{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/65fdb820b5218f001713c89b/68ca82b2e87421a033db2083?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"How to Taste with Mandy Naglich: Unlocking Flavor, Aroma & becoming a better taster","description":"<p>This week Damian is joined by <strong>Mandy Naglich</strong>, an <strong>Advanced Cicerone®, certified taster, drinks writer, and author of <em>How to Taste</em></strong>. Mandy’s journey into the world of flavor started with homebrewing, where she won a <strong>gold medal at the National Homebrew Competition</strong> in 2016, and led her into the deep study of sensory science, fermentation, and tasting.</p><p>In this episode, Mandy shares:</p><ul><li>How she went from winning a homebrew medal to becoming an Advanced Cicerone® and certified taster.</li><li>Why <strong>fermentation underpins so many flavors</strong> we love—from chocolate and cheese to beer, wine, and spirits.</li><li>Her take on the <strong>crossovers between beer, wine, and cocktails</strong>, and why cocktails are leading the charge in embracing science and chemistry.</li><li>The <strong>biggest misconceptions about tasting</strong>—and why anyone can become a better taster with practice.</li><li>Damian’s firsthand experience of the <strong>super taster test at Tales of the Cocktail</strong>, and what our genes reveal about how we each perceive flavor differently.</li><li>The crucial role of <strong>aroma and retronasal smell</strong> in shaping what we taste.</li><li>How <strong>sight, texture, and expectation</strong> can make or break the drinking experience.</li><li>Tips for building your own <strong>flavor vocabulary</strong> and why note-taking helps train your palate.</li><li>The surprising ways <strong>memory and context shape tasting</strong>, from German Hefeweizen to holiday meals.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Mandy’s passion shines through as she shows how taste is not just biology—it’s memory, context, and practice. Whether you’re a bartender, a drinks enthusiast, or just curious about why things taste the way they do, this episode will give you tools to taste with more clarity, confidence, and joy.</p><p><br></p><p>👉 <strong>Follow Mandy</strong>: <a href=\"https://instagram.com/drinkswithmandy\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@drinkswithmandy</a></p><p> 📖 <strong>Her book</strong>: <em>How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life</em></p><p><br></p><p>🎙️ <strong>Lock-In Sessions</strong></p><p> Want more? Each episode continues in <em>The Cocktail Academy Lock-In</em>—exclusive, industry-focused conversations for bartenders, operators, and serious drinks fans. You can listen to Mandy’s Lock-In session and all previous extras for FREE at <a href=\"https://thecocktailacademy.com/lock-in/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>thecocktailacademy.com</strong>.</a></p><p><br></p><p>📩 <strong>Connect with Damian</strong></p><ul><li>Instagram: <a href=\"https://instagram.com/welovecocktails\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@welovecocktails</a></li><li>TikTok: @welovecocktailsx</li><li>Facebook: <a href=\"https://facebook.com/welovecocktailsx\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@welovecocktailsx</a></li><li>Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com</li></ul><p><br></p>","author_name":"Damian Cole"}