Classification of the flavour

Sylvia Simm | 06. March 2025

Aroma - Flavour - Finish

We use these three criteria to determine the flavour of our whiskies. The aroma reflects the perception through the nose, the flavour shows what we taste in the mouth and the finish speaks about the nuances that linger after the first sip.

The range of flavour experiences is vast! Not everyone smells and tastes the same. Let our examples inspire you and make your own experiences.

Table of content

What do we mean when we talk about flavour?

Whisky is much more than just a drink. The complexity of whisky flavour is reflected in the variety of whisky aromas that are created through different production processes. From the careful selection of raw materials to artful distillation and barrel ageing - each step makes a significant contribution to the development of unique flavour groups.

Whether fruity and floral notes, malty nuances or intense smoky and peaty accents - the range of flavours makes whisky an incomparable pleasure. In the following, we look at the individual flavour groups.

Sweet flavours

Pleasantly sweet aromas develop predominantly during the cask maturation process and give the whisky its characteristic flavour. These nuances are often reminiscent of vanilla, caramel, honey or dried fruit - flavours that are largely created through the use of oak casks and sherry maturation.
The barrels are burnt out before they are filled, creating natural wood sugar. This roasting process leads to intense vanilla and caramel flavours that refine the whisky. In addition, flavours of dried fruit, sultanas and dates are released if the barrels were previously used to store wine or fortified wine.
These sweet components contribute significantly to a multi-faceted whisky flavour - an experience that delights whisky beginners, connoisseurs and gourmets alike. Try a whisky that embodies these harmoniously balanced flavours and let yourself be seduced by its sweet diversity!

Fruity flavours

Fruity flavours give the whisky a refreshing and lively character that enriches the overall whisky aroma. Typical fruit flavours such as apples, bananas, pineapple and other fresh fruit varieties ensure a balanced interplay of sweetness and acidity. These nuances are not only created during barrel ageing, but also during fermentation, when fruity-smelling esters are released.

Suntory Hibiki Harmony
Suntory Hibiki Harmony
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Nikka Coffey Malt
Nikka Coffey Malt
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Indri Trini - The Three Wood
Indri Trini - The Three Wood
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Macallan Triple Cask 12 Years
Macallan Triple Cask 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc
Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Arran Barrel Reserve
Arran Barrel Reserve
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Speyburn 10 Years
Speyburn 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
The Deveron 12 Years
The Deveron 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Teerenpeli Kaski
Teerenpeli Kaski
0,5/ l · incl.  VAT
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban Port 14 Years
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban Port 14 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Tobermory 12 Years
Tobermory 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Green Spot Château Montelena
Green Spot Château Montelena
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Floral flavours

Fine floral and grassy nuances give the whisky an elegant lightness and a refined flavour profile. Typical floral aromas such as heather, lavender and delicate citrus blossom create a refreshing and unusual flavour profile. These delicate flavours also develop during fermentation, where aldehydes are released alongside esters, which are largely responsible for these floral and grassy notes. The result is an unmistakable flavour with a floral freshness!

Woodford Reserve Derby Edition 2024
Woodford Reserve Derby Edition 2024
1/ l · incl.  VAT
Kingsbarns Doocot 7 Years
Kingsbarns Doocot 7 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Gold Cock Peated
Gold Cock Peated
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Kavalan LÁN
Kavalan LÁN
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Loch Lomond Cooper's Collection Spanish Oak Cask Finish /2024
Loch Lomond Cooper's Collection Spanish Oak Cask Finish /2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Deanston 12 Years
Deanston 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Glen Grant Arboralis
Glen Grant Arboralis
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Seven Seals The Age of Virgo Sauternes Finish
Seven Seals The Age of Virgo Sauternes Finish
0,5/ l · incl.  VAT

Spicy flavours

Spicy flavours shape the character of many whiskies and give them an unmistakable depth. Intensely noticeable notes of cinnamon, cloves, pepper, nutmeg, coffee and tobacco, which pass from the cask wood into the whisky, contribute significantly to a complex flavour profile. If the cask was previously used for sherry or wine, additional flavours of almonds and hazelnuts are released. These spicy components, combined with other flavours, create a multi-faceted whisky aroma that is fascinating in its diversity. Spicy nuances enrich the whisky flavour in an intense way!

Tullibardine 15 Years
Tullibardine 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Mortlach The Wee Witchie 12 Years
Mortlach The Wee Witchie 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish
Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish 13%
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Talisker Storm
Talisker Storm
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Aberfeldy 16 Years
Aberfeldy 16 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Thy Spelt-Rye /2025
Thy Spelt-Rye /2025
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Benromach 15 Years
Benromach 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Malty flavours

Malty flavours come from the raw material grain. They give the whisky its base and contribute significantly to a full-bodied flavour experience. Characteristic flavours reminiscent of freshly baked bread and nutty oats are created from the grain during the malting process. Natural sugars are converted into complex flavourings that give the whisky a slightly bitter note. These malty nuances form the solid foundation that underlines the traditional character of many whiskies and rounds off the whisky flavour wonderfully.

