The Feinty Flavour Wheel: Decoding Honey, Leather, Tobacco, Sweaty and Plastic Notes in Whisky
There are very few whisky tasting terms that are as mysterious as feinty. For some whisky enthusiasts a feinty aroma is what adds depth, character and place to a whisky, even though it sounds like a defect. There's a wide range of feinty whisky flavours from unsettling to very comforting. Wet wool or damp dog might indicate a young spirit or a distillation mistake, and honey, beeswax and leather-bound books add warmth and memory. This range is split into five categories by the feinty flavour wheel, which are honey, leathery, tobacco, sweaty and plastic. Each provides information regarding the way the spirit was distilled, its aging time and cutting. The buttermilk, shoe polish or scorched plastic give a more rugged look, while the clover honey or new cowhide indicates harmony and age. Understanding these notes enhances one's whisky palate and appreciation of whisky craftsmanship. What Does “Feinty” Mean? The term is derived from “feints” which are the remainder of the...