I have never been to a tasting before, but was invited to a whiskey and