Tasting Kosher Wines And Whiskeys
Although its easy to find kosher wines and whiskeys in the same discount liquor store, these two breeds of alcohol require very different tasting methods. Read on for advice on how to properly taste kosher liquor and wines.
Kosher Wines
To begin, its important to pour your wine or champagne into the appropriate kind of glass. In general, red wine glasses feature round, wide bowls, while those for white wine are more often narrow. Round glasses increase the surface area of liquid exposed to the air, allowing for greater oxidation. Connoisseurs say that oxidation allows the aromas in the wine to open up, softening the flavors for maximum enjoyment. As red wines are generally the most potent, they benefit most from exposure to the air. A Cabernet Sauvignon Herzog wine, for example, would flourish after 10 to 15 minutes of oxidation. Not that youve got a proper glass, its time to start smelling. This occurs in two stages: a quick whiff with your nose outside the glass, and a longer inhalation with your nose dipped inside. The first sniff with help you identify the bold flavors and characteristics of the wine, while the second sniff is to pick up the wines more subtle tones.
After smelling, take a small sip of the wine and allow it to slowly travel over your tongue. You should get a sense of the wines basic flavors and texture, followed by its secondary components such as cedar and cinnamon.
Kosher Whiskeys
Whiskey is stronger than most other types of kosher liquor, and single malt scotch whiskey exemplifies this quality, providing a powerful taste that is not at all toned down. Whiskey glasses come in all shapes and sizes, however the best single malt scotch glasses are usually tulip-shaped. Tulip glasses curve inward to preserve the malts aroma, then flare outward at the very top to compel a portion of the scent directly to the nostrils. This shape also allows the whiskey to hit a wide portion of the tongue with every sip. To begin, experts recommend tilting and rotating the glass to promote oxidation and spread the whiskey over the bowl. When smelling, begin with your nose a couple of inches distant from the glass, then take a second sniff by lowering your nose as close to the malt as you can stand it. Open your mouth slightly while smelling to more thoroughly absorb the aromas. At this stage, you can dilute your whiskey by adding filtered water. Some purists might scoff at the idea, but new whiskey drinkers often have to work their way up to the most powerful flavors.
To taste your kosher liquor, take a small sip and allow the liquid to coat your tongue, exposing the flavor to each of your taste buds. After you swallow, take a short breath and then close your mouth again, releasing the breath through your nose. The way your sinuses experience the whiskey is termed the finish.
Kosher Wines
To begin, its important to pour your wine or champagne into the appropriate kind of glass. In general, red wine glasses feature round, wide bowls, while those for white wine are more often narrow. Round glasses increase the surface area of liquid exposed to the air, allowing for greater oxidation. Connoisseurs say that oxidation allows the aromas in the wine to open up, softening the flavors for maximum enjoyment. As red wines are generally the most potent, they benefit most from exposure to the air. A Cabernet Sauvignon Herzog wine, for example, would flourish after 10 to 15 minutes of oxidation. Not that youve got a proper glass, its time to start smelling. This occurs in two stages: a quick whiff with your nose outside the glass, and a longer inhalation with your nose dipped inside. The first sniff with help you identify the bold flavors and characteristics of the wine, while the second sniff is to pick up the wines more subtle tones.
After smelling, take a small sip of the wine and allow it to slowly travel over your tongue. You should get a sense of the wines basic flavors and texture, followed by its secondary components such as cedar and cinnamon.
Kosher Whiskeys
Whiskey is stronger than most other types of kosher liquor, and single malt scotch whiskey exemplifies this quality, providing a powerful taste that is not at all toned down. Whiskey glasses come in all shapes and sizes, however the best single malt scotch glasses are usually tulip-shaped. Tulip glasses curve inward to preserve the malts aroma, then flare outward at the very top to compel a portion of the scent directly to the nostrils. This shape also allows the whiskey to hit a wide portion of the tongue with every sip. To begin, experts recommend tilting and rotating the glass to promote oxidation and spread the whiskey over the bowl. When smelling, begin with your nose a couple of inches distant from the glass, then take a second sniff by lowering your nose as close to the malt as you can stand it. Open your mouth slightly while smelling to more thoroughly absorb the aromas. At this stage, you can dilute your whiskey by adding filtered water. Some purists might scoff at the idea, but new whiskey drinkers often have to work their way up to the most powerful flavors.
To taste your kosher liquor, take a small sip and allow the liquid to coat your tongue, exposing the flavor to each of your taste buds. After you swallow, take a short breath and then close your mouth again, releasing the breath through your nose. The way your sinuses experience the whiskey is termed the finish.
