We liked Roughstock's smooth taste
Roughstock Distillery owner Brian Schultz is quite capable of conducting an educational whiskey tasting for the connoisseur or the neophyte.
This writer is firmly in the novice class when it comes to fully appreciating fine whiskey. Nevertheless, what was tasted at Roughstock Jan. 19 was among the best to ever wet my tongue.
On hand is a whiskey-specific snifter imported from Scotland designed to let the taster experience the complex aromas and flavors inherent in a top-shelf single-malt.
Schultz instructs: Hold the snifter under your nose but breathe through your mouth. To directly inhale the evaporate through your nose is to overwhelm the olfactory sense; give your brain too much information to process. The act must be more subtle, allowing the aromatic volatiles to gently rise to penetrate nasal passages and sinuses.
Indeed, the more feint hints are more easily processed and analyzed by the brain.
Some connoisseurs contend whiskey shouldn't be "tasted" directly in the mouth, but only by "nosing" it. They also claim, when actually tasted in the mouth, the whiskey needs to be cut with water or your taste buds will be overwhelmed and the tasting rendered worthless.
I think that is bunk, as I intend to drink whiskey, not smell it. However, I do enjoy whiskey "on the rocks" which does allow some dilution of the liquor as the ice melts.
Schultz advises: Let the whiskey just run over and around your tongue and roll through your mouth. Feel the texture of it as well as sense the flavors.
The Roughstock delivers a rewarding experience. While lacking the true connoisseur's vocabulary, I would describe the Roughstock as not as robust as, say, a Maker's Mark bourbon, but far more stimulating and flavorful than Pendleton blended.
One thing I noticed, the flavors patterns of the Roughstock seem to change over the few seconds the liquor is held and rolled in the mouth. While I couldn't put a specific name to the distinct flavors I experienced, I can say that they were numerous and seemed to be experienced in varying and changing combinations.
I do know of Scotch aficionados who will pay well over $300 for a bottle of old single malt. I have no doubt those inclined to treat themselves to special whiskey will quickly pony up the price for a nice jug of Roughstock.