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? 
Posted by at

57 comments:

  1. The Angry LurkerMarch 15, 2011 at 8:32 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 8:33 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. JayMarch 15, 2011 at 8:38 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  4. AlphabetaMarch 15, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Love a good smoky or oaky finish.
    Smooooth.

    ReplyDelete
  5. duffboiMarch 15, 2011 at 9:06 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. InhiaMarch 15, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Having a drink now. Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  7. SpikeMarch 15, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    not the time to drink right now XD

    ReplyDelete
  8. BrutMarch 15, 2011 at 9:51 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kicking RocksMarch 15, 2011 at 9:57 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. ChuckMarch 15, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    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. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. D4March 15, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  12. MotivationalizedMarch 15, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Hmmm,I never noticed this.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Random FanMarch 15, 2011 at 10:28 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. TheHarvesterMarch 15, 2011 at 10:53 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. RawMarch 15, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    Interesting information, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  16. T. BanacekMarch 15, 2011 at 12:15 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. Mostly IrrelephantMarch 15, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Biff TannerMarch 15, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Coming here makes me thirsty.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ante BabajaMarch 15, 2011 at 1:47 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. Toast BurntMarch 15, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  21. UnknownMarch 15, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    agree with toast burnt

    ReplyDelete
  22. ChipMarch 15, 2011 at 2:52 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 2:54 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    This post has a great finish.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Fix PC Games AdminMarch 15, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    well I'm thirsty now damn but clever

    ReplyDelete
  26. elexerdelexMarch 15, 2011 at 4:37 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  27. Found on the Internet TodayMarch 15, 2011 at 5:51 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  28. BurgerMarch 15, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    I could go for some right now.

    ReplyDelete
  29. BassislvMarch 15, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    nice post again

    ReplyDelete
  30. TasosMarch 15, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    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)

    ReplyDelete
  31. RebeccaMarch 15, 2011 at 6:35 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  32. TyroneMarch 15, 2011 at 6:58 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  33. ShutterbugMarch 15, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    Cheers! :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. SKINNYBOXMarch 15, 2011 at 7:27 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnaMarch 15, 2011 at 7:28 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  36. RobMarch 15, 2011 at 7:37 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  37. jopjopjopMarch 15, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    didn't know that

    ReplyDelete
  38. ArcitaMarch 15, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  39. LhosreiffMarch 15, 2011 at 8:02 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  40. Aaron M. GipsonMarch 15, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    Buying a bottle JW Black this weekend...

    ReplyDelete
  41. nooneMarch 15, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    I wanna drink some naw :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. RootYourDroid.netMarch 15, 2011 at 9:22 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  43. TastyMarch 15, 2011 at 10:00 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  44. BartMarch 15, 2011 at 10:03 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  45. JungMarch 15, 2011 at 10:20 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  46. Eric PMarch 15, 2011 at 10:36 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  47. skinned sheepMarch 15, 2011 at 11:34 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  48. AdPlusCommunicationsMarch 16, 2011 at 12:43 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  49. SamMarch 16, 2011 at 2:19 AM

    Hmmm great tips, i could use some right now

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 2:26 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  51. MalkavianMarch 16, 2011 at 3:09 AM

    Wow, impressive the art of drinking scotch.

    ReplyDelete
  52. AMarch 16, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  53. SkyshockMarch 16, 2011 at 3:52 AM

    Hey man just wanted to say hi and remind you that the INCREDIBLE BLOG is back in business, please be a champ and check out my blog, feel free to click on anything you find interesting, i did a lot of writing last year.

    ReplyDelete
  54. The Game Store GuyMarch 16, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    Excellent explanation.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Igneel21March 16, 2011 at 8:31 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  56. MerlyyMarch 16, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Nice info =)

    ReplyDelete
  57. PagoMarch 17, 2011 at 4:22 AM

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

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)