When I first started exploring whisky seriously, I struggled to put words to what I was tasting. "It's... nice?" wasn't exactly helpful tasting notes. "Sort of sweet, maybe some fruit?" was only marginally better. I knew there was complexity in the glass, but I couldn't articulate it. Sound familiar?

This is where the whisky tasting wheel comes in — a tool that's genuinely useful once you understand how to use it properly.

When you pour a dram, one of the first things you notice is the colour. That beautiful amber glow in the glass promises richness, age, quality. Or does it? The truth about whisky colour is more complicated — and more interesting — than most people realise. Let me explain.

Embarking on the world of whisky can be an exhilarating yet perplexing experience, especially when confronted with the intricate jargon of aroma and flavor. Fear not, for in this guide, I aim to unravel the mysteries behind the 'correct' protocol for tasting whisky and decode the myriad tastes and flavours that grace this exquisite spirit…