Blind Sip Session 17

Today we got another double header. I think I did fairly well. What do you think. Patreon.com/offtopicwhiskey Badmotivatorbarrels.com/shop/?aff=3 https://www.instagram.com/zsmithwhiskeyandmixology?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== A blind whiskey tasting is an evaluation method used to remove brand bias, allowing the taster to focus entirely on the spirit's quality, aroma, and flavor. As of January 2026, it remains a popular practice for both home enthusiasts and professional critics like Fred Minnick to identify top-tier spirits without being swayed by price or reputation. How to Host a Blind Tasting Select a Theme: Choose 4–6 whiskeys with similar characteristics to ensure a fair comparison. Common themes include: Consistent Proof: Keep whiskeys within 10 proof points of each other (e.g., all 90–100 proof). Specific Styles: All Bottled-in-Bond, all ryes, or all finished whiskeys. Price Brackets: Compare "bottom shelf" options against "top shelf" bottles. Anonymize the Samples: Have a non-drinker pour the whiskey into identical glasses, such as Glencairn glasses, and label them with letters or numbers (A, B, C...). Use opaque or black glasses to hide the color of the liquid. If hosting alone, use small sample bottles and a randomized labeling system to "trick" yourself. The Tasting Process: Small Pours: Limit each sample to 0.5–1.0 oz (15–25 ml) to avoid palate fatigue. Palate Cleansers: Provide water and neutral snacks like plain crackers or mild cheese. Order: Taste from lowest to highest alcohol content if proofs vary. Scoring and Reveal: Use a standardized scale (e.g., 1–10 or 1–100) to rate the nose, palate, and finish. Only reveal the identities after all notes and rankings are finalized. Subscription Kits and Gear If you prefer a guided experience, several services provide curated blind tasting kits: Blind Barrels: A subscription service that delivers four 50 mL samples of rare craft whiskeys quarterly with a QR code for reveals. The Great Whiskey Challenge: All-in-one home kits including lettered glasses, wooden bottle tags, and scorecards. Fred Minnick's Blind Tasting Kit: A specialized kit curated by the whiskey expert to help sharpen discernment through guided tasting. These guides explain how to set up and score a blind whiskey tasting, covering theme selection, sample anonymization, and palate cleansing: