Appearance
Pour one ounce of whiskey and observe its color, depth, and clarity.
Nose
Tilt the glass and swirl the whiskey as you inhale slowly. The aromas are often complex and multi-layered. Is your whiskey mellow? Is it warm?
Taste
Take a sip large enough to fill your mouth, then roll it over your tongue. It is important when tasting, to hold the liquid in the mouth and to make sure it coats the tongue thoroughly to help determine mouth-feel. First register the texture and smoothness of the whiskey. Then try to identify the primary tastes -- the immediate flavors your tongue collects. Open up the spirit by cutting in half with water. Observe, nose, and taste again. Cut with water once more and observe, nose, and taste again if desired.
Finish
Identify the sensations experienced after swallowing. Does the flavor of your whiskey fade or linger? How does it change?
Enjoy!