smakare

Smakare is a Swedish noun meaning a person who has the ability to discern flavors; a taster or connoisseur. The term is used for individuals who evaluate food, beverages, or other products based on taste, aroma, and texture. In professional contexts a smakare may work on tasting panels, quality control, product development, or as part of a wine or coffee program; they may be called tasters, quality tasters, or connoisseurs.

The word is formed from smak (taste) and the agent suffix -are, common in Swedish for occupational nouns. Its use dates to at least the 19th century. Plural is smakare; definite plural is smakarna. The term is widely used in culinary and beverage industries in Sweden, and can also refer more generally to someone with a refined palate.

See also sommelier, palate, tasting panel.