Length: duration, not strength

The standard

The measured aromatic persistence counts the time from swallowing until the aftertaste fades. It separates how long an impression lasts from how strong it is in the moment.

Criteria

• The span begins at swallowing, not at the first impression in the mouth
• It measures duration, not the strength of the aftertaste
• It counts only what lasts without interruption
• It stays independent of whether the impression is pleasant

Distinction

Length ≠ intensity: intensity is the strength of an impression in a moment, length its duration. Length ≠ astringency: a tannic tightening can remain noticeable for a long time without any aroma being carried. The measured aromatic persistence therefore counts only the continuing taste impression.