40 
Supertasters have long ruled the world of sommeliers and chefs, but our knowledge of their existence is still a relatively new phenomenon.
As The Atlantic notes, a recent article by Andrew Haan revealed the incidental nature of these supposed superhumans. The scientists involved even offer a first hand account of the revelation:
Some time ago the author had occasion to prepare a quantity of phenyl thio carbamide, and while placing it in a bottle the dust flew around in the air. Another occupant of the laboratory, Dr. C. R. Noller, complained of the bitter taste of the dust, but the author, who was much closer, observed no taste and so stated. He even tasted some of the crystals and assured Dr. Noller they were tasteless but Dr. Noller was equally certain it was the dust he tasted. He tried some of the crystals and found them extremely bitter. With these two diverse observations as a starting point, a large number of people were investigated and it was established that this peculiarity was not connected with age, race or sex. Men, women, elderly persons, children, negroes, Chinese, Germans and Italians were all shown to have in their ranks both tasters and non-tasters.
As a nontaster myself, I’m predisposed towards feeling particularly resentful when it comes to supertasters and all the little perks they enjoy. Still, it’s interesting to think that had this accidental discovery never happened, we might have been entirely unaware of the modern day mutants walking among us, just like normal people. [The Atlantic]
Image: Shutterstock/Tania Zbrodko
A Dead Scientist Accidentally Won the Nobel Prize
The Scientist Who Discovered Hepatitis C Says He's Now Discovered the Vaccine
Scientists Discover How to Disarm Superbug Bacterias
Supertasters may get additional “perks” but get this: they rarely like coffee due to their enhanced bitterness detection.
As I’m sitting here with a cup of nespresso heaven I say, screw ‘em
Yeah, and it’s not just coffee. I’m a supertaster, and I barely like anything food & drink-wise.
It causes a LOT of problems in everyday life, I can tell you.
If a baking tray has been through the dishwasher and then food cooked on it, the food tastes like a spoonful of washing up liquid. My family didn’t believe me for a long time till they remembered my dad complaining of something similar years ago. I agree with Neepixi, I’ve yet to find a positive for this heightened sense.
Anyone else know what I’m talking about?
Once I swallowed some washing up liquid, so I can sympathise if all your food tastes like that!
To this day I still don’t understand how so many of you stand the bitterness of coffee … The only way I can drink a cup of that vile stuff is with half of the cup filled with sugar.
I hate coffee too but I doubt that means im a supertaster lol How can you tell whats normal?
Same with me