jälkimaussa

Jälkimaussa is a Finnish expression used in gastronomic tasting to describe the sensations and flavors that persist after swallowing, i.e., the aftertaste. It is used to refer specifically to flavors detected in the aftertaste phase and is common in reviews of wine, coffee, chocolate, beer, and other foods.

In practice, it appears in sentences such as “jälkimaussa ovat karamelliset nuotit” or “jälkimaussa maistuu paahde,” depending on the context. The phrase can be combined with adjectives to indicate persistence, balance, or intensity. It highlights the long-lasting character of flavor beyond the initial palate.

Etymologically, the term is formed by combining a word for taste with a locative sense to convey “in the aftertaste.” It is related to the noun “jälkimaku” (aftertaste), but while jälkimaku denotes the aftertaste itself, jälkimaussa emphasizes the perceptual moment in the mouth after swallowing.

Usage and nuance: The term is common in consumer-facing gastronomy writing in Finland, though in more formal culinary lexicon researchers and critics may prefer “jälkimaku.” Both describe a lingering flavor, but jälkimaussa foregrounds mouthfeel and the ongoing impression, sometimes including texture or sensorist sensations that persist after the swallow.