Forget training in the gym – the next big thing is training for gin. With scientists at the University of Nottingham saying it is possible to “train the brain” to strengthen the perception of flavour, the nation’s favourite lexicographer, Susie Dent, has written a tongue twister to prepare palates for Warner’s notoriously flavoursome rhubarb gin.
The tricky verse was commissioned by Warner’s Distillery to help drinkers prepare their palates and do justice to the taste of their award-winning rhubarb gin. A third of every bottle of Warner’s Rhubarb Gin is real rhubarb juice which gives it such a distinctive flavour. Real rhubarb has a unique sensory profile that activates taste, aroma and texture receptors and Susie’s words will help drinkers to fully appreciate all of the different flavour notes.
The tongue twister is three lines long, references rhubarb and is packed with sensory details, such as ‘rapturously ripe richness’ aimed to evoke a strong sensory response in the person saying the verse. It uses 27 different words and 40 syllables to twist up the tongue. Drinkers who say the tongue twister aloud before drinking will be psychologically primed for the ultimate tasting experience.
Speaking about her tongue twister, Susie Dent, Queen of the Dictionary, says: “I’ve always been fascinated by the power of language, so it was amazing to learn that focusing on particular words can actually help to enhance the perception of taste. If people can say my tongue twister and learn to manifest “rhubarb” without tripping up, they’ll find that their enjoyment of their tipple is made even more incredible – though it might be easier before your first glass.”
Scientists at the Sensory Science Centre at the University of Nottingham use similar techniques when undertaking taste experiments with their trained expert tasters.
Dr Rebecca Ford, Associate Professor in Sensory and Consumer Science explains: “We spend an eye watering amount of time training our expert taste panels to develop their vocabulary. This is because, the ability to communicate what is being perceived is highly dependent on having the words to describe it. Giving people the vocabulary to interpret what they are sensing when they drink, helps them put labels on specific tastes and flavours and improves taste detection and perception.
“Susie’s tricky tongue twister focuses on the different flavour elements of Warner’s Rhubarb Gin and is designed to get drinkers to focus on its subtle flavours and have the ultimate taste experience.”
The tongue twister builds on an ongoing research partnership that Warner’s Distillery has with the University of Nottingham to develop a deeper understanding of botanicals and distillation, and continually improve the taste and quality of its gins.
Warner’s co-founders Tom Warner and Tina Warner-Keogh managed to untwist their tongues and explain their reasoning for commissioning the tongue twister:
“So much passion and craft goes into making Warner’s Rhubarb Gin – we use real farm grown rhubarb because we truly believe real tastes better. We want to ensure every ounce of this passion and flavour comes through when sipping the gin, which is why we turned to Susie.
We hope that everyone gives the tongue twister a go and records their efforts for social media.”
A video of Susie and the team at Warner’s Distillery attempting the tongue twister can be seen on the Warner’s Distillery website here. The full text is as follows:
Relish real rural rhubarb replete with rapturously ripe richness.
Pep up your palate with plump pink stalks passionately plucked.
Taste the tantalisingly tart tangy tingle of Warner’s tremendous tipple.
Warner’s Rhubarb Gin can be purchased from all major stockists, including Tesco. Warner’s will be encouraging the nation to get involved, through the delivery of over 1000 free ‘Tongue Twister Taste Challenge Kits’ which will also be available to purchase on their website.
