fad test

Definition

A fad sample is a small tasting sample taken directly from a cask during the whisky's aging process. The sample is typically drawn through a pipette or a valinch and is used for sensory evaluation, color assessment, and/or analytical measurements. The purpose is to monitor the development of aroma, color, and alcohol strength, as well as to assess the wood's influence and integration into the whisky.

Fremgangsmåde

• Use clean tools (pipette or valinch) and open the tapping point or the hole in the cask as needed. The sample is normally taken in small amounts, typically a couple of milliliters.
• Transfer the sample to a clean sample container and label with the cask number, date, and time of sampling.
• Carry out the sensory evaluation immediately, or measure color and alcohol content (ABV) as needed.
• Minimize oxidation and store the sample under appropriate conditions if it is not analyzed immediately.

Sensorisk vurdering og analytiske formål

• Aroma: notes such as vanilla, oak, caramel and spices. Fruity or dried notes may also occur depending on the cask.
• Smag og mundfornemmelse: sweetness, tannin, body and the balance between alcohol and wood.
• Farve: assess the intensity of the color and the tone according to the cask's influence.

Betydning for lagring og beslutninger

Cask samples provide insight into how the wood and the cask's composition affect the whisky during aging. They are used to assess when a cask reaches the desired profile, how to plan further aging and/or blending, and to document the development over time.

Se også

• Cask maturation
• Tasting
• Blending