Whisky tasting night!
Discussion
Podie said:
I chose TWE as I've used them a lot over the years and had good advice. There are other places in London that will do tastings, but TWE seemed to offer the best value (value of whisky vs price paid).
It started as an "18yo or above" tasting, and was rebranded as "premium whisky" due to the inclusion of a Japanese whisky (at the request of several of the group) and the NAS BW3. I also made it clear that I wanted things that most people wouldn't have tried before - try an push boundaries just a bit. The fact that a few of us said "I'd never have bought that unless I'd tried it" is quite a success IMO. I left the choices to Chris at TWE and I think he did a great job.
If we wanted to go for a theme, or a region that would be possible. The budget can be increased, and the choices become even more premium. Sadly, we didn't make 15 people this time, as that's the point where the number of people vs the whisky choices hits a real sweet spot.
The only other consideration, is that I wouldn't want to present 6 whiskies to someone and them hate every single one (e.g. 6 peaty whiskies to a sherry head).
ETA - so, you can pretty much do what you want and tailor it. The difficulty is confirming numbers, because until you draw a line under the numbers you can't go picking your whisky.
Opinions and perceptions I'd entirely agree with. The broad brush approach I think is definitely the way to go, rule nothing in or out. Part of the reason I'm sceptical of distillerry specific , or even region specific tastings, less chance of a complete surprise. It started as an "18yo or above" tasting, and was rebranded as "premium whisky" due to the inclusion of a Japanese whisky (at the request of several of the group) and the NAS BW3. I also made it clear that I wanted things that most people wouldn't have tried before - try an push boundaries just a bit. The fact that a few of us said "I'd never have bought that unless I'd tried it" is quite a success IMO. I left the choices to Chris at TWE and I think he did a great job.
If we wanted to go for a theme, or a region that would be possible. The budget can be increased, and the choices become even more premium. Sadly, we didn't make 15 people this time, as that's the point where the number of people vs the whisky choices hits a real sweet spot.
The only other consideration, is that I wouldn't want to present 6 whiskies to someone and them hate every single one (e.g. 6 peaty whiskies to a sherry head).
ETA - so, you can pretty much do what you want and tailor it. The difficulty is confirming numbers, because until you draw a line under the numbers you can't go picking your whisky.
Another event sounds like a darn good idea, hopefully I'll be able to turn out for it.
I'm in for the next 
A bottle of chichibu is in the cabinet now and I have added a 26yo glenglassaugh to the collection too after tasting it. I rather enjoyed the extremely peaty bw3 too which seemed to be quite a marmite dram given the feedback!
A bottle of chichibu is in the cabinet now and I have added a 26yo glenglassaugh to the collection too after tasting it. I rather enjoyed the extremely peaty bw3 too which seemed to be quite a marmite dram given the feedback!
Edited by mr_tony on Friday 31st October 20:18
Coneyhurst Blue said:
I am really sorry that I missed this it looks like it was a great evening - well done to Podie for organising.
Put me down for the next one if you can face trying to get another in the diary.
I think there is enough interest to do another. As you may have gathered, it wasn't just the whisky, but the banter was pretty good too.Put me down for the next one if you can face trying to get another in the diary.
I'll look to do another around March / April time, so people have recovered from Christmas and drunk any whisky they got
Podie said:
The Hammerhead was a real surprise. Dangerously drinkable, and I'd probably buy a bottle if I saw one.
I'm good friends with the CEO of the company that own Hammerhead (in fact I have a bottle in my collection!). If there is any interest (and assuming I can get it organised) is anyone interested in a group buy? If there is interest, I'll ask for prices to include posting out as well.S6PNJ said:
Podie said:
The Hammerhead was a real surprise. Dangerously drinkable, and I'd probably buy a bottle if I saw one.
I'm good friends with the CEO of the company that own Hammerhead (in fact I have a bottle in my collection!). If there is any interest (and assuming I can get it organised) is anyone interested in a group buy? If there is interest, I'll ask for prices to include posting out as well.pmanson said:
S6PNJ said:
Podie said:
The Hammerhead was a real surprise. Dangerously drinkable, and I'd probably buy a bottle if I saw one.
I'm good friends with the CEO of the company that own Hammerhead (in fact I have a bottle in my collection!). If there is any interest (and assuming I can get it organised) is anyone interested in a group buy? If there is interest, I'll ask for prices to include posting out as well.Podie said:
pmanson said:
S6PNJ said:
Podie said:
The Hammerhead was a real surprise. Dangerously drinkable, and I'd probably buy a bottle if I saw one.
I'm good friends with the CEO of the company that own Hammerhead (in fact I have a bottle in my collection!). If there is any interest (and assuming I can get it organised) is anyone interested in a group buy? If there is interest, I'll ask for prices to include posting out as well.Gassing Station | Food, Drink & Restaurants | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff