Rational Wine

A Life Through The Lens Of Wine

  • Home
  • New? Start Here
  • About Me
  • Philosophy
  • Words To Live By
  • Archives
  • Gallery
  • The Essentials
  • Rational Wine Note
  • The 7 Key Wine Concepts (FREE BOOK)
  • Wine Consultations

Rational Spirits Note

By Mark Law 1 Comment

You might think that wine is the focus of my profession, but a sommelier must be just as prepared to offer advice on spirits as well.

This is one of the reasons why the Diploma course has a unit dedicated solely to spirits of the world, including:

  • Brandy
  • Whisk(e)y
  • Rum
  • Gin
  • Vodka
  • Tequila
  • Calvados

Other, more specialised spirits (for example, mezcal, pisco and pastis) are covered as well.

Given the distinct characteristics that separate spirits from wine, an entirely separate Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) has been developed by the WSET to objectively categorise spirits.

During my studies I developed a note for spirits, modelled directly on the Rational Wine Note.

I now offer it here for your personal use:

Download Now!

Similar to the updated Rational Wine Note, I have presented it as a four-page document for double-sided, two-per-page printing.

 

Key Differences

You’ll quickly notice some key differences between the spirits note and the wine note:

  • Different set of colour designations
  • Maturation categories
  • Simpler scale, no Medium(+/-)

In addition, when tasting spirits it is recommended to add a few drops of water to bring out more of its aromas and flavours, as these become more volatile in the presence of water.

Water also exposes anise-flavoured spirits via louching, causing the solution to become milky/cloudy.

Tasting Neat

Of course, when objectively tasting spirits you should always have them neat.

This is in contrast to real-world situations where patrons would usually ask for spirits to be mixed, whether in a cocktail or simply with soda.

By learning to taste spirits neat, you will develop a deeper appreciation of what exactly goes into your cocktail. Who knows, you might eventually change your tastes, no longer ordering that bourbon+coke or gin+tonic that was your go-to order at the bar.

Read more: The 3 Gateways of Wine

Related Posts

  • Review #54 – The Glenlivet 15 YO French Oak ReserveReview #54 – The Glenlivet 15 YO French Oak Reserve
  • Update to the Rational Wine Note 4.0Update to the Rational Wine Note 4.0
  • Hello, My Name Is Mark Law DipWSETHello, My Name Is Mark Law DipWSET
  • How To Navigate A Wine Trade TastingHow To Navigate A Wine Trade Tasting

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Reddit
  • More
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Telegram
  • Pinterest
  • Skype
  • Print

Related

April 6, 2017 Filed Under: Blog Announcements

Subscribe via Email

Subscribe to Rational Wine and receive weekly reviews, articles, opinions and more!

Get My FREE Book

3D_7KWC_Reduced

Buy A Consultation

ConsultWineTemplate

Follow Rational Wine

  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Topics

  • Blog Announcements (21)
  • Day In The Life (35)
  • Impromptu Pairings (1)
  • The Essentials (8)
  • Thinking Sober (53)
  • Uncategorized (3)
  • Wine Experiments (5)
  • Wine Regions (9)
  • Wine Reviews (55)

Buy A Consultation

ConsultWineTemplate

Recent Posts

  • My experience of the Advanced Wine Assessment Course
  • Reflections on 2020
  • 2012 Campo Viejo Rioja Gran Reserva (or, How To Read A Wine Label)
  • New Video: Wine Vintages
  • New Video: Red Wine Grapes

Recent Comments

  • My experience of the Advanced Wine Assessment Course on Advanced Sommelier Exam – Second Attempt
  • Reflections on 2020 on Advanced Sommelier Exam – Second Attempt
  • Reflections on 2020 on Reflections on 2019
  • Reflections on 2020 on Will Sommeliers Go Out Of Fashion?
  • Reflections on 2020 on Hello, My Name Is Mark Law DipWSET

Copyright Rational Wine © 2013–2023 · Rational Wine · Consult Wine · The 7 Key Wine Concepts · Contact

 

Loading Comments...