Over the past few years, Scotchology has been hosting whisky tastings in the American Midwest and Northwest, often for charity. It isn’t something we’ve sought out but when people ask, we’ve been happy to oblige. Some tastings have been very informal with only a handful of folks, while others have been ticketed events serving over 50 people and featuring live music. Please email scotch@scotchology.com to talk with us about hosting a whisky tasting for you. Below is a non-exhaustive listing of themed programs we can offer and some potential whiskies we might include.
Non-Profit Contributions Raised: $5,470
Scottish Regional Tour – This tasting is meant to give a broad introduction of the major regions in Scotland, focusing especially on great introductory whiskies that are both affordable and widely available. Example features: Oban 14, Balvenie 12 Doublewood, Springbank 10, Glenkinchie 12, Ardbeg 10
Highland Courting on the Spey – Scotch sometimes carries the perception of harsh firewater, especially for those whose early (or only) experience was unpleasant. This tasting explores the rich history of distilleries from the Highland and Speyside regions, with whiskies featuring complex scents and flavors that dance on the tongue. Example features: Benromach 10, Dalwhinnie 15, AnCnoc 12, Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve
It’s All in the Finish – A popular trend in recent years has been to finish scotches in barrels that once held other spirits, wine or liqueurs. This line up features whiskies paired with their finishing elements to highlight what those finishes contribute. An example is sampling an Oloroso sherry followed by a Tomatin 12 year, which is aged in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. Example features: Tomatin 14, Arran Amarone Cask, Tamdhu 10, Teeling Small Batch
Earth, Fire and Water: Whiskies for a Bleak Midwinter – Specifically geared toward those looking for a bolder whisky adventure, this tasting explores the scotches found on the northern islands, including the chief of them all, Islay. Smoke, peat and brine will be featured in various levels of abundance. Not for the faint of palate. Example features: Ledaig 10, Talisker Storm, Caol Ila 12, Kilchoman 100% Islay, Lagavulin 16
Shamrocks in the Barley: A St. Patrick’s Day Irish Whiskey Tasting – Irish whiskey is often an overlooked area for those who love scotch, but they share much in common and a recent renaissance has resulted in some truly complex and wondrous whiskies coming from the Emerald Isle. Example features: Connemara, Knappogue Castle 12, Green Spot, Writer’s Tears
Brave New World: A Non-Bourbon American Tour – Much like the craft beer movement of the 90s, recent years have seen a surge in craft distilling. Thanks to laxer regulations around whiskey than the EU, some creative minds have put the US in the vanguard of spirits above and beyond bourbon. This tasting highlights some standout whiskies from around the country. Example features: Corsair Triple Smoke, Westland Single Malt, OOLA Three Shores, Balcones Baby Blue
Divergent Drams: Single Cask Expressions – Most whiskies seen on the shelves are the result of carefully blending many barrels (even single malts!) to achieve uniformity of taste. This tasting features single malts bottled from one cask only, resulting in expressions that are at once identifiable yet also possessing their own unique personality. Example features: Dependent upon single cask availability (e.g. Corsair Triple Smoke Single Barrel)
World Whisky – Whisky is made in more than Scotland, Ireland and the US. Take a brief tour of some unexpected places by sampling the whiskies they make, from Japan to Sweden to France to Italy. Stamp your passport with surprise and delight. Example features: Brenne Estate Cask, Lot No. 40, Yamazaki 12, Mackmyra First Edition