1. Get Ready
Pour yourself a small measure of single malt whisky scotch whisky. A glass that is narrower at the top than the bottom is best. Hold it by the stem. Do not warm the glass in your hand. Have a bottle of unchilled still Scottish spring water to hand.
2. Check the Colour
Hold the glass up to the light. Colour does not necessarily show a single malts age: rather it indicates how the spirit was matured. Since a cast imparts colour and flavour, you may hazard that a golden hued single malt was matured in sherry oak; a very pale whisky may suggest to you that, predominantly, bourbon casks have been used. Such precognitions of quality and flavour, however, you should keep to yourself. At least for the moment.
3. Look at the Legs
Hold the glass at an angle and rotate it briskly, washing the inside walls of the glass with whisky. Hold the glass up straight and watch the liquid forming the ‘legs’ as it runs down the sides of the glass. Over time, single malts give up their lightest spirits to the ‘angel’s share’. So, the slower the legs the more viscous the liquid, the older the whisky.
4. Nose the Whisky
Hold your glass at arms length then pass it smoothly under your nose, breathing in deeply through the nose as you do. Think. Imagine. ‘What do those smells remind you of?’ Try to remember that ‘signature’. Now pass the glass back under your nose and repeat the process.
5. Taste the Spirit
Form your tongue into a small spoon shape in your mouth. Sip from the glass, letting the single malt nestle on your tongue. In your own mind, you will feel tongue-tied as you try to articulate the complex, constantly changing aromas and flavours.
6. Add a little fresh Spring Water
Don’t drown it. Just a little water a few drops should be enough. Swirl the glass, (to mix the watery aqua and the oily aqua vitae.) You’ll find the resulting mixture surprisingly mellow and drinkable. But don’t gulp. Take a small mouthful of whisky. Purse your lips and take in some air. Note all the different aromatics, the infinite notes and subtleties, the universe distilled into a drop of whisky.
Source: Bowmore: Islay Single Malt