Whisky tasting night
Taste five whiskies from different regions with tasting notes, water droppers and food pairings.
- Guests
- 4-12 guests
- Party length
- 3 hours
- Prep time
- 1-2 hours
- Ages
- 18+
What it could look like
What it is
A guided tasting of five whiskies, from light and fruity to rich and smoky. Tasting sets with small sample bottles make it affordable, and guests learn to spot the differences. A great gift-party for a milestone birthday or a retirement.
Plan ahead
- Two weeks before: buy a whisky tasting set (usually 5 x 30ml bottles per person or to share), or pick five bottles. A good spread: a light Lowland, a fruity Speyside, a sherried single malt, a Highland, and a peated Islay.
- The day before: print tasting sheets: colour, nose, palate, finish, score.
How to taste
- Look: colour hints at the cask.
- Nose: small sniffs with your mouth slightly open.
- Taste: hold it on your tongue, then swallow.
- Water: add a few drops and taste again - it opens up the flavours.
Pairings
- Light whisky with smoked salmon
- Sherried whisky with dark chocolate and dried fruit
- Peated whisky with blue cheese or oatcakes and strong cheddar
Food and drink
- A cheese and charcuterie board
- Plenty of water
- Non-alcoholic options and a proper meal before driving
Tips
- Serve 15-20ml per taste so guests can try all five.
- Arrange taxis home.
On the day
- Arrival (20 min): a welcome drink and nibbles.
- Introduction (10 min): how whisky is made and how to taste it.
- Whiskies 1-3 (45 min): light and floral to fruity and sherried.
- Food break (25 min): cheese, chocolate and smoked salmon pairings.
- Whiskies 4-5 (30 min): rich and smoky peated drams.
- Vote (10 min): guests pick their favourite and guess the prices.
Shopping list
whisky tasting set gift
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glencairn whisky glasses
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whisky water dropper
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whisky tasting notebook
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whisky stones
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cheese board set
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