Let’s get things started.
You don’t need a smoking jacket and an armchair to appreciate a good dram of whisky these days. However, whisky can be more enjoyable when shared with friends.
A whisky tasting party is a great way to expand your horizons and try different expressions while spending quality time with pals. If you all have a great time (which we’re sure that you will), then you can take it from a one-time event to a fully-fledged whisky tasting club.
The great thing about organising a whisky tasting or hosting a whisky club is that you really don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make it memorable. It does, however, take a small amount of planning to ensure things go off without a hitch.
How to host a whisky tasting
If you’ve set your hopes on running a whisky tasting club, then you want to make sure that the inaugural whisky tasting event is both educational and enjoyable. With the right balance of preparation, knowledge, atmosphere and execution your night will run as smooth at The Glenlivet tastes. Here are ten steps for top-tier hosting:
- Set the date and venue
Choose a date that works well for your group and secure a venue that complements the experience. This could be your dining room but if you want to up the ante, a stylish private room, or even an outdoor setting if weather permits, could make it feel really exclusive.
- Curate your guest list
Think about the size of the group – around 6 to 12 guests are ideal. This allows for intimate conversations without overwhelming the space. Send formal invites well in advance, giving your guests enough time to RSVP.
- Select your whiskies
Decide on a theme or variety of whiskies, such as single malts, blends, or whiskies from different regions. Aim for 4-6 different types to keep the experience focused without overwhelming the palate. Be sure to offer a range of flavours, from lighter to more complex.
- Gather your tasting tools
Ensure you have all the essentials for tasting. Glencairn glasses are ideal for whisky tasting, but any glasses will do the trick – just try to ensure everyone is using the same type. Water is also essential for diluting so guests can enjoy whisky without burn and explore how the aromas and flavours change. In addition, note cards or tasting sheets for guests to jot down their impressions will help make comparing your experiences easier.
- Set the tasting order
Plan the order of your whiskies carefully. Start with lighter, less complex options and gradually move towards the heavier, more robust ones. This prevents guests’ palates from being overwhelmed too soon.
- Provide palate cleansers and snacks
Offer light palate cleansers such as water, crackers, or plain bread to neutralise flavours between tastings. A jar of coffee beans also helps for sniffing in case of nose blindness.
In addition, provide complementary snacks like cheese, charcuterie, dark chocolate, or nuts. These not only enhance the tasting experience but also keep the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable.
- Act as sommelier or invite an expert
If you’re confident, take on the role of the sommelier, guiding guests through the tasting notes and nuances of each whisky such as the cask selection. Alternatively, you can invite a local whisky guide to provide an educational edge to the event.
- Conduct the tasting
As the event begins, encourage guests to examine the colour, nose (smell), palate (taste), and finish of each whisky. Discuss the region, cask type, and aging process as you go along, allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
- Include entertainment or activities
Make the evening more interactive by including a whisky quiz, a whisky facts crossword, a “guess the notes” challenge, or even a cocktail-making session as a fun way to end the tasting. These activities can keep the atmosphere lively while keeping learning about whisky at the heart of the event.
- End with a toast and takeaways
Conclude your event with a final toast and thank your guests for attending. Consider providing small takeaway gifts, such as a mini bottle of whisky or tasting notes, to leave a lasting impression.
How to conduct a whisky tasting
Sampling whisky expressions is at the heart of any whisky tasting party or whisky club event. However, there’s more to tasting whisky than just swallowing a dram. It’s about the overall experience of how to drink whisky, from how it looks, its aroma, the way it feels in your mouth and how it lingers long after the last sip.
Once everyone’s gathered in a room and you’re all staring at a few bottles of whisky, here’s all you have to do:
Pour it. Make sure you don’t overdo it. You’re not looking for a full dram here, just enough to taste the flavours. You want to be able to revisit your favourite later in the night.
Look at it. Now that you’ve all got a suitably responsible amount of whisky in your glass, have a look. What colour is it? The lightness (or darkness) of the whisky can signify the type of cask that it’s been matured in. E.g. Founder’s Reserve is a light amber as it is matured in American oak casks, while Captain’s Reserve is much darker due to being finished in cognac casks.
