Praegustel

Praegustel is a term used in sensory science and gastronomy to describe a preliminary evaluation of aroma and palate conducted before the main tasting session. It refers to a brief, non-intrusive pre-tasting exercise intended to establish a baseline for tasters and for the samples being evaluated.

Etymology-wise, the word appears to derive from Latin prae- meaning before and gustus meaning taste, with the -el suffix suggesting a procedural step. The term has surfaced in some recent workshop notes and niche literature but is not widely standardized or universally adopted.

The purpose of a praegustel is to reduce bias, calibrate tasters, and screen samples for potential issues such as fermentation faults or off-notes prior to formal evaluation. Typical practices involve quick sensory observation, light sniffing, visual inspection, and sometimes a brief palate rinse or temperature check, conducted briefly and without scoring or in-depth assessment.

Applications for praegustel appear in wine, coffee, tea, chocolate, and broader culinary product development, as well as in sensory laboratories and training settings. It is particularly relevant in sessions that compare multiple samples in sequence, serving as a short, non-quantitative check rather than a full tasting.

Limitations and reception vary. Some researchers regard the concept as redundant with standard pre-checks, while others see value for training novices or improving session consistency. See also: gustation, sensory analysis, pre-tasting, palate cleansing.