Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting

When it comes to extra virgin olive oil, appreciation of it simply means looking at how the oil smells, tastes and feels on the tongue; Sensory Analysis. In a formal tasting panel, the goal of olive oil sensory analysis is to determine the olive oil's organoleptic qualities so that it may be classified and graded in accordance with IOC (International Olive Council) standards.

Trained and accredited tasting panels are the only approved method for grading olive oil

While human sensory analysis may have a larger degree of uncertainty and variability than other non-human methods like “electronic noses”, it is currently the only method approved for categorizing extra virgin olive oils when completed in tandem with physicochemical lab analysis, and may only be performed by taste panels that have been formally accredited. So far, methods like “electronic noses” have not been able to replicate the nuances that trained human tasters can capture.

Compounds in olive oil are so numerous and complicated, and their interactions are still not fully known, so sensorial analysis is needed to help with quality control. The richness and deep subtleties found in extra virgin olive oil's scent and flavour are an intrinsic component of its makeup. This distinguishes it from all other vegetable oils. Both volatile and non-volatile components contribute to the taste qualities of extra virgin olive oil.

The tastes and smells of extra virgin olive oil

There are five fundamental tastes that are commonly recognized in most cultures: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. Pungency or pepperiness is not a taste stimulus in the traditional sense, but it is a tactile feeling which is noticeable in the throat, when tasting very good extra virgin olive oil. According to the standards of the IOC, bitterness and pungency are considered positive characteristics of extra virgin olive oil. These two taste attributes have been linked to the healthful components of olive oil such as oleocanthal, a phenol that has anti-inflammatory properties.

However, the foremost important attribute in extra virgin olive oil tasting comes from the olfactory or smell analysis part of the process, where tasters look for the presence of fruity aromas and absence of defects. As humans, we can detect between 2000 to 4000 different aromas and it is these abilities that are harnessed and honed by tasters.

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Two most important factors - the competency of tasters and proper handling of oil samples

The oil sample and the taster are the two most important components in sensory analysis. In extra virgin olive oil tasting, the median assessment value is taken from the taste assessment of a group of tasters (typically 8 to 12 people) to compensate for taster disparities and avoid potential pitfalls with individual tasting. Not surprisingly, a taster's sensory accuracy is influenced by a number of elements as such:

On the side of the oil sample, several variables may influence the results of sample analysis. The first factor to consider is the sample's temperature since a sample that is not at the proper temperature makes it harder to distinguish between good and bad aspects. The second factor is the amount of virgin olive oil in each sample since the results might be tainted if the amount is not standardised. Thirdly, another important consideration is the olive varietal of the samples used as it may have an influence on the sensory evaluation of the oil e.g. due to lack of familiarity to a certain varietal. Last but not least, it is highly recommended, where possible, to ensure samples are tasted in ascending order of flavour intensity from milder to robust, to avoid misleading results.

The importance of tasting protocols

Given such known influences, tasters have to observe a set of protocols before and during the tasting sessions which include parameters such as number of tasters in a panel, maximum tasting sessions per day, maximum number of samples per tasting session, limits on consumption of foods, beverages or smoking before tasting sessions, the ideal time of day to taste, required length of breaks to avoid sensory fatigue and the requirement of having a relaxed and calm state of mind. Likewise, tasting rooms have to comply with certain ambient requirements such as wall colour, absence of noise and ideal temperatures among other technical and equipment requirements.

What tasters do when tasting olive oil samples

Typically, olive oils are rated on the basis of their mild, medium, or intense/robust flavours. The olive variety, the stage of maturity at which the olive is picked, and the methods observed to extract the oil from the olive fruit all have an effect on the various types and qualities of olive oil.

Here’s a brief look at the steps followed when tasters conduct olive oil tastings.

Appreciating extra virgin olive oil through guided tastings with a certified sommelier

For regular consumers of olive oil, we too can enjoy tasting olive oil to appreciate its multitude of flavours, especially when guided by an olive oil sommelier. We sometimes call this experience a hedonic tasting, is less technical and more enjoyable especially when done with a small group of friends or like-minded, curious people. A certified olive oil sommelier would usually simplify and tailor the tasting experiences to their target audience but should still retain all the critical points of formal tasting protocols to ensure overall integrity of a tasting experience. Additionally, guided tastings would typically include food pairing activities which are helpful for identifying one’s preferred flavour profiles.

Sessions should include all the basics of how to read labels, what true extra virgin olive oil should taste like, the requisite myth-busting factoids and much more, depending on allocated time and breadth and depth your olive oil sommelier’s experience. When done well using exceptional quality and fresh tasting olive oils, it is not uncommon for one to walk away from the experience feeling more empowered to navigate the complex world of olive oil.