every must-have for hosting an awesome whisky event

Got Questions About Whisky Tastings? We've Got You Covered!

Which whiskies should I choose for a beginner-friendly tasting?

Start with smooth and approachable drams! A great lineup could be:

Glenlivet 12 – Fruity and easy-going

Auchentoshan American Oak – A triple-distilled, soft Lowlander

Highland Park 12 – A touch of smoke without scaring people off

💡 Tip: Want a surprise element? Throw in a Redbreast 12 (Irish whiskey) – it’s sherried, silky, and unexpected!



What about a tasting for more advanced whisky lovers?

Up the complexity! Try:

Springbank 10 – A cult favorite, slightly funky, and full of character

Lagavulin 16 – Peat lovers’ heaven

GlenDronach 15 Revival – Sherry bomb deluxe

💡 Surprise factor? A Clynelish 14 – waxy, coastal, and underrated.

How many whiskies should I include in a tasting?

Aim for four to six whiskies. Three is too little, and more than six turns into a survival game rather than a tasting. Keep water and neutral snacks (like oatcakes) handy to keep palates fresh!

Does the glass really matter?

Oh, absolutely! A proper whisky glass enhances aromas and flavors. Ditch the tumbler and go for:

Standard whisky tasting glasses (150-200 ml) – Perfectly fine for most tastings.

Smaller tasting glasses (70-120 ml) – These are often used in professional tastings and whisky festivals. The compact size concentrates the aromas beautifully.

Glencairn Glass – The go-to glass with a tulip shape for maximum nosing.

Copita Glass – Used by professionals, excellent for delicate aromas.

NEAT Glass – Reduces alcohol burn in the nose, great for beginners.

💡 Fun tip: Smell your whisky first with your mouth slightly open – it helps pick up more subtle notes!

How do I assess a whisky like a pro?

Follow the "Look, Smell, Taste, Finish" method:

Look – Observe the color (but don’t judge, as cask type influences it more than age).

Smell – Give it a swirl, let the aromas rise, and use our Whisky Tasting Wheel to pinpoint notes.

Taste – Take a small sip, let it coat your mouth, and discover the layers.

Finish – Notice how long the flavors linger. A great whisky stays with you.

What’s the deal with adding water?

Adding a few drops of room-temperature water can open up hidden aromas and soften alcohol heat. Experiment with different amounts – sometimes just a tiny drop works wonders!

Should I blind-taste the whiskies?

Yes! Blind tastings remove bias and make things way more fun. Cover the bottles and number the glasses – see who can guess which is which!

Any fun ways to engage guests during a tasting?

Make it interactive! Try:

"Guess the Region" – Can they tell a smoky Islay from a fruity Speyside?

"Find the Flavor" – Using the Whisky Tasting Wheel, let guests pinpoint specific notes.

"Battle of the Drams" – Let everyone vote for their favorite.

What’s the best food pairing for whisky?

Forget the usual! Try:

Dark chocolate (especially with sherried whiskies)

Aged cheese (works wonders with smoky drams)

Dried fruit & nuts (classic with Speyside and Highland whiskies)

What should I do with leftover whisky?

Store bottles upright, away from direct sunlight, and make sure they’re sealed tight. If you really want to geek out, use argon gas to prevent oxidation.

Any must-have books or guides for whisky lovers?

Absolutely! Check out:

The Whisky Tasting Journal – Keep track of your favorites.

The Whisky Tasting Wheel – The easiest way to describe what you’re smelling and tasting.

Our in-depth Whisky Guidebooks – Learn more about casks, aging, and regions!

How do I level up my whisky knowledge?

Attend a Masterclass or start hosting your own themed tastings. Try "Battle of the Peated Whiskies" or "Sherry Bomb Showdown" to keep things exciting!

Which whiskies should I choose for a beginner-friendly tasting?

Start with smooth and approachable drams! A great lineup could be:

Glenlivet 12 – Fruity and easy-going

Auchentoshan American Oak – A triple-distilled, soft Lowlander

Highland Park 12 – A touch of smoke without scaring people off

💡 Tip: Want a surprise element? Throw in a Redbreast 12 (Irish whiskey) – it’s sherried, silky, and unexpected!



What about a tasting for more advanced whisky lovers?

Up the complexity! Try:

Springbank 10 – A cult favorite, slightly funky, and full of character

Lagavulin 16 – Peat lovers’ heaven

GlenDronach 15 Revival – Sherry bomb deluxe

💡 Surprise factor? A Clynelish 14 – waxy, coastal, and underrated.

How many whiskies should I include in a tasting?

Aim for four to six whiskies. Three is too little, and more than six turns into a survival game rather than a tasting. Keep water and neutral snacks (like oatcakes) handy to keep palates fresh!

Does the glass really matter?

Oh, absolutely! A proper whisky glass enhances aromas and flavors. Ditch the tumbler and go for:

Standard whisky tasting glasses (150-200 ml) – Perfectly fine for most tastings.

Smaller tasting glasses (70-120 ml) – These are often used in professional tastings and whisky festivals. The compact size concentrates the aromas beautifully.

Glencairn Glass – The go-to glass with a tulip shape for maximum nosing.

Copita Glass – Used by professionals, excellent for delicate aromas.

NEAT Glass – Reduces alcohol burn in the nose, great for beginners.

💡 Fun tip: Smell your whisky first with your mouth slightly open – it helps pick up more subtle notes!

How do I assess a whisky like a pro?

Follow the "Look, Smell, Taste, Finish" method:

Look – Observe the color (but don’t judge, as cask type influences it more than age).

Smell – Give it a swirl, let the aromas rise, and use our Whisky Tasting Wheel to pinpoint notes.

Taste – Take a small sip, let it coat your mouth, and discover the layers.

Finish – Notice how long the flavors linger. A great whisky stays with you.

What’s the deal with adding water?

Adding a few drops of room-temperature water can open up hidden aromas and soften alcohol heat. Experiment with different amounts – sometimes just a tiny drop works wonders!

Should I blind-taste the whiskies?

Yes! Blind tastings remove bias and make things way more fun. Cover the bottles and number the glasses – see who can guess which is which!

Any fun ways to engage guests during a tasting?

Make it interactive! Try:

"Guess the Region" – Can they tell a smoky Islay from a fruity Speyside?

"Find the Flavor" – Using the Whisky Tasting Wheel, let guests pinpoint specific notes.

"Battle of the Drams" – Let everyone vote for their favorite.

What’s the best food pairing for whisky?

Forget the usual! Try:

Dark chocolate (especially with sherried whiskies)

Aged cheese (works wonders with smoky drams)

Dried fruit & nuts (classic with Speyside and Highland whiskies)

What should I do with leftover whisky?

Store bottles upright, away from direct sunlight, and make sure they’re sealed tight. If you really want to geek out, use argon gas to prevent oxidation.

Any must-have books or guides for whisky lovers?

Absolutely! Check out:

The Whisky Tasting Journal – Keep track of your favorites.

The Whisky Tasting Wheel – The easiest way to describe what you’re smelling and tasting.

Our in-depth Whisky Guidebooks – Learn more about casks, aging, and regions!

How do I level up my whisky knowledge?

Attend a Masterclass or start hosting your own themed tastings. Try "Battle of the Peated Whiskies" or "Sherry Bomb Showdown" to keep things exciting!