Just past the sponge docks and the Greek restaurants in Tarpon Spring is the Tarpon Springs Olive Oil Company.

Running the length of the store was a display of more than two dozen containers of olive oil. Butter Olive Oil, Chipotle Olive Oil, Persian Lime Olive Oil, Rosemary Olive Oil, Blood Orange Olive Oil, and many more.

We sampled using small plastic cups that were on the counter under the oils. The directions were to pour the oil into the little cup container and then move the cup on the palm of the hand to warm the oil.

Then taste. Lots of “ahhs” and “ohs” as people tried the different oils.

After sampling an oil, we ate a small piece of bread to cleanse the palate.

How delightful. After trying several, I decided to purchase a bottle of Tuscan Herb Oil Olive.

I was interested in how many of the olive oils were connected to my interest in wood — including walnut, orange and lemon trees.  And the tasting was a reminder of how much fun sampling can be — whether olive oil or music or musical instruments.