Smell it. Once you’ve given it a good once over, it’s time to smell it. Breathe in slowly and deeply and some aromas will hit your nose.
Talk about them. Is it floral, fruity, vanilla-y? Again, the type of cask that the whisky has been matured in will have some influence here.
Taste it. The step you’ve all been waiting for. Put the whisky to your lips and take a sip. What do you taste? Now add a drop of water and put it to your nose – not mouth – again. Lowering the ABV and slightly increasing the temperature will help release the aromas, flavour and character of the whisky. Now you can taste it again. What else do you pick up?
Refresh it. Cleanse your palate with a swill of water and start over again with the next whisky.
To kick start your taste buds (because there’s always that one flavour you can never place), here are some things to look out for:
- Founder’s Reserve has a creamy sweetness with zesty fruits and a hint of toffee apple.
- 12 Year Old is fruity and summery with strong pineapple notes.
- Captain’s Reserve is selectively finished in cognac casks, giving it a raisin-rich flavour with honey and spicy notes.
- 15 Year Old has a sweet almond and spice flavour, thanks to maturation in French oak casks.
- 18 Year Old is rich and elegant with ripe citrus and winter spices.
Don’t worry if your friends are still “just tasting whisky”, there’s plenty of time to develop their – and your! – taste buds.
Repeat. Not just with each expression, but the whole experience. Make it a monthly thing, get together to discuss life, whisky, the universe, or whatever you want. Just make sure you’ve got a dram in front of you and life’s your oyster.
From whisky tasting party to whisky club
Your whisky tasting party was a huge success and now you’re in the process of taking it from a one-off get-together to a regular whisky club. It’s a great way to bring together enthusiasts and explore the rich world of whisky and here’s how you do it:
- Find like-minded whisky enthusiasts
Start by connecting with people who share your passion. You can reach out to guests from your tasting party, talk to people at local bars, pubs, or off-licenses, and even contact distilleries to gauge their interest. Distilleries may also promote your club to their customer base.
- Partner with a local business
Consider teaming up with a restaurant, whisky bar, or pub that has an appreciation for whisky. Many establishments will be happy to accommodate a regular group, especially if it draws in business. Offering a steady stream of whisky lovers can be mutually beneficial.
- Set a regular whisky club schedule
Establish a consistent meeting schedule, such as once a month or once a quarter. This regularity will help members plan ahead and ensure better attendance. It also makes it easier to book venues and organise each tasting session.
- Let people know about your whisky club
Spread the word about your club to grow membership. Use social media platforms, word of mouth, and even flyers in local pubs or distilleries. You could also reach out to whisky brand ambassadors as they may be interested in supporting your club with exclusive bottles or tastings.
- Plan themed tastings
Education is key to keeping your whisky club engaging. Plan themed tastings, such as focusing on different whisky regions like Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and the U.S.A, whisky types such as bourbon, rye, single malt, or The Glenlivet rare expressions. Tailor your events to both novices and seasoned whisky enthusiasts, offering a blend of learning and discovery.
- Create a welcoming environment
Make your club inclusive and open-minded. Everyone should feel comfortable, whether they are whisky connoisseurs or just starting out. Encourage questions, discussions, and new ideas to create a relaxed yet educational atmosphere.
- Foster friendships and community
Beyond whisky, your club can become a space for building lasting friendships. Encourage socialising beyond the formal tastings, whether it’s through informal gatherings, whisky-related events, or even a whisky trip to Scotland. A strong sense of community will keep your club thriving.
- Consider membership perks
As your club grows, think about offering benefits like discounted tickets for events, exclusive access to limited-edition whiskies, or even merchandise. These perks can build loyalty and encourage regular attendance.
And don’t forget to add Whisky Club CEO to your resume.
Looking for more ways to enjoy whisky at home? Discover classic cocktails, our favourite unexpected whisky and food pairings as well as how to mix whisky and beer.
