How The Liquor Connoisseur Reviews Spirits — Our Tasting Methodology Explained
- connoisseurofliquo
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Trust in a spirits review comes from knowing exactly how the review was conducted. Here is the complete methodology Crystal and Roger use for every spirit reviewed on The Liquor Connoisseur® — the same process used for Episode 1 and every episode since.
The Foundation: Why Methodology Matters
Most spirits reviews are subjective impressions with no disclosed process. Crystal and Roger believe that a review is only as useful as the consistency of the tasting approach behind it. If the methodology changes between episodes — different glassware, different temperatures, different proof levels, different amounts of water — the reviews aren't comparable. TLC's methodology is designed to make every review comparable to every other.
Step 1 — The Pour
1.5 oz in a tulip-shaped glass or Glencairn — always the same vessel type. The spirit rests for a minimum of 2-3 minutes before nosing. This allows ethanol to dissipate slightly and aromatic compounds to open. High-proof expressions (55%+ ABV) rest for 5 minutes. Crystal and Roger never nose a spirit immediately after pouring.
Step 2 — Appearance
Color, viscosity (legs on the glass), and clarity. Color is noted for context — not as a quality indicator. Darker color from caramel coloring is disclosed where identifiable. Legs (the streaks of spirit running down the inside of the glass after swirling) indicate glycerin content and potential additives in tequila and other spirits.
Step 3 — The Nose (Open-Mouth Technique)
The glass is held 3-4 inches from the nose with the mouth slightly open. This is the key technique most reviewers skip. The open mouth reduces the impact of ethanol on the olfactory receptors, allowing aromatic compounds to register more clearly. Crystal and Roger identify primary aromatics (fruit, grain, wood, floral, earth, smoke) before moving to secondary notes. The glass is then brought closer for a second, more detailed nose.
Step 4 — First Sip (Palate Coat)
A small first sip coats the palate without evaluation. This prepares the mouth and reduces the shock of alcohol on the first full tasting sip. The palate coat is swallowed or spit — it is not scored.
Step 5 — The Palate
A full sip is held on the palate for 10-15 seconds with deliberate attention to: entry (the first flavor impression), mid-palate (the developed flavor profile), texture and mouthfeel, and the transition to finish. Notes are documented immediately — never from memory after the session.
Step 6 — The Finish
Length (short, medium, long), fading character (does the finish change as it fades or stay consistent?), warmth (where in the chest and throat does it land?), and final impression. The finish is often where the most interesting characteristics of high-quality spirits appear.
Step 7 — Water Addition (High-Proof Only)
For any expression above 46% ABV, a single small drop of room-temperature water is added. The nose and palate are re-evaluated after the water addition. Water breaks hydrogen bonds between ethanol and aromatic compounds, releasing characteristics that were masked at full proof. The water-added evaluation is noted separately from the neat evaluation.
Step 8 — Value Assessment
Every review ends with an honest value assessment: is this spirit worth its price? Crystal and Roger compare within category and across price point. A $15 bottle that overdelivers gets a stronger value score than a $100 bottle that merely meets expectations. Price is always disclosed and value is always assessed relative to category standards.
Editorial Independence Policy
No payment is accepted for reviews. No spirit receives a positive review in exchange for gifted product or sponsorship. Where a brand relationship exists — founder interviews, distillery visits, sponsored content — this is disclosed explicitly. Review scores and tasting notes are never shared with brands before publication. No brand has editorial influence over TLC's written assessments.
The Verdict Framework
Buy It — A spirit that delivers genuine value at its price point and earns a place on your shelf. Worth Knowing — A spirit that may not be for everyone but represents something important in its category. Skip It — A spirit that doesn't justify its price or doesn't deliver on its claims. Crystal and Roger give honest verdicts, including negative ones.
🥃 Want to Taste and Compare With an Expert?
Crystal and Roger lead private spirits tasting experiences — the same depth of comparison you just read, live and in person. Corporate tastings from $1,500. In-home tastings from $500. Virtual tastings nationwide.
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