Use as counterevidence to categorical farming-system and heirloom-superiority claims. Distinctiveness and preference are separate judgments.
The tasting was unblinded and commercially hosted; several variables changed simultaneously.
In the Waterford new-make comparison, agronomic system, barley variety, and county changed together, so Arnold states that he could not tell whether the flavor differences came from conventional, organic, or biodynamic farming. The Hunter heirloom sample was the most distinctive in nutty and toasted-cereal intensity, but not necessarily better.
PDF sheet 279; printed p. 273
PDF sheet 279; printed p. 273
Chapter 19 — At Last, a Sip
Freshly checked 2026-09-28 against supplied PDF 279 / printed 273 using enlarged rendered pages and sequential reading. Verification establishes faithful source representation, not independent validation of every author claim.
Evidence
In the Waterford new-make comparison, agronomic system, barley variety, and county changed together, so Arnold states that he could not tell whether the flavor differences came from conventional, organic, or biodynamic farming. The Hunter heirloom sample was the most distinctive in nutty and toasted-cereal intensity, but not necessarily better.
Locator and context
PDF sheet 279; printed p. 273; end PDF sheet 279; printed p. 273. The tasting was unblinded and commercially hosted; several variables changed simultaneously.
Assessment
Use as counterevidence to categorical farming-system and heirloom-superiority claims. Distinctiveness and preference are separate judgments.
Fresh verification
Freshly checked 2026-09-28 against supplied PDF 279 / printed 273 using enlarged rendered pages and sequential reading. Verification establishes faithful source representation, not independent validation of every author claim.