Springbank 10 Years
Springbank 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
AnCnoc 12 Years
AnCnoc 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Strathmill 12 Years
Strathmill 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Tullibardine 15 Years
Tullibardine 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Wolfburn Morven
Wolfburn Morven
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Ledaig 10 Years
Ledaig 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Cragganmore 12 Years
Cragganmore 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Woody flavours

The wood notes are a central element that gives the whisky its character. Ageing in oak barrels gives the distillate tannic nuances, vanilla and roasted flavours that blend harmoniously into the overall picture. These woody components ensure a good balance and emphasise the natural complexity of the whisky. They provide a solid base on which fruity, sweet or spicy flavours can unfold. Experience how the influence of the wood refines the whisky flavour and presents you with an all-round harmonious taste experience - a must for every whisky lover!

Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15 Years
Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Arran 10 Years
Arran 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Bunnahabhain 12 Years
Bunnahabhain 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Glenfarclas 15 Years
Glenfarclas 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Benrinnes 15 Years
Benrinnes 15 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Tomatin 12 Years
Tomatin 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Laphroaig Quarter Casks
Laphroaig Quarter Casks
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Edradour Caledonia 12Y-/2024
Edradour Caledonia 12Y-/2024
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Maritime flavours

Maritime flavours give the whisky a salty freshness and reflect the rugged coastal landscape. If the casks are stored in the immediate vicinity of the sea, the whisky picks up subtle notes of salt, seaweed and a fresh sea breeze. These flavours are created by the salty air that penetrates the wood pores of the casks during maturation and combines with the distillate. The result is a whisky full of character with a unique, slightly salty minerality reminiscent of stormy coasts and the open sea. Discover how maritime flavours give your whisky a special depth and freshness!

Caol Ila Moch
Caol Ila Moch
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Clynelish 14 Years
Clynelish 14 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Islay Journey
Islay Journey
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Scarabus Specially Selected
Scarabus Specially Selected
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Oban 14 Years
Oban 14 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Mac-Talla Mara
Mac-Talla Mara
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Smoky flavours

Smoky notes are the unmistakable hallmark of peated whiskies and give them an intense, characterful expression. They are created when the barley is kilned over a peat fire , allowing the smoke to penetrate deep into the malt. These flavours develop further during the cask maturation process and combine with the influences of the wood. The aroma is reminiscent of a crackling campfire, smoked ham or charred wood.
The fascinating interplay of smoke, earthy nuances and often a salty sea breeze makes smoky whiskies an unmistakable flavour experience. These intense flavours are among the most distinctive in the world of whisky - whether as classic Islay whisky or in modern interpretations. Let yourself be inspired by the depth and complexity of a smoky whisky!

Lagavulin 16 Years
Lagavulin 16 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Caol Ila 12 Years
Caol Ila 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Scarabus Specially Selected
Scarabus Specially Selected
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Connemara Original
Connemara Original
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10Y-/2012
Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10Y-/2012
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Cask Islay
Cask Islay
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Talisker 10 Years
Talisker 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Kilchoman Sanaig
Kilchoman Sanaig
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Bowmore 12 Years
Bowmore 12 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Smokehead
Smokehead
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Ileach Peated
Ileach Peated
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Big Peat Small Batch
Big Peat Small Batch
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Medicinal flavours

Medicinal aromas are among the most distinctive and polarising notes in the world of whisky. They are reminiscent of disinfectants, hospital atmospheres or antiseptic ointments - associations that can be traced back to the presence of phenols and cresols. These intense compounds are formed both when the peat is burnt and during maturation in the wood and characterise the unmistakable aroma of certain whiskies. Typical flavour descriptions range from iodine and old leather to smoky tar or shoe polish. These characteristic notes are particularly present in heavily peated whiskies and give them an extraordinary depth. A medicinal whisky challenges the palate with intense and unconventional flavours. An exceptional flavour experience awaits you in any case!

Longrow Peated
Longrow Peated
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Penderyn Celt
Penderyn Celt
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Black Bottle The Alchemy Series #5 Captain's Cask
Black Bottle The Alchemy Series #5 Captain's Cask
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Laphroaig Quarter Casks
Laphroaig Quarter Casks
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT
Laphroaig 10 Years
Laphroaig 10 Years
0,7/ l · incl.  VAT

Whisky flavour description

In order to convey the flavour of our whiskies in the best possible way, we use a variety of flavour symbols and three categories: Aroma, Flavour and Finish. These detailed descriptions give you a comprehensive impression of the multi-layered flavours and allow you to find the whisky that exactly matches your taste.

Example of a flavour description

Conclusion

Whisky offers an impressive variety of flavours - from sweet and fruity to spicy and malty to smoky or maritime. Each nuance is created by a unique combination of raw materials, distillation, cask maturation and storage conditions. Whether gentle vanilla, strong peat smoke or medicinal notes - the rich variety of flavours makes whisky a fascinating experience.
Our detailed flavour descriptions and symbols will help you to find the whisky that perfectly matches your preferences. Immerse yourself in the world of flavours and discover how diverse whisky can taste!

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Sylvia Simm is an experienced employee of Whisky.de. After more than 20 years in online sales and service, she supports the company with her extensive whisky knowledge in marketing. As online editor and content manager, she is responsible for editing and updating the texts on the knowledge pages.

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