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Printable Whisky Tasting Sheet

Use this printable whisky tasting sheet to record what you notice about a whisky, from its appearance and aroma to its texture and finish. Print one copy per sample, or return to the same sheet when you revisit a bottle.

How to use the sheet

Start with the bottle details, then work through the observations in order. Use your own words rather than trying to match somebody else’s notes: a short, specific description is more useful here than a long list of possibilities.

Choose a plain tulip-shaped nosing glass and a small, measured serving. Record the serving size, temperature and resting time below so that you have a clear account of your method.

If you add water, record the amount in drops or millilitres and note what changes. Leave any field blank if it does not help you; this is a record of your observations, not a test with correct answers.

Printable whisky tasting sheet

Bottle and session details

Your method

Appearance

Describe the colour in ordinary words. Keep this observation separate from your judgement of the whisky.

Colour: __________________________________________________________

Clarity and other visible observations: ______________________________

Aroma

Write down your first impression, then any more specific associations that come to mind. If you cannot name an aroma precisely, describe what it reminds you of instead.

First impression: __________________________________________________

Specific aromas or associations: ____________________________________

Changes after resting: _____________________________________________

Taste and texture

If you choose to taste, record flavour and texture separately. Note any alcohol heat in its own words rather than treating it as a flavour.

Flavours: _________________________________________________________

Texture: __________________________________________________________

Alcohol heat: _____________________________________________________

Finish

Describe what remains after the sample leaves your mouth. Note which impressions persist and which disappear first.

Remaining flavours or sensations: ___________________________________

Length, in your own words: _________________________________________

After adding water

Complete this section only if you added water. Compare your observations with the earlier notes rather than assuming there should be an improvement.

Aroma changes: ___________________________________________________

Taste and texture changes: _________________________________________

Finish changes: ___________________________________________________

Overall impression

Choose the details that best distinguish this sample for you. A numerical score is not needed.

Three defining observations:

What I would look for when revisiting: _______________________________

Keep the session optional and measured

Spitting is normal at tastings, and nobody needs to finish a glass. Keep water, food and breaks available, but do not treat them, or spitting, as removing the risks of drinking alcohol. [1]

Do not drink if you are driving, pregnant or trying to conceive, taking medicines that interact with alcohol, living with a condition made worse by alcohol, or recovering from alcohol dependence. [1] [2] For personal advice about medicines or health conditions, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or midwife. See Responsible Drinking. [EDITOR TO ADD]

Sources

[1] [EDITOR TO ADD]

[2] [EDITOR TO ADD]

This sheet is an editorial recording template, not a report of a site tasting.

Last checked: November 2026