1) the ability and the act of tasting.

taste - a) the ability to notice, appreciate, and judge what is beautiful, appropriate or harmonious or what is excellent in art, music, decoration, clothing, etc.; b) a specific preference; partiality; predilection; c) an attitude or a style reflecting such ability or preferences on the part of a group of people of a particular time and place; d) a liking; inclination; fondness; bent.

splendour; brilliance.