How big should a sample be?

[Ras Mazunga]

I'm just wondering what other people think about this. Personally I find 3 cl a bit small and 10 cl too big, then I might as well buy the bottle. Personally I prefer a 5 cl, it's enough to have a few drams, more than 3 even.

[lockejn]

I chose 5cl because that's the size I'm mostly likely to have on hand for making samples. That's easily two drams for evaluation, which should be sufficient. I think 10cl is preferable when possible, but that's pushing the definition a bit.

[The Third Dram]

I think 10cl is preferable when possible, but that's pushing the definition a bit.

Guess I like "pushing the definition", then.

Reason being that a 10cl sample permits three 'solid' drams worth of evaluation... Quite important when one is really trying to come to terms with a whisky and also experimenting with how well it reacts to the addition of water (not that I normally add water when simply 'enjoying' a pour, but it can help in assessing more nuanced characteristics - especially in the nose).

With 10cl at hand, one is easily able to 'revisit' a whisky in its undiluted state after having previously 'opened it up' with water.

[AdamMY]

I guess I went with 5 cl because when I sit down with a whisky, it is usually for several hours worth of enjoyment, while relaxing. So even those 5 cl mini bottles I usually pour the whole thing in my glass and give it ago.

[Alzarius]

5-6cl. That's enough where you can get a very good idea of the aromas and taste, and evaluate it over a decent amount of time. Anything less, like 3cl, will just disappear too quickly. The empty bottles I purchase to share with friends are about 2oz, so 6cl. Close enough.

[Willie JJ]

I think 5-6cl is probably enough to make a reasonable judgement, although I believe there is no substitute for sitting down with a full bottle and really getting to know it. I always try to keep a 10cl of everything for later use though.

[pkt77242]

I voted 6cl or about 2oz

[Ganga]

Typically, I like 6 cls because I can split that with someone and still get a healthy taste of the product. 20 cls is a good way to go sometimes as well, especially with sherry matured whiskies as you will have the chance to work on it simlar to a full sized bottle or in the case of a small gathering of folks to evaluate the whisky.

[corbuso]

2 or 3 cl is large enough if you have to pay for it.
For swapping, 5-6 cl is better. 10 Cl is too much, especially when the content is not good.

[Ras Mazunga]

Thank you for the replies.
Keep them coming, please.

[bredman]

2 or 3 cl is large enough if you have to pay for it.
For swapping, 5-6 cl is better. 10 Cl is too much, especially when the content is not good.

What if the content is better? If you send 10cl you should receive 10cl in return. I think that the bigger the sample the better. This way the whisky can be sampled more than once or at least more thoroughly, especially for writing tasting notes.

[dramtastic]

A little off topic but I read the following account from writer Nicolas Coldicott who lives in Tokyo. He wanted to try a 50YO Yamazaki at a bar who had a half price special. Ended up paying Y9000 which is about $112-115 for a whopping .5cl samples. Yep 5mls.
http://drinks.coldicott.net/

[Ras Mazunga]

5 ml is too little.
But better than nothing.

[dramtastic]

Well as the story goes he had to share it with two Scotts he was with and they didn't kick in a cent.

[Ras Mazunga]

Rofl.

[Swedish Chef]

I voted 6cl. That should give you two decent drams. Might be hard to come by in metric countries though.

[Wave]

5cl is ample enough but I'm always open for a little extra.


Cheers!

[Drrich1965]

When I trade with buddies, I tend to send 2oz bottles. I use Boston Rounds- they are very hearty easy to fill. I use 4oz sample bottles of each bottle that I open to save for a few years down there road....