I see the issue with ABX blind testing

It‘s simple.  We have trolls with no real interest in audio that make comments to the contrary apparently out of boredom.  To call someone arrogant or foolish for building a stereo system based on their hearing is nuts.  Blind testing has a purpose and a place.  If a person is unsure of their own hearing to build a stereo, that‘s ok.  It doesn‘t have to be a DYI hobby.  Many people just want a turnkey stereo system so they can enjoy their music.  A dealer can set up a system that sounds good to them or they can hire someone to set up their system.  Many of us enjoy the journey almost as much as the destination.  

I go listen to someone‘s stereo and maybe I like it or maybe I don‘t.  It‘s all about my bias vs. the owner‘s.  Maybe I like a song someone else doesn‘t.  Most of the time we benefit hearing other systems and gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of our own.  I personally do not need to be blindfolded to do that.

Imagine if car magazines tried to do double blind drive tests of cars.  Now that could get interesting.

@audphile1 I was the lab manager and fermentation expert at a distillery. We had to be trained for tasting. The American Distillers Institute has classes on it. They use base flavors and fragrances to train with. This way, one can use the same descriptors etc, for the products.

Ever see a wine wheel or whiskey wheel, probably not. Or you wouldnt be so dismissive and arrogant. Whiskey taste wheel Wine aroma wheel

Y'all really don't get it.

There are rigorous classes for Somms as well and most just can't cut it. With wine I've learned a few things but could never reach the heights of perception as my Somm friends no matter how much I try. 

One could memorize all the different cues on those wheels and still not be able to match them to what one's tasting on a consistent basis.  There's way too many factors at play. I've even seen Somms blow it on blind tastings while I got it right (only on two occasions).  Everyone does. What I taste is rarely what others do and vice versa. Sure, there's overlap in some broad areas but the nuances are always different. 

Here's a study on single malts and blends that the author disputes but the comments section leaves open the possibility that most simply cannot tell the difference between the two unless they know beforehand what they're drinking, like the study concluded. Not everyone can do it.

All the best,
Nonoise

@botrytis that’s awesome! Have a nice day!