A method and apparatus to be employed in tasting processes for the purpose
of characterizing the aromatic qualities of, for example, a wine, single
malt scotch, hot brewed coffee or tea, chocolate, breads, food oils or
similar type of aromatic product. The apparatus comprises a carrier
material suitable for the support of aromatic scents of a variety found
in wines, other beverages and other foods. The apparatus provides for the
grouping of scents according to, for example, commonly found groupings of
flavors in wine, distilled, brewed, hot brewed, food oils, chocolate or
other aromatic food products. The apparatus provides for ease of
separation of the individual scents or groups appropriate to the users
current experience. The apparatus includes carrier material to which the
aromatic scents are applied or to which the scents have been previously
applied. The method of tasting using the aromatic scents comprises the
use of one or more cards or subsets of the cards carrying the aromatic
scents in a manner that results in a single scent or a grouping of scents
appropriate to the beverage being consumed in a tasting. The vendors of
many beverages have characterized the aroma of the product and one goal
of the method is to enable the taster to discern the aromas of the
beverage as part of his or her tasting experience.