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40 replies

Pre Tasting Rituals?

M mitpradikatMember
I'm just curious about whether any of you forumites have any particular rituals or habits that you practice leading up to a major, heavily anticipated tasting. Say, for example, an extensive vertical of a Bordeaux first growth or DRC.

Sometimes, if I have an important tasting coming up, I'll go into semi-Howie Mandel mode and avoid anything that would potentially make me sick. Frequent handwashing, minimal handshaking, no sushi or Chinatown hole-in-the-wall noodle houses, etc.

The day of the tasting I try to eat bland foods, avoid coffee, and avoid brushing my teeth before the tasting, halitosis be damned.

Anyone else do this, or am I a FREAK?
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K ksc02Member
quote:
Originally posted by mitPradikat:
Sometimes, if I have an important tasting coming up, I'll go into semi-Howie Mandel mode and avoid anything that would potentially make me sick. Frequent handwashing, minimal handshaking, no sushi or Chinatown hole-in-the-wall noodle houses, etc.

The day of the tasting I try to eat bland foods, avoid coffee, and avoid brushing my teeth before the tasting, halitosis be damned.

I was under the impression that was you all the time. I stand corrected. Razz
W wine+artMember
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
I don't have any "rituals" but I do avoid hard liquor, cigars and capsaicin prior to any formalized tasting, or before a night when I know I'm drinking good wine.

PH


I understand boxers and other athletes should abstain from sexual activity the night before their game.

Does this apply to heavily anticipated tastings as well?
chardchardMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
I don't have any "rituals" but I do avoid hard liquor, cigars and capsaicin prior to any formalized tasting, or before a night when I know I'm drinking good wine.

PH


I understand boxers and other athletes should abstain from sexual activity the night before their game.

Does this apply to heavily anticipated tastings as well?


I would say the opposite applies. I liked to be nice and relaxed while tasting and in a good frame of mind. This keeps me focused on the wine in lieu of staring at the waitress (not as much that is).
purplehazepurplehazeMember
quote:
Originally posted by wine+art:
I understand boxers and other athletes should abstain from sexual activity the night before their game.

Does this apply to heavily anticipated tastings as well?


I think Estimator got the answer to this one right!

quote:
Originally posted by KSC02:
But pairing a good cigar with a great porto or scotch at the end of said evening?
Not only acceptable, but indeed encouraged.


Hear, hear..... Cool

PH
winetarelliwinetarelliMember
quote:
Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
quote:
Originally posted by spo:
quote:
Originally posted by Gigond Ass:
quote:
Use sinus cavity wash 3-10 hours ahead then not again.

Drink lots of water (3L+)
Is this a joke?


That is a lot of water.


At least he's not pouring it in his sinus cavities!!! Eek

PH

LOL! No joke. I did not mean 3L immediately prior to the tasting. I meant over the course of the day I make sure I drink more water than normal (and less caffeine). 3 1L bottles of water over the course of the day prior to an evening tasting seems about right for me.

The sinus washing is a life-send. There are various companies that make washes. If you have sinus problems they can change your life.
winetarelliwinetarelliMember
quote:
Originally posted by JCT1000:
Winetarelli,
By sinus wash, do you mean using a device like a Neti Pot?

Yes. I actually use a more extreme product called Alkalol on most occasions. And there are other products as well, but yes. You have the idea correct. Simple saline sprays do not do any good for me, but products such as these have changed my life.
glennkglennkMember
What is the deal with not brushing your teeth before a tasting? I have not heard this before. If I drink some OJ right after brushing my teeth it does taste a little funny, but 30 mins after brushing it tastes exactly like OJ. Does brushing your teeth affect your taste all day or is it something else specific for wine?
board-oboard-oMember
quote:
Originally posted by gigabit:
quote:
Originally posted by GlennK:
Does brushing your teeth affect your taste all day or is it something else specific for wine?

No it doesn't. It's just more anal-retentive fastidious behavior on display from wine geeks.


Funny you should mention that. I've been thinking this is most anal thread I've ever seen on this site.
irwinirwinMember
quote:
Originally posted by Roentgen Ray:
I am also in the do not brush your teeth camp within 8 hours of a tasting. I also will sometimes take a pseudophed to clear the sinuses, plus it has a nice little pep side affect. I also avoid any strong scents, no vanilla kiwi cinnamon candles allowed to be burned in the house pretasting event. Well hydrated, and hungry, I'm off to a tasting.

Roentgen Ray: Is this use of sudafed in the PDR?
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