How To Tell Good Whiskeys Apart From Bad Ones

Spirits maven Robyn Smith spoke exclusively to The Takeout about how she uses a spirit's aroma to find the difference between high-quality and low-quality whiskeys.

"I try not to look for any notes in particular but rather let the aromas present themselves," Smith said, adding "it can be helpful to have a tasting wheel nearby" for beginners.

"If I can nose a spirit for several minutes and continue picking out different aromas, then it's usually a sign of a high-quality spirit," Smith concludes.

What makes a whiskey bottle low-quality is a bit more complicated, largely because some people just aren't going to like specific types.

Smith says personal preference could enter a gray area with quality. "For example, some view overly phenolic and smoky notes as a flaw, while others view it as a style," she said.

Some universal signs of a lower quality are, "that it smells and tastes 'strong,' but isn't at a high proof or cask strength" and "that it smells and tastes one-noted."