Sonal C Holland MW’s Post

What is the ideal temperature to drink whisky? 🥃 The temperature at which whisky is served can significantly influence its taste and aroma, enhancing your overall drinking experience. Serving whisky at a temperature between 10-17°C is ideal for a few reasons. 1️⃣ Balanced Profile: This temperature range allows the whisky to express a balanced flavor profile. It's not too cold that it mutes the flavors, nor too warm that it becomes overpowering. 2️⃣ Whisky contains volatile compounds that contribute to its unique aroma. The recommended temperature ensures that these compounds are sufficiently volatile to be released into the air, allowing you to fully appreciate the whisky's distinctive scent. 3️⃣ You'll experience a richer and more layered aroma, which is an integral part of the whisky tasting experience. So, whether you're a whisky connoisseur or a casual drinker, paying attention to the temperature at which you serve your whisky can elevate your drinking experience. Tag your friends in the comments below and let them know too. Cheers !🥂 #sonalholland #masterofwine #whisky #whiskey #whiskytips #temperature #alcohol

Do dry wines have lesser calories? If you’re aiming to drop a few extra pounds and lead a healthier lifestyle this year, you’ve probably contemplated cutting wine from your diet. Usually, calories vary from wine to wine, and the exact number of calories will depend both on the alcohol and the sugar content of the wine you have chosen. But remember, the best tip for guilt-free wine indulgence is Drinking in moderation 🍷 Drinking in moderation not only helps you stay in control but also reduces the calorie intake. ✔️ With moderation, you can still enjoy the wine without sacrificing flavour or feeling guilty about those extra calories. So, let’s toast🥂 to a balanced and mindful approach towards wine and embrace the beauty of moderation. #sonalholland #masterofwine #lowcaloriewine #winerecommendations #wineeducation #WineExpert #winetips #drinkresponsibly

Why do sparkling wine bottles have foil? All sparkling wines around the world have one thing common - a luxurious foil wrapped around their neck. Have you ever wondered why these sparkling wines have this distinct packaging and here are 3 reasons you should know: 1️⃣ The foil creates a protective layer over the cork and the top of the bottle. 2️⃣It adds a touch of elegance and tradition to the packaging, enhancing the perception of the wine as a premium product. 3️⃣It assures consumers that the wine hasn’t been tampered with. Overall, the foil closure on sparkling wine bottles is both functional and aesthetic. Go ahead ask me your wine related questions in the comments below and I’ll be more than happy to answer them 💬 #sonalholland #masterofwine #sparklingwine #winetips #wineeducation #WineExpert

Throw your wine if it smells like this 🚮 Not all wine aromas are inviting, and some are clear indicators that it's time to pour that bottle down the drain. 1️⃣ Sweaty Leather/Horse Saddle: This smell suggests unclean winemaking practices. While a hint of it adds complexity, intolerable levels are a no-go. If your wine reeks of a barn, it's best to toss it. 2️⃣ Nail Polish Remover/Glue: Smells like acetic acid or ethyl acetate indicate bacterial contamination, turning your wine into a vinegary mess. Your choices? Endure it or empty it. 3️⃣Sewage/Rotting Cabbage: These odors hint at either subpar winemaking or flawed storage conditions. Proper storage can prevent this, but once affected, the only solution is to discard the wine. 4️⃣ Wet Dog/Musty Carpet: A 'corked' wine emits this musty odor, a result of a tainted cork. If you detect this, don't hesitate to reject the wine and request a new bottle. Extra Tip: Understanding the 'why' behind these odors can enhance your wine knowledge. For example, 'corked' wine is due to TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole) contamination. Ever encountered these strange, off-putting aromas in your wine? Share your experiences below, and let me know how you handled it. 💬� #sonalholland #masterofwine #winefaults #winetips #wineexperts #faultywine

Cheers to an iconic moment in India’s wine journey! 🇮🇳 It was an honour to have hosted the legendary JancisRobinson.com during her visit to India, where she explored our vibrant wine culture and the growing potential of Indian wines. Read this article to uncover her expert insights on what makes India an exciting new frontier for wine lovers 🥂 #SonalHolland #JancisRobinson #MasterofWine #IndianWineIndustry #WineIndustry #Wines #Winelovers #IndianWineRevolution

