New Sensory Glass Results in a Better Spirit Test Outcome
New Sensory Glass Results in a Better Spirit Test Outcome
NEAT is the new sensory designed glass for sensory spirit test evaluation. Using a glass specifically designed for laboratory testing yields better spirit test outcome. By outcome, we mean that the aromas are much easier to detect and identify. The distiller’s efforts to create complex flavor profiles become readily apparent. The design diffuses nose-numbing ethanol to unmask aromas and nuances.
Sensory Test Engineering and Design
In other presentations, we discussed science and engineering in great depth. We believe any serious evaluator must understand where aromas can be found in each type of glass. Additionally, effective evaluators must be aware of the overwhelming numbing effects of ethanol, and the risks associated with each type of glass design. Since ethanol anesthesia gives no warning, evaluators can be tricked by experiential memory evaluation into “finding” aromas that are not present in the sample. These findings are the result of our research since 2002. The sensory glass eliminates ethanol nose-blindness.
Independent Research
In September 2019, Sensation Research in Mason, Ohio conducted a sensory evaluation. The study tested different glasses for aroma intensity and ethanol presence. Here, a few charts compare glasses with scotch as the control beverage, despite the lengthy report. This testing verifies the problems of common glasses and the advantages of the new concept discussed in the previous presentation. The results are similar for Tequila and Cognac. Please note that the sensory-engineered glass is the NEAT glass, a different concept.
The complete study. We highly recommend you view it to understand how professional sensory evaluation test companies use statistics and scientific methodology. This helps take the guesswork out of evaluation and provides consistent results. Also, see the similarities in results regardless of the control beverage used. Note that the comparison test uses three different control spirits.
Sensory Glass Independent Study Outcome
Covering Test Samples
Note the comment about the Sensory Engineered Glass (NEAT glass) dissipating aromas quickly. Additionally, we recommend covering the NEAT glass, as discussed in an earlier presentation. Subsequent testing by Arsilica, Inc. found that after three or more sniffs of 40% ABV control spirits, the evaluator could not identify the spirit in the tulip. In many cases, the evaluator could not identify the spirit in the tulip and snifter. Yet the evaluator still detected distinct character aromas in the Sensory Engineered Glass among eight panelists.
This is where the NEAT sensory glass excels. Other shapes yield more ethanol than character aromas. Again, ethanol plays a significant role in hindering aroma detection. This particular study was later released in 2020 as part of a new peer-reviewed science journal paper to determine when recognizable ethanol anesthesia occurs. Below you will find the glassware used in the Sensation Research independent evaluation.
Test Vessels Compared with Sensory Glass
Results of Sensory Test Comparison with Scotch as the Spirit
The following chart shows the intensity of various aromas detected from the control scotch beverage; the yellow boxes indicate the highest in attributes, and the light blue indicates the lowest. Nasal burn and ethanol aroma are by far the lowest in the engineered sensory glass, and the summary indicates that character aromas are higher in the engineered glass. From prior results, the snifter reveals more heavy aromas and volatile ethanol due to the cloud effect, and the weather in the glass increases their intensity more than in the narrow tulip bowl. The tulip fails dismally at displaying subtle character aromas
When the results are displayed in a bar graph, the aromas of each glass are compared side-by-side, and the character aroma attributes of the engineered glass become readily apparent.
Conclusions from Sensory Glass Independent Test
Hopefully, we have exploded a few myths regarding glassware superiority and demonstrated that approaching glass design by applying common sense and science results in a far superior diagnostic tool and will greatly improve evaluation test outcome. Read our peer-reviewed research paper.
Drink from whatever glass you wish, but understand exactly why you prefer it, and be aware of the effects of ethanol on your nose. If you are purchasing expensive, high-end collector spirits, it is wise to understand as much about the spirit as possible. For that, you need a functional and efficient diagnostic glass. We recommend the NEAT sensory glass. See the complete study using different spirits. Shop for the best glass to suit your needs now.
