Our brain has an incredible way of shaping how we experience the world… from the big, obvious sensations to the tiny details that can make a good whisky feel like an extraordinary moment. Think about that… when you take a sip of whisky, it’s like a whole symphony playing in your mind. Smell, taste, and even memories come together in perfect harmony, creating an experience that goes far beyond just what your taste buds detect.
In this article, we’ll explore how your brain blends it all together to create a unique experience every time you have a dram. By the end, you’ll see whisky in a whole new light and ‘feel it’ on a deeper, more meaningful level.
The love story between smell and taste
Taste alone is only part of the whisky story. Your taste buds pick up the basics—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—but the true “flavour” lies beyond that. This is where smell becomes the star of the show, giving whisky its rich complexity.
Your sense of smell works like a chemical sensor: when you swirl your whisky, volatile molecules rise into the air and travel to your nose. Once they reach the olfactory bulb in your brain, boom! Your brain translates those chaotic molecules into something you can recognize—maybe it’s a smoky scent, a hint of vanilla, or something that reminds you of your first love.
Here’s the cool part: your brain is constantly drawing from its “memory vault,” using past experiences to help decode what you’re smelling and tasting.
Fun fact: You can never be wrong about what you smell in a whisky! Your perception is uniquely yours, and whatever your brain interprets is just as valid as anyone else’s. So, if someone at a tasting says, “That’s not what I smell,” just smile and enjoy your whisky. Your nose knows best.
Retro-olfaction: the soul of whisky
The sensory journey doesn’t end when the whisky hits your tongue. In fact, it’s just beginning. As you take a sip, volatile compounds release into the back of your nose through a process called retro-olfaction. This means you’re still “smelling” the whisky from inside your mouth, even as you taste it.
This is why whisky’s flavour evolves the longer it lingers in your mouth. A first sip might reveal a malt sweetness, but as the whisky rolls around, more notes emerge—maybe a smoky hint, a dash of vanilla from the oak, or an earthy touch of old leather.
What’s happening is your brain is constantly integrating signals from both your tongue and nose, building a fuller, more dynamic experience of the whisky’s character.
The “mouthfeel” magic
One of the most underrated aspects of whisky tasting is mouthfeel—how the whisky feels in your mouth. Ole Mouritsen, in his book Mouthfeel: How Texture Makes Taste, dives deep into this. Is it smooth, creamy, or rough? Mouthfeel plays a direct role in how we perceive flavours, adding a physical and emotional layer to every sip.
A smooth whisky can feel like a delicate dessert, while a robust one might transport you to the rugged hills of Scotland on a winter afternoon. The viscosity—how thick or thin a whisky feels—also shapes how you experience it. Mouritsen’s research even found that altering the texture of foods made it harder for people to identify them just by taste alone!
Mouthfeel, combined with a touch of chemesthesis (how your mucous membranes react to chemical stimuli like alcohol or menthol), makes whisky a full sensory adventure. It’s more than taste; it’s the warmth in your throat, the coolness on your palate, a journey that’s both enveloping and multisensory.
Architects of flavour: Memory and prediction
Memory plays a vital role in how we perceive whisky. Every sip taps into your brain’s treasure trove of memories, making the tasting experience personal and unique. As Lisa Barrett explains in How Emotions Are Made, our brain doesn’t just passively react to stimuli—it actively constructs our emotions and perceptions by pulling from memory and making predictions. This means that when you smell or taste whisky, your brain is making connections based on past experiences. That whiff of smoke might take you back to a mountain hike with friends, while a creamy dram might remind you of your grandma’s homemade desserts.
What’s even more fascinating is that our expectations and emotions can shape how we experience whisky. Two people sipping the same whisky could describe it in entirely different ways, because their brains are drawing from different sets of memories and experiences. As Barrett points out, our emotions are not hardwired responses—they’re shaped by the moment, by the memories our brains decide to bring into play.
And here’s a quirky thought: even your physical state—whether you’re relaxed or tense—can affect how you perceive whisky.
Sam’s (Slightly Offbeat) Guide to Tasting Whisky Like a Pro
Alright, let’s be honest—whisky tasting isn’t just about swirling a glass and throwing out fancy words like “oaky” or “peaty.” No, no, no. It’s about setting the mood, taking your time, and letting your whisky tell you a story. So, let me share some personal, slightly unconventional tips to help you get the most out of every sip. Spoiler alert: it’s more fun than you think!
- Set the mood with music: Yeah, that’s right. Before you pour that glorious amber liquid, hit play on a playlist that vibes with your soul. Trust me, the right song can make those smoky notes hit differently. After all, whisky is as much about the atmosphere as it is about taste.
- Get cozy: Tasting whisky isn’t a sprint, it’s more of a leisurely stroll on a Sunday afternoon. Whether you’re wrapped up in your favourite chair at home or chilling at a bar that feels like your second home, make sure your surroundings scream “relax and enjoy.” Whisky, like life, is best savoured slowly.
- To Share or Not to Share? Whisky’s like a great conversation—it can be enjoyed solo or with a buddy. Got a friend who’s as crazy about whisky as you are? Awesome. If not, embrace the silence and the drama of your own thoughts. Sometimes the best company is yourself (and that silky glass of whisky in your hand).
- Let your whisky breathe: Here’s where things get zen. Pour your whisky and let it chill (literally) for about 20 minutes. I know, I know—waiting is hard. But trust me, whisky needs a little alone time to open up and reveal all its secrets. Think of it like the Netflix buffer—it’s annoying but necessary for the show to really kick off.
- Let Your Nose Do the Talking: Hold the glass up and let the aromas tell you a story. What’s it saying to you? Maybe you catch a hint of sherry, some honey, fruit, or even tobacco. This is the prelude before the main act.
- Time Travel Through Taste: Now, this is where things get interesting. Close your eyes, take a sip, and let the memories flow. Where does this whisky take you? A campfire with friends? A cozy winter night? A summer BBQ? Whisky has a magical way of stirring up emotions, so lean into it and let those memories guide your experience. Who knew a drink could be your personal time machine?
- Take It Slow: Small sips, people. Let the whisky roam around your palate like a curious traveller. Don’t rush to swallow—give it a moment to evolve. Whisky is a layered experience, and the beauty’s in those changing flavours that unfold like a plot twist. And who doesn’t love a good plot twist?
- Enjoy the after-party: Don’t skip out on the whisky’s grand finale—the finish. Pay attention to how it lingers, that final kiss of flavour that stays with you after the glass is empty. It’s the after-party of whisky, and if it’s a good one, you won’t forget it any time soon.
In the end, enjoying a whisky is like taking a mini-vacation—just you, the glass, and a whole world of flavours waiting to be discovered. At 9 Smoking Barrels, we’re all about turning every sip into an adventure.
We’ve crafted a range of whisky tastings, courses, and experiences that let you play around with your taste buds, tickle your brain, and stir up those feelings and memories. Check our calendar here