The Vantage Point

Honest thoughts on whisky appreciation, spirit industry insights, and the occasional marketing observation.

Where I share what I'm learning about whisky, spirits, and creating authentic experiences. From tasting notes and industry observations to thoughts on building genuine customer connections, this is where the real conversations happen.

Beyond the Prescribed Palate: Why I Stopped Trusting Tasting Notes (And You Should Too)
Samantha Staniforth Samantha Staniforth

Beyond the Prescribed Palate: Why I Stopped Trusting Tasting Notes (And You Should Too)

I used to second-guess my palate because I couldn't taste "grandmother's attic" in my whisky. Turns out, the problem wasn't my palate - it was the prescriptive tasting notes. When I nose Glen Scotia Double Cask, I see a 90s ice cream commercial playing in my head. That's my synaesthesia talking. And it's just as valid as someone else tasting "leather and oak."

If you've ever felt stupid for not getting the notes experts told you to taste, this is for you. Learning how to taste whisky shouldn't make you feel inadequate - it should be liberating. In this post, I'm breaking down why prescriptive tasting notes are gatekeeping, how to develop YOUR own sensory vocabulary, and why your palate isn't broken (the system is). Your sensory experience is yours. No one else's vocabulary should override what you're actually tasting.

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The Last-Minute Spirits Gift Guide for People Who Panic (We've All Been There)
whisky, gift guide, last minute gift guide, christmas gift guide Samantha Staniforth whisky, gift guide, last minute gift guide, christmas gift guide Samantha Staniforth

The Last-Minute Spirits Gift Guide for People Who Panic (We've All Been There)

It's mid-December, you've suddenly remembered you need a gift for someone, and you're standing in the spirits aisle having a small existential crisis. Do they like whisky? What's the difference between bourbon and Scotch? Will they think you're a philistine if you buy gin?

Deep breath. You're overthinking this.

The best spirits gifts aren't about expensive bottles with unpronounceable names – they're about creating small experiences. Moments where someone gets to explore something properly rather than just necking it whilst watching Netflix on a Tuesday.

This guide covers 10 gift ideas ranging from £25-100, from build-your-own tasting flights to whisky and chocolate pairings. None require expertise, mixology degrees, or the ability to pronounce "Bunnahabhain" correctly. Just five minutes of thought and the willingness to create something more memorable than "here's a bottle, enjoy."

Because you don't need to be an expert to give a thoughtful spirits gift. You just need to think about the person for more than 30 seconds.

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