how to improve your whisky knowledge in 2024

Beyond enjoying a good dram, how do you become a better, brighter, bolder whisky enthusiast for 2024? The answer is in the six things that every whisky enthusiast should do if they want to enhance their knowledge going into 2024.

Tasting Mastery

The foundation of whisky appreciation is tasting. After you pour. Stop. Lift the glass up to light and examine the colour. Then nose it. Which notes can you detect? Sip it and do the same. Develop a keen sense of smell and taste to identify subtle notes in your whisky. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep tasting and comparing different whiskies.

Read, read, read

Whether it’s books, LinkedIn posts, blogs – or even the information on whisky bottle labels. Understanding the history and culture of whisky adds depth to your appreciation. Dive into the rich heritage of Scotch, Japanese whisky, bourbon, etc. Learn about the whisky-making process, its origin, and the influence of geography on its flavour.

Visit WHISKY Distilleries

If you can, plan a few distilleries visits in the year. There’s nothing that beats going to the ‘coal face’ as it were. And it’s not true that once you’ve visited one, you’ve visited them all. Every distillery produces in a different way and there’s a wealth of knowledge there to tap into. Talk to the ambassadors and people behind the scenes, they often harness a huge range of knowledge, not only about their own brand, but about the entire world of whisky.

Networking and Community:

Engaging with fellow whisky enthusiasts is an enriching experience. Join whisky clubs, attend tastings, and connect with like-minded individuals. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and even rare finds with the whisky community can be incredibly rewarding.

whisky Shows and Tasting Events

There are so many whisky shows and tasting events throughout the year and they’re a fantastic opportunity to improve and enhance your knowledge. These gatherings offer opportunities to sample a wide variety of whiskies, interact with experts, and learn about the latest trends in the industry.

Expand your whisky palate

If you only ever drink blended Scotch whisky, maybe try an Irish blended whiskey or a single pot still; if you only ever drink American rye, give bourbon a turn. Ever tried Japanese whisky? Maybe 2024 can be your year of exploration. You get the idea.

Developing these six essential skills will deepen your appreciation of whisky. Keep learning, exploring, and enjoying.

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