As a beginner in whisky appreciation, it is sometimes hard to tell one whisky apart from the next, especially if you're only served the amber liquid in a rocks glass without ever seeing the bottle.

As a beginner, it is easy to think that the flavor of whisky is simply woody, sweet, and either smooth/gentle or harsh. But there is so much more to whisky to be explored.

 

In my journey, I have learned that one way to truly appreciate a whisky is by doing a side-by-side comparison. This is where tasting flights come in.

The best way to get started is to hit a good and proper whisky bar. In Metro Manila, both Lit and 1824 Whisky and Cigar Bar are great places that offer affordable tasting flights curated by the bar master. Their prices start from below P1,000 for at least three tasting drams.

 

But you can also DIY your own flight by ordering your preferred drams from the bartender. You can ask the bartender to guide you depending on what you are in the mood for. Do you want to compare a delicate Japanese dram vs a punch in your face Islay dram? Or maybe you want to observe the more subtle differences between whiskies produced by the same brand?

While the Suntory whiskies are similarly delicate on the palate, tasting their offerings side-by-side makes it easier to appreciate the tart umeboshi (pickled plum) of the Yamazaki NAS compared to the banana-pine of the Hakushu NAS.

 

An all-Islay flight is a good intro to peat and can give you insight on different levels of smokiness, and different layers of flavors in each offering: from fruit salted leather, to burning campfires, to honey wood smoked fish.

To the next flight! Sláinte!

Image Courtesy of @WhiskyPH

@WhiskyPH

At its core, whisky appreciation is an exercise in memory. Notes of a whisky enthusiast in the Philippines. 🥃🇵🇭