Nose

In tasting, nose refers to the smell impression of a drink. One first sniffs calmly at the glass, then swirls gently and sniffs again, because volatile aroma compounds are released. The nose may be fruity, floral, spicy, malty, woody or even closed.

A large part of what is perceived as taste actually arises through the sense of smell, also while drinking via the back of the throat. This is why assessing the nose belongs to every tasting. Besides pleasant notes, faults such as cork taint or oxidation can also be recognised here.