In a previous post HERE, I talked about describing whiskey, and what that's all about. At least from my viewpoint. Take it as you will. The other aspect of describing whiskey, which I touched on in that previous post, was on the different flavors found in Whiskey.
So, let's "unpack that" as would be said in a corporate world
The traditional flavors found in Bourbon are Carmel, Vanilla, Oak and Corn (sometimes referred to as Tannins). Often you will hear or see a description of the flavor of a Bourbon as having traditional Bourbon flavors. That reference is to the aforementioned flavors. They are pretty typical.
Typical flavor profiles in Rye whiskey are Spicy, Cinnamon, Spearmint or Mint and Rye. Many people describe Rye whiskey as having a spicy-ness to it. Sometimes that reference is explained as being "hot".
A Single Malt or American whiskey can have any or all of the above flavors and will often also carry with it some malty or chocolate goodness. Plus a mix of the above.
Depending on the proof of the Bourbon or whiskey, and your pallet, you might be able to get a mixture of any or all of the above in any one type of whiskey. That's one of the fun things about Whiskey. You just never know and, it depends on your pallet.
Depending on what the mash bill (recipe) that the distiller used, the type of still, how they did their process, the barrels, the aging, etc… it all affects the whiskey. I've tasted Bourbons that I thought were very spicy (hot), and could not pick up any traditional Bourbon flavors. To say I was disappointed is an understatement. However, I will come back to that whiskey several weeks later and see if I have the same taste experience. Sometimes yes, and
sometimes no.
The flavor profiles that are given (especially on the bottle or a distillers website) are what they are picking up and what the distiller is aiming to produce. It doesn't mean you will get the same flavor profile. But at least you know what they are shooting for and what they are tasting. If you find that the flavors you are getting are similar to what they said, great. Guess what. You have found someone who is matching your pallet.
To say that the flavor profile is subjective is, I think, an understatement. It really depends on your pallet, and what flavors you were exposed to growing up. Just because a distiller or a review says that "x" whiskey tastes like….a caramel apple with hot cider or is like a banana split doesn't mean you will find that. It can also depend on what you ate that day. And if you are sick at all. Did you just eat a bag of Nerds Gummy clusters right before trying the whiskey. (Guilty I'm afraid to say.)
A distiller aims for a certain profile for their whiskey. And, sometimes, it's not just a specific profile, but a specific "goodness" of the whiskey. Is it balanced? Does it have a good mouthfeel? Are they getting good flavors and if so, what are they. Spirit Hound Distillery in Lyons Colorado is like that. Every bottling is a single barrel. So every bottling of a barrel, will be a little bit different. With specific flavors. I love that! There might be some similarities from barrel to barrel, but there can also be some wide variances.
Over time, your pallet will evolve and you will start to notice similarities in whiskey's. Embrace it. Enjoy it. And, don't be surprised if the flavors you find in a whiskey are different than what was written.
Oh...and if you thought I was going to tell you what flavors you should be tasting. Sorry. Not going to do that. Like I said, it can vary on a lot, and can be very personal.
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