Your chance to get to know a bit more about Scotch Whisky – its long and fascinating history, the secrets behind how it’s made, the reasons for the huge variety in styles and flavours and of course what it tastes like!

This is best as a group activity – its more fun that way and also keeps the cost down but we are happy to arrange a Whisky Talk and Tasting for any number of people. All we ask is a minimum age of 18 and a responsible approach to drinking – this is an activity where we encourage you to “sip and savour”!

Talks and tastings can be held in a variety of venues (such as your hotel or a private room in a local bar) and usually last from 1 to 2 hours. Prices are dependent on the specific tasting chosen, the number of people taking part and any venue costs.

THEMED WHISKY TASTINGS

Discover Scotch Whisky

Our “beginners” talk and tasting – takes you through the basics of the different types of whisky, how they are made and where the flavours come from. We show you the best way to savour and appreciate your whisky as well as giving you some handy tips as to how to impress your friends with your knowledge. We would normally include samples of a grain whisky, a blended whisky and 2 single malt whiskies

Scotch Single Malt Whiskies

Single Malts are seen as the premium products of the whisky industry and have a wonderful variety of local styles and flavours. This tasting will take you on a journey around Scotland’s single malt distilleries without you ever having to leave the room. You will find out how whisky is produced and what leads to the different flavours in the final product. The whiskies chosen will illustrate the best examples of the variations possible. We normally include samples of 4 different single malt whiskies.

The Whisky Regions of Scotland

Historically different parts of Scotland produced quite different styles of whisky. This tasting will look at classic examples of the varying regional flavours and discuss how things are changing in the modern world of whisky. We will demonstrate the importance of cask selection in the maturation of whisky and how that can be more important than the location of the distillery.

Single Distillery Tastings

This type of tasting demonstrates the variety of styles and flavours that can be produced from a single distillery and will show you both the effects of age and cask type on the spirit produced. Tasting whiskies made from the same ingredients in the same place but matured in different ways will give you a deeper understanding of this fascinating aspect of the industry. And the best bit is that if you want, you can choose which distillery we explore.

Cask Strength Tastings

Cask strength whiskies are not for the faint hearted – but it its not all fire and fury! Bottling whiskies at cask strength can highlight different aspects both of the spirit and the casks themselves bringing out the full spectrum of flavours. Additions of small amounts of water to reduce the alcohol content can make dramatic changes to the flavour profiles and allow individuals to find their own perfect balance of flavour and strength. In this tasting we normally offer 3 or 4 different styles of cask strength single malts with the option of including a unique single cask whisky as well.

The "Lost Distilleries" Tasting

A very special tasting for anyone interested in tasting whiskies from some of the many distilleries which have closed and/or been demolished over the years. Famous names such as Rosebank, Littlemill, Glen Mhor, Lochside, Imperial, Dallas Dhu and Port Ellen are all currently available - please ask us for more details and a quote. The rarity of these whiskies means prices are a little bit higher than for other tastings.....!

Alternatively, why not add one of these unique  "lost distillery" whiskies to any of the other tastings. Contact us for prices.