aftertaste / undertone
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undertone
A negative, often subtle quality or feeling associated with something that is otherwise positive or neutral. This meaning is used figuratively.
Sein Lob hatte einen bitteren Beigeschmack, weil ich wusste, dass er mich eigentlich nicht mag.
His praise had a bitter undertone because I knew that he actually doesn't like me.
aftertaste
A weak, additional taste in food or drinks that is not the main flavor.
Das Wasser aus der alten Leitung hat einen metallischen Beigeschmack.
The water from the old pipe has a metallic aftertaste.
The word is made up of 'bei' (with/by) and 'Geschmack' (taste). So it literally describes a taste that is 'there with it,' meaning it exists in addition to the main taste or main quality.
Der Sieg hatte für ihn einen seltsamen Beigeschmack.
For him, the victory had a strange undertone.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about eating or drinking, but about situations, events, or statements. In this case, 'Beigeschmack' (undertone) is always a negative feeling or a doubt.
Die ganze Angelegenheit hat einen faden Beigeschmack.
The whole matter has an unpleasant undertone.
In the figurative sense, the phrase 'einen bitteren Beigeschmack haben' (to have a bitter undertone) is often used. Other typical adjectives are 'fahl' (pale/stale), 'seltsam' (strange), or 'komisch' (odd).
Sein plötzliches Angebot hatte einen bitteren Beigeschmack.
His sudden offer had a bitter undertone.
When referring to the actual taste, 'Beigeschmack' (aftertaste) is often combined with adjectives that describe the additional flavor. Typical ones are 'metallischer' (metallic), 'muffiger' (musty), or 'erdiger' (earthy) Beigeschmack.
Der Wein hatte einen leicht korkigen Beigeschmack.
The wine had a slight corky aftertaste.
departure / finish / miscarriage
Both words can refer to the taste that remains after eating or drinking. In a tasting context, Abgang is especially the evaluated finish, while Beigeschmack is more of an additional, often unpleasant taste. „Abgang“ is therefore more suitable for evaluating wine, while „Beigeschmack“ is used for an unwanted aftertaste.
Die Suppe schmeckt gut, hat aber einen leichten Beigeschmack nach Metall.
The soup tastes good, but it has a slight metallic aftertaste.
Der Abgang dieses Weins ist weich und bleibt lange im Mund.
This wine has a smooth finish that lingers in the mouth.
