I think there’s an understanding that wine and spirits tasting experiences are very personal. So how can one experience more? How can one objectively share their experiences without losing authenticity and personal touch? How do we develop our own perspectives over outside influences?

I am not offering an answer because I do not know how. I am simply offering my personal perspectives that enhances my own enjoyment of these magical elixirs.

The phrase “Out of Box Thinking” is in itself restrictive because that would mean there is a limit to what one can accomplish. Do you know how big your box is and how big can it be? From another angle, do you know what’s actually inside your box?

People often forget that you do not need to know everything there is to know about wine in order to talk about wine. How can we be better at sharing that experience with others?

With the ever-changing horizon, one thing for certain is that I know just how much I do not know and what an exciting thing that is!

However, I do know one thing.

I do know that whether someone truly respects the world of wines and spirits or if they are driven by something else.

When it comes to nature vs nurture debate, nothing in life is certain, what we are exposed to throughout our journey from inception helps shaping who we are and what we have affinity to.

Let’s talk about exposure. The reality in wine and spirit appreciation is the monetary aspect which forms a barrier for many to grasp just how vast and complex the world is. Hypothetically, what happens if the barrier to exposure is removed, what would your approach be then? Let me share two very recent observations from my personal encounters.

Now I look at visiting a liquor store sort of like a treasure hunt of sorts. Finding interesting brands, styles, regions, grape varieties, or the combination of the above can give me more pleasure than be. As it is an endless journey, I still have much to learn and enjoy!

Many first encounters, including my own, with uninitiated palates, were most likely unimpressed.

Why do I say that?

When reminiscing the journey thus far, I came across this article I wrote again, my views are still very much the same.  Only now I know truly just how vast and deep it can be to paint this grand vision and possibility for greater sensibility, imagination, and respect when it comes to wines and spirits appreciation.

Real connosseurship will only come after having deep understanding and appreciation for the classics as well as endless and passionate pursuits for the exciting and new - with some harmless snobbery for entertainment.