Whether it is a wine or a spirit I first look at it in the glass to see if I like its colour. Red wine, white wine, whisky, brandy even gin and tonic, all have a special colour which I find pleasing
I don’t know much about fine wines but I know what I like. I know that I like a wine or spirit because I find it pleasing to my five senses; sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing. Please note that I have said nothing about country, colour, soil, climate or any of the other things which professional wine tasters find so interesting. I drink wines which cost about the same as three or four litres of petrol… but taste nothing like petrol.
So how do I define a wine as being lovely? I use my five senses.
1. SIGHT: Whether it is a wine or a spirit I first look at it in the glass to see if I like its colour. Red wine, white wine, whisky, brandy even gin and tonic, they all have a special colour which I find pleasing.
2. SMELL: You have to be able to smell. Assuming that you can smell and that you are not laden with a heavy cold, wines and spirits have a distinctive and individual smell. Some I like while others I cannot abide. So within seconds of lifting my glass and taking a look at the colour, I raise the glass to my nose and take a sniff. This always impresses dinner guests. All I am really doing is seeing if I am prepared to put this stuff in my mouth.
3. TOUCH: Very important. Wines and spirits are usually presented in their own glasses. Not plastic cups. Cut glass, lead crystal, recycled glass, plain, patterned, coloured, old or new, they all add something to the drink. Personally I try to avoid paper cups and plastic tumblers, but that’s only me.
4. TASTE: I’ve done my three pre-checks and I have some pre-conceived ideas about how the drink will taste. Now is the moment of truth. I raise the glass to my lips and I take a sip. Not a gulp. I roll the liquid over my tongue, purse my lips then swallow. I prefer to do all this with my eyes closed as it gives the impression that I know what I am doing. I draw air in through my nose, smile and then say to my host that is wonderful, regardless of how I feel about what I was given. It’s only good manners.
5. HEARING: For me the best part. CLINK THE GLASSES. Now let the celebrations begin.
Let me know if you enjoyed this article and please think of this article whenever you take your next glass of wine or spirits.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
My name is Brian McHugh. I am a self confessed poser. I love to have people think I am a great lover of fine wines and spirits. In truth, I know very little about them but I do know the actions.
By Brian McHugh
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Brian_McHugh/799560