How to Taste Without Being Weird About It

Look, smell, sip, repeat. Nobody needs a vocabulary test.

The glass

A tulip-shaped glass collects aroma at the top. A rocks glass works fine too; you will just smell a bit less.

Keep your mouth slightly open and do not jam your nose in the glass. Alcohol burns; the good stuff sits just above it.

Take a small first sip to get used to the proof, then a real one. Let it sit. Notice what shows up first, in the middle and on the way out.

Write down whatever it reminds you of, even if it is your grandma’s kitchen. That is a better note than any word you think you are supposed to use.