MODULE 10 · 7 MIN
Responsible Tasting Setup and Glassware
Practical tasting is optional and only for people of legal drinking age. Use small measured pours, water, good lighting and a quiet space free from strong perfume or food aromas. Never taste when driving, working with machinery, pregnant, medically advised not to drink or otherwise unable to consume alcohol safely.
A clean tulip-shaped glass concentrates aromas, while a tumbler is comfortable but releases aroma more broadly. Glassware supports observation; it does not make one drinker’s experience more legitimate than another’s. Theory lessons can be completed without alcohol.
Key ideas
Safety comes before sensory practice.
Small measured pours support comparison.
Tasting is optional throughout this course.
Glossary
- Dram
- An informal term for a serving of whisky.
- Tulip glass
- A glass with a bowl and narrowing rim that concentrates aroma.
Three-question self-check
Pause before moving on.
1. Can you explain: Safety comes before sensory practice.
Safety comes before sensory practice.
2. Can you connect: Small measured pours support comparison.
Small measured pours support comparison.
3. Can you define “Dram” in your own words?
Tasting is optional throughout this course.
Sources & further reading
- SWA — Scotch Whisky FAQsScotch Whisky Association
Last reviewed: 2026-08-09