FEMALE PALATES SHINE: WHY WOMEN OUTPERFORM MEN IN WHISKY TASTING

When Megan Brown embarked on her whisky journey by first attending tastings, she quickly realised that she seemed to identify a much wider spectrum of flavours and notes compared to more seasoned whisky aficionados. 

Initially putting it down to beginner’s luck, Megan found herself consistently experiencing this. Little did she know, she might possess a biological edge when it comes to taste.

Research spanning several decades has hinted at the notion that on average, women harbour more taste buds when compared to men.

As Megan advanced in her whisky journey, now serving as a director at the independent bottler and whisky blending enterprise Woodrow’s of Edinburgh, she recalls a defining moment during a tasting session three years before. Surrounded by her male peers, she identified flavours and tastes that eluded them.

“At first, I doubted myself,” Megan reflects. “I questioned whether my relative lack of whisky knowledge was hindering my ability to discern these flavours. But as time went on, I realised it wasn’t the case. In fact, sometimes when I identified a note, my male colleagues would suddenly concur.”

Dr. Frances Jack, a senior sensory scientist leading flavour research at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, sheds light on this. She explains that women generally possess more taste buds and olfactory receptors, which contributes to a heightened sensory perception.

Woody Tan, another director at Woodrow’s of Edinburgh, agreed with this. He highlights Megan’s prowess in identifying aromas and flavours, suggesting that the industry could greatly benefit from more female representation, particularly in production roles like blending and distilling.

Megan reflects on the gender dynamics within the whisky realm, acknowledging the prevalent skepticism she encounters as a woman. “Whisky has long been viewed as a domain reserved for men,” she remarks. “But the irony is, we often possess a more acute sensory perception, allowing us to savour and appreciate whisky on a deeper level.”