strongly prefer dry wines and can get much more flavors and nuances from them than anything semisweet or sweet (I enjoy a good Port but a good Pinot Noir does much more for me). I also do have some liquor at home for the purpose of mixed drinks (Whisky Sours, moderate fan. Jack/George and Cokes, moderate fan. Jet Juice (Disney) with Maker's Mark, big fan). I have watched a few of your videos and even the people who seem to dislike whiskey have a VERY different reaction to it than I do. Its like I'm the liquor-version of the people who taste soap instead of Cilantro.

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@TheBaldDog32 my advice to you would be to start with some finished bourbons or whiskeys, angels Envy is finished in port casks and is easy enough n the palate. Knob Creek maple finished bourbon or try basil Hayden Caribbean. All 3 have low proof points and can be an easier entry into the whiskey category. If you don't want to do a finished whiskey, try Evan Williams single barrel. It's low enough in proof and has really good sweet flavors. Hope you find something you like. Cheers!

[@TheBaldDog32]

@@TheMashandDrum Will go spec out the liquor store when I get done with work. Thank you for the recommendations.

[@Roman_Carter]

close your eyes

[@wiscowhiskeyreview]

Thanks for this vid! I'm always trying to learn more and get better at nosing/tasting anything and everything I can. Definitely some good stuff here and worth putting into practice. I finally got my youtube channel up and my first video done, so if you have time to check it out, that'd be awesome :) Any content/editing tips you can give me would be appreciated, too. I already subbed and got notifications going for this channel, too. Cheers, Jason.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Cheers! I will definitely check it out!

[@8chammer2]

I noticed that almost every time you nosed your whiskey, your mouth was closed.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Looks that way. But it's slightly open.

[@holliberry2614]

Chewing food ...gross sounding. Chewing bourbon....bliss!

[@macduggles]

Zalensky, is that you?

[@robertbass151]

To me so far...every brand, every proof, and everything just smells and tastes like pure rubbing alcohol

[@TheDanInDanger]

Are you keeping your mouth open when you taste? If your mouth is closed you'll mostly smell ethanol or acetone.

[@metalman3274]

Love these informative videos. Helpful. Thanks again Jason C.