Whisky journal

[beloitpiper]

I'm starting a new whisky journal and I'm wondering what info you guys record in yours. Here's what I was thinking:

[Name of Whisk(e)y] [Alcoholic Strength]
[Name of Distillery] [Location] [Age statement]
[Filtration] [Cask Type] [Glass used]
[When/where tasted]

Appearance:
________________________________________________
Nose:
________________________________________________
Taste:
________________________________________________
Texture:
________________________________________________
Finish:
________________________________________________
Comments:
________________________________________________
Rating: [Out of five stars]




P.S. - Why don't we have any whisky smilies??

[Calico]

Mine is quite a bit simpler...
Brand, age & did I like it enough to buy it again.

[artificer]

Only slot is see missing is somewhat situational, which would be IF there was an independent bottler or a specific vintage

[Dave G]

The whiskey journal's a very good idea. I enjoy a nice glass of wine at home with a meal, so I've made it a habit of keeping notes on wines that I particularly like with certain foods. Unfortunately, most of my whiskey, bourbon, and brandy experimentation is done outside the home - at restaurants, friend's homes, social events, etc. and I know I'd always forget to bring the journal. And if I really, really like a particular whiskey, I can almost guarantee that I won't remember much about it the next day, except that it was good.

I have to admit, my primary consideration for whiskey is whether or not it goes well with Cheetos. There's nothing like snuggling on the couch with the wife, watching a good movie, and sipping Famous Grouse and eating Cheetos.

The wife hates it though because she says she has a devil of a time getting those orange smudge marks from her unmentionables.

[ForresterModern]

I have to admit, my primary consideration for whiskey is whether or not it goes well with Cheetos. There's nothing like snuggling on the couch with the wife, watching a good movie, and sipping Famous Grouse and eating Cheetos.

The wife hates it though because she says she has a devil of a time getting those orange smudge marks from her unmentionables.

TMI--too much information. But a Tide stick goes a long way toward helping with those stains---skin I cannot vouch for.

I do not keep a journal of any formal sort, although when I am out and about and try a previously heretofore untried or unknown whisky (single malt scotch) I try to note in my cell phone notes section whether I liked it so I remember to consider adding it to the collection. Having tried several times each more than about 90+ % of what is in my collection (the other 10% or so are unopened gifts or bottles of what I call "brethren" whiskies, similar to ones I already own and expect to like when I finally get around to trying them)I can remember pretty much what each tasted like under the circumstances in which I tasted it (often quite memorable experiences). Unfortunately that is an often underestimated and understated part of the experience---where you were, who you were with, what else you were eating or drinking or doing, all can have a strong effect on how you percieve any particular whisky on any particular day (even time of day can make a difference). So unless you plan on doing nearly all your "journaled" tastings under relatively controlled situations you may find that a bottle you loved one night during a winning poker match with friends and cigars does not suit your taste buds under different circumstances.

I simply keep a very limited log of what I drank only if I liked it, and also whether I have a bottle in my collection already, or need to add one. Those I did not like I do not log, as I want to have the opportunity in the future to try them again in perhaps a different environ that may allow them to please me to a greater degree.

I still remember fondly and vividly my first experience with single malt scotch at the end of a glorious day of flyfishing in the Rocky Mountains with 3 friends, and meeting up at dusk at tehe car as the aftersunset lit up the sky and we basked in the glory of a fine day of fishing, friendship, and satisfaction by passing around a flask of Glenlivet----nothing special in the way of whisky in most folks eyes---but I will never again see a bottle fo Glenlivet without reliving some portion of that glorious day among friends, flies, rods, and wilderness.

[RussellSm]

I don't mean to be critical, however, I beleive that you may be over analyzing this. I keep a very simple information sheet; name , age and region. I find that a good reference source beats keeping such an indepth journal. I have Mark Skipworth's book The Scotch Whiskey Book. The information that he provides suffices for any thing that I could do myself. I am a man of very simple tastes.

[artificer]

I don't mean to be critical, however, I beleive that you may be over analyzing this. I keep a very simple information sheet; name , age and region. I find that a good reference source beats keeping such an indepth journal. I have Mark Skipworth's book The Scotch Whiskey Book. The information that he provides suffices for any thing that I could do myself. I am a man of very simple tastes.

Greg's case is a bit different from the average Whisky taster, he's the Whisky Buyer for Vom Fass USA. The devil is in the details when it's your job. He's just lucky that his job is also one of his hobbies.

ith:

[Ruaraidh]

I agree that the time, place and company are a big part of the Whisky experience. I myself, enjoy Whisky best when I am drinking alone or with someone! Pouring up a wee dram is always relaxing, but when with others, those others are best to also be drinking Whisky, not Wine, not beer! The more of the Angels share in the air the better. If I may quote a lovely Fiddle player from Cape Breton and friend to all she meets. ‘I smell Whisky!’

[piperdbh]

It might be wise to sample whiskies on different days, or different times of day, and compare the impression they make on you. Taste buds change with time, you know.

[Streetcar]

The "rating" category (in my opinion) is going to be pretty subjective, and will likely change on any given day - much as piperdbh has suggested.

I always liked how Michael Jackson would note when a particular drink would seem appropriate - after dinner, and apertif, before bed, etc.

Is this a work related journal or just for personal enjoyment?