This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carapelli for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was recently sent a bottle of Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil to taste and review. I had no idea that you have olive oil tastings much like you would have wine, coffee, or bourbon tasting. I have never invested in a good quality bottle of olive oil and I was pleased to learn so much about it.

I am going to tell you the proper way to taste olive oil. First,  pour about a tablespoon of olive oil into a blue glass. Why a small stemless blue glass?  The round shape fits in the palm of your hand so the oil warms and releases its aroma. The blue glass also conceals the color of the oil since color is never an indicator of quality. You can see the blue glass in the picture above. Next gently warm the olive oil by covering the glass with one hand and holding the bowl of the glass in the other.

There are four S’s for tasting olive oil – Swirl, Sniff, Slurp and Swallow

1. Swirl – By swirling the olive oil in your glass, you release the oil’s esters, which are the molecules that
contain the aroma.
2. Sniff – Now inhale deeply. The aroma is the key to the fruitiness of the oil. Is it intense or is it
more subtle?
3. Slurp – Sip the oil while “sipping” in a bit of air. This slurping action emulsifies the oil and helps spread it
throughout your mouth. Take note of the various tastes and sensations. Is it fruity, peppery, smooth?
4. Swallow – Once you swallow the oil, it should leave your mouth with no aftertaste. Again, take note of
any peppery or stinging sensation in your throat.

Carapelli’s line of Olive Oils have three varieties including:

• Premium 100% Italian – made solely from the first cold pressing of the finest 100% Italian olives with an intense, robust flavor and aroma
• Il Numerato – a supremely smooth and low acidity oil that is a result of a delicate cold pressing of olives
• Organic – Obtained only from organically grown olives and produced according to organic farming standards; certified USDA organic

I had the pleasure to try the Premium 100% Italian variety. I have only really ever used olive oil in recipes and it was very interesting to taste it on its own. I was a little intimidated at first because I have never had an official “tasting” of anything. I was surprised that I really could taste the complex notes in the olive oil by following the four S’s.

I have some good news for you. You can visit the Carapelli website and get a coupon so you can taste one of Carapelli’s Olive Oils for yourself. You can find the $1.00 OFF coupon at www.CarapelliUSA.com