Samples the flavour (6)
I believe the answer is:
tastes
'samples the flavour' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for tastes that I've seen before include "Eats a sample of" , "'Preferences, predilections (6)'" , "Flavours or penchants" , "Savours with the palate" , "Penchants or appetites" .)