Whiskey tasting - Clear the Nose with Coffee Beans
When tasting different whiskies, it is important to cleanse your nose and palette between tastings to ensure an optimal and accurate experience. A popular method is to smell coffee beans.
In this article, we will explore how the smell of coffee beans can cleanse the nose, as well as provide some tips on how to best use this method during a whiskey tasting.
Why coffee beans?
Coffee beans are known to neutralize odors and clear nasal passages. They contain powerful aromas that act as a "reset button" for your nose, making it easier to distinguish different scents.
This is particularly useful during whiskey tasting, where a big part of the experience is capturing the complex aromas of different whiskeys .
How to do it:
Choose a container of coffee beans: Find a small bowl or small airtight container and fill it with freshly roasted coffee beans. It is important to use whole beans as they have a stronger aroma than ground coffee.
Hold the container close to your nose: When you’re ready to clear your nose between whisky tastings, bring the container of coffee beans up to your nose and take a deep breath. Be sure not to stick your nose directly into the beans, but hold it close enough so you can catch the scent. This will help neutralize any remaining whisky aromas in your nose.
Take a moment to pause: After inhaling the aroma of the coffee beans, give your nose a moment to adjust and “reset” itself. This will ensure you are ready to pick up on the subtle differences in the whiskies you are tasting.
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Change your coffee beans regularly: To maintain a strong and fresh aroma, it is important to change your coffee beans regularly. If you are participating in a longer whisky tasting, it may be a good idea to have a few containers of coffee beans ready to replace.
Cleanse your palate too: Also remember to cleanse your palate between tastings. This can be done by drinking water, eating a neutral food like a biscuit or having a piece of dark chocolate. This way you will not only cleanse your nose but also prepare your taste buds for the next whisky tasting.
Clearing your nose by smelling coffee beans is a simple but effective method that can significantly improve your whiskey tasting.
By following these steps, you can become more aware of the complex aromas and flavor notes found in different whiskies, providing a more satisfying and precise tasting experience.
So the next time you taste whiskey, remember to have some coffee beans on hand – and let your senses be awakened.
