Complexity: A spirit that keeps revealing different things about itself, revealing new flavours and aromas. Having complexity is usually considered better quality.

Finish: The impression it leaves in your mouth after you have swallowed. In a good wine, you can still perceive its flavours such as fruitiness or spiciness.

Length: Length is a sure sign of high quality. Many standard wines are very upfront on the palate. These make a big impression as soon as you taste them but fall short. Excess tannin or high alcohol can be to blame. You’ll be able to taste a good quality spirit across the full length of your tongue.

Depth: Depth is when it does not taste flat or one-dimensional in your mouth.