Where Smoke Meets Stillness: The Ritual Of Single Malt Tasting

There’s something inherently meditative about the act of tasting single malt whisky – a slow ritual that invites you to pause, observe, and engage all your senses. Each dram carries with it a sense of place and time, a whisper of wood and weather, and a story that unfolds sip by sip. For enthusiasts and beginners alike, understanding how to truly taste whisky can transform it from a drink into an experience.

According to Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), Director General, Indian Malt Whisky Association, the art of tasting begins with observation. “Fill a small measure of whisky into a tulip glass, swirl it slowly, and examine the colour – golden tones suggest bourbon casks, while darker amber hints at sherry aging," he says.

Take a moment to breathe in lightly and notice the aro