Should you add water to your whisky? While many people gravitate towards drinking whiskey neat, as it’s widely done by a lot of whiskey lovers, adding a few drops of water to whiskey can help enhance its aromas and flavours. Here’s why professional tasters add water to their whisky: 1️⃣ Adding a small amount of water to whisky can help avoid palate fatigue, especially important for those who plan to taste multiple whiskies in one sitting. This is because water can dilate the flavors, making it easier for your taste buds to reset between tastings. 2️⃣ A few drops of water can reveal more aromas in the whisky. No, you don’t need to add an entire glass of water, that would take away the beauty of the whiskey. However, a few drops would work just great! How do you drink your whiskey? Let me know in the comments below! Cheers 🥂 #sonalholland #masterofwine #whiskytips #whiskytasting #whiskylovers #whiskey

India Is Fascinated By Imported Wines 🍷 We just wrapped up two amazing masterclasses at Vinexpo India 2024, held at Jio World Convention Centre on September 18th and 19th. It's clear - there is a growing thirst for knowledge about international wines among Indian consumers. Taste of California: We explored how Californian are fast gaining popularity in India Seems like every wine importer in India now stocks a Californian bottle! California Wines UK Taste the Wonders of Australia: This session was all about Australian wines. We had winemakers right there, sharing their stories and traditions. It was inspiring and full of insights! Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) I am truly excited to see this growing passion for global wines in India. Would you like to know more about imported wines? Got questions? Let me know in the comments below! 🥂 Vinexposium #SonalHolland #masterofwine #VinexpoIndia #WineLovers #InternationalWines #australia #california #wines #wineexpert #winecourses #learnwine #Vinexposium #VinexpoIndia2024

Can an opened bottle of whisky go bad ? 🥃 It is a common assumption that distilled spirits do not go bad like wine, which converts into vinegar in a short span of time due to exposure to oxygen. However, exposure to oxygen, light and fluctuations in temperature can ruin your whisky in the long run. Over a period of time, oxidation can cause the whisky to lose its complex flavours and taste stale. Don't believe us? Then pour yourself two drinks- one from a whisky that you opened months ago and one from a new bottle of the same whisky. You'll notice the difference in their taste for sure. Here's to store an opened whisky bottle: Store your whisky in a sealed container to avoid exposure to oxygen. Alternatively, you can swap the cork for a bottle cap and secure it tightly. If your whisky is below the half-level mark, you can also shift it to a smaller bottle with a tight cap to reduce interaction with oxygen. Also, keep your opened bottle in a cool, dark and dry place. And lastly, finish the bottle as soon as possible. Share your favourite bottle of whisky with your friends to have a more enjoyable experience while drinking responsibly. Share this video with your whisky-loving buddies so that they can take better care of their priced whisky bottles. Cheers! #sonalholland #masterofwine #whisky #whiskytips #alcoholtips #wineexpert

Don’t want another drink? Just say no. ❌ Refusing a drink at a social gathering is not easy. “Will my host find it rude? Will other people roll their eyes at me?” Besides, what harm can one more drink do? But here’s the deal, you are the best judge of how much you want to drink at a party, so listen to your instinct. 🙌🏻 If upsetting your host is what your worried about, here are four ways you can politely decline their offer for a refill. #sonalholland #masterofwine #wines #etiquettes #lifestyle #fyp #wineexpert #wine

Here's how to pour sake🍶 First things first, if you want to enjoy an authentic sake experience, then you need to keep your wine and whisky glasses aside and invest in Tokkuri- small carafes to decant your beverage, and ochoko- cups to drink sake from. These vessels have been a longstanding part of the Japanese drinking tradition and are usually made from porcelain or ceramic, as they have the ability to maintain the ideal serving temperature. However, they can also be made of glass, bronze or wood. Secondly, You should always hold the Tokkuri with both your hands while serving sake. If you are the one receiving sake, be sure to use both hands too and always lift your ochoko from the table when someone is pouring it in your cup. And lastly, always pours for others first before filling up your glass as this is considered to be polite in the Japanese culture. Sake is meant to be savoured slowly in the company of your friends to enhance the experience. Share this video with your friends who are planning to host a sake night. Kanpai! #sonalholland #masterofwine #sake #SakeExperience #Sake #alcohol #japaneseculture #winetime