Overview

Distilled Spirits Sensory Science bridges the gap between passionate curiosity and professional mastery-the pons asinorum connecting casual tasting to true sensory expertise. Integrating chemistry, physiology, and psychophysics, it provides a structured scientific path to understanding how aromas and flavors arise and transform through fermentation, distillation, and maturation, ultimately reaching human perception. With a clear approach to practical application, this text explains how distillers and blenders shape flavor through control of process variables, linking evaluation to production, while supporting industry professionals by clarifying sensory influences on consumer choice. No other single work seamlessly unites perception and process, serving as a teaching framework for educators, a calibration and reference guide for professionals, and an essential bridge of knowledge for the student committed to the analytical science of spirits evaluation. The methods presented herein are the product of well over twenty years of research in physics, chemistry, and sensory psychophysics of spirits-and of the monumental contributions of researchers who built today's scientific foundation for sensory evaluation. That framework moves far beyond the amateur alchemy of popular critics and bloggers. The goals of this text are threefold: (1) to provide readers with the tools for understanding what they truly smell and taste in spirits, (2) to build sensory literacy that replaces folklore and myth with verifiable science, and (3) to connect students and professionals through a bridge of practical application between the creative art and formal science of spirits. This book is a pathway to precision evaluation for students, judges, educators, collectors, and serious enthusiasts who wish to move beyond tradition and emotional marketing toward measurable truth. It is a hands-on bridge from passionate interest to professionalism in the field of distilled spirits sensory science.

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George F. Manska is co-inventor of the NEAT Glass and the founder and Chief of Research & Development at Arsilica, Inc., a company dedicated to advancing the sensory science of alcoholic beverages. Drawing on his background in engineering, product design, mathematics, and chemistry, Manska has developed patented glassware and sensory methodologies that are reshaping professional judging standards worldwide. His work unites physical modeling, vapor-phase chemistry, and psychophysical analysis to define how ethanol concentration and aroma distribution influence perception. Over 15 years as a consultant to major spirits competitions, he has analyzed judges' behavior, judging processes, scoring, ratings, and administrative practices, and noted areas to improve accuracy and truthfulness, which have provided the basis for this book.A member of ASTM International Committee E18 on Sensory Evaluation and the Society of Sensory Professionals, Manska contributes to the development of global standards for sensory testing and measurement reliability. He frequently serves as a guest lecturer at colleges and universities, delivers educational programs, organizes spirits tastings focused on sensory accuracy and evaluation discipline, and consults for numerous competitions. Manska is an active member of the Advisory Board of the College of Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Society of Sensory Professionals, Wine and Spirits Wholesale Association, and U. S. Bartenders' Guild. He also writes a sensory science column for PR%F Magazine and contributes articles on distilled spirits sensory science to various magazines and periodicals.His research encompasses the sensory analysis of spirits, beer, and wine, yielding multiple patents for scientifically engineered drinking vessels. Ongoing studies extend this work to the development of wine glasses designed using sensory-science principles, complementing sensory-designed craft beer glasses to complete a continuum of functionally optimized vessels across beverage categories. Manska's mission is threefold: (1) to connect the art of creating beverages to the current level and tools of sensory science with a bridge of practical application-uniting educators, researchers, and producers around measurable truth in flavor and aroma, (2) to bring industry into the sensory education process through truth in marketing, and (3) to provide the student with a clear, practical understanding of the disciplines needed to excel in the field of spirits' sensory science.

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