Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Describing Scotch - Finish

Finish is a common and familiar term often used to describe the taste profile of a particular scotch.  To put it simply, the finish of a scotch can be described as the after-taste left in the mouth.

"Short" and "long" are two of the most common words to describe the finish of a scotch.  The scotch's finish is how long the flavor impression lasts in your mouth and on your tongue after it is swallowed.  This is where the scotch culminates, and the after-taste comes into play. 

To observe the finish of the drink, ask yourself these questions: did it last several questions?  Was it light-bodied (think the weight of water), medium-bodied (like the weight of milk) or full-bodied (with the consistency of cream)?  Can you taste the remnant of the scotch on the back of your mouth and throat?  What was your last flavor impression - fruity, smoky, oak?  Does the taste persist, or is it short-lived? 

57 comments:

  1. Does the quality or price of the scotch affect those questions.

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  2. I love scotch. From Macallan 12 yr to Glenlivet....its delicious

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  3. cool... i learn something new every time i visit this blog. :)

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  4. Love a good smoky or oaky finish.
    Smooooth.

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  5. I really gotta try some scotch! and ask myself those questions.

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  6. not the time to drink right now XD

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  7. I don't really like drinks that leave a long lasting taste in my mouth.

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  8. thats great to know! ill think of that next time i drink scotch!

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  9. I want to love Scotch, but I don't, I struggle with it. Like 25% of people I'm a supertaster, the taste impact of Scotch is overwhelming to me and somewhat unpleasant. I can, however, dilute it. :)

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  10. My last scotch had a long finish, I believe, but then I haven't really tried to compare with others. I'm going to involuntarily start now.

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  11. The other day I drank a beer with a finish like a Warhead. Related?

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  12. i probably could not differ 15$ scotch from 1500$scotch. this is actually quite sad

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  13. Interesting information, thanks for sharing!

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  14. When my friend started getting into scotches, the only finish he could describe was burning.

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  15. How long until you can start telling the difference between cheap and exclusive stuff? I ask because to me, it still tastes pretty much the same. I feel like such a cretin.

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  16. thanks for the tip :D i will sound smarter from now on

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  17. To me, the finish is the best part. Last night, my gf asked if she could try some. Haha... It wasn't a bad reaction, but she was shocked at the difference in taste. She has yet to make a statement about the drink yet. :)

    I follow and support those who do likewise.
    toastburnt.blogspot.com

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  18. i prefer the expensive stuff, you can really tell the difference in quality :)

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  19. I can't tell what it is, I just like it or don't

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  20. This post has a great finish.

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  21. You gonna make me an alcoholic?
    Now I wont some scotch....

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  22. Same describing words are used with other liqours and wine/beer as well.

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  23. I could go for some right now.

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  24. really enjoy light-bodied whiskeys that go down like water, instead of the heavier ones (btw I fixed the image in my blog, if you want to still check it out)

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  25. after all this reading and learning i may have to try a sip one day

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  26. Love me a long oaky scotch. I'm so sober.

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  27. Never really paid attention to this before. Will be sure to next time

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  28. hi, I like scotch myself. but never really new what to evaluate in one... thanks!! this blog is interesting :)

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  29. I love scotch and know nothing about it. Not for long though haha, following!

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  30. good stuff man.

    by the way, what is your bb.com username? are you brahnosarrusrex? (however you spell it) if yes then why'd you get banned? i'm shadowwalker021

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  31. All this sort of information is silly, but interesting anyway.

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  32. Buying a bottle JW Black this weekend...

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  33. This is great! Now I will sound like a pro at the bars!

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  34. Wow dude I love the little tutorial. I hope you post some more hints on reviewing scotch.

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  35. i find mine to usually last long. is this good?

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  36. Cool info, I'm so unsophisticated when it comes to alcohol.

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  37. Very interesting, never really known much about these things in terms of alcohol.

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  38. i enjoy a fine malt liquor from time to time as well.

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  39. Who would have thought they'd use such a word for describing a taste.

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  40. Hmmm great tips, i could use some right now

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  41. Soon I'm going to be a professional scotch taster :D

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  42. Wow, impressive the art of drinking scotch.

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  43. the aftertaste is everything, as well as the warmth it gives you

    i love scotch in the fact that the nature of the drink prevents you from really binging on it, though you definitely can

    it's so versatile

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  44. im actually more into fruity, seeing its the less popular here makes me think im weird

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  45. Now I won't drink alcohol the same. Asking these questions will change everything.

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