Semantic analysis of "taste" words...

Crisp

Crisp is interesting since it is technically a term referring to the texture of an item, but has become associated with taste. And while it would seem perfectly applicable in describing food, such as potato chips and vegetables, I see it used frequently to describe beverages, including wines and beers. I imagine that since most food that is “crisp” is generally thought to be fresh (as opposed to soggy, which might indicate that the food is aged or rotten), this word is now used to indicate freshness to the item in question. Another meaning, however, seems to associate crisp with “biting.” This seems to be its use in beverages. The taste “cuts” through.

Smooth

This is another word that actually describes texture. Smooth, however, has now become part of our taste lexicon when used to refer to something that has a consistent flavor and doesn’t waver in the tasting experience. There is an even, uneventful, palatal experience. In many ways, this would seem to be an antonym of the aforementioned crisp.

Creamy

Creamy originally began as a description for something characterized by, or containing cream. Thus, something creamy either has cream or tastes like cream. Over time, though, it has become less literal and seems to refer to texture. Something that is creamy will usually also be something that is smooth. This is indeed the case with “smooth” peanut butter (as opposed to “crunchy”). There is also the connotation that it is “rich” and/or “substantial.”

Clear

Clear is strange. Clearly (pun intended), it is referring not to the transparency of a food item, but rather to some aspect of its taste. That particular aspect seems to be its distinctness from another flavor. It is often used to describe beverages. “Clear” means that the beverage will not be clouded in its flavor characteristics. In this way, it is similar to “crisp.”

Forbidden

“Forbidden” seems to refer to the allure of eating the item. It is clearly referring not only to biblical Eve, but also to the possible repercussions of eating said food. In this way, it is hinting at the commonly-accepted belief that people always want what they can’t have. Danger and risking punishment only makes them want it more.

Bold

“Bold” seems almost synonymous with “crisp.” By calling a flavor “bold,” we hint at its distinct nature. A bold flavor will not taste like any regular flavor. It has a “daring” quality. It is certainly not meek. Rather, it’s a flavor which doesn’t play by the rules.

Hearty

“Hearty” has the connotation of having a lot of substance. It is often used to describe “manly/Hungry Man” (women don’t get hungry ;)), type of meals. Soups containing more food than broth are also described as hearty. Often, hearty is filling/rich. When you’ve eaten something “hearty,” you’ll know it.

Light

“Light” seems to contrast with “hearty.” Something that is light doesn’t have a great deal of substance. It is unimposing and generally won’t fill you up. When referring specifically to flavor, it is something that isn’t “bold” or “strong.” Rather, its flavor is mild and covert.

Artificial

While slightly tongue-in-cheek, “artificial flavors” are some of the most frequently seen words on the label of foodstuffs. What does “artificial” taste like? Obviously, it’s not the real thing. But it often tries to pass itself off as the real thing. Strangely, what is natural or artificial about any taste? A taste is simply a taste. Therefore, the word actually refers to the “naturalness” (or lack thereof) of the ingredients used to provide the taste.

Natural

A taste that is natural is one which ostensibly comes from nature. It is not “man-made” and, therefore, adulterated. Natural is generally used to contrast with “artificial.” Furthermore, “natural” refers to a taste which is just as it should be. It is simple and pure. Nothing has been done to “harm” or enhance the flavor.