Understanding Flavour

Since becoming a bartender my palate has evolved; or at least I understand flavour more – I understand what I’m looking for. A lot of people will tell you they don’t have a ‘good palate’, but in reality almost everybody has a sense of taste. Having a good palate or not is just a question of understanding what to look for when you taste something; understanding and knowing what is bitter and why; or what is salty, sweet or sour. A lot of people who drink in bars mistake sour with bitter, for example, but there’s a clear distinction. As a bartender you need to be able to understand the different aspects of flavour to be able to adjust them in drinks, but also to be able to explain them to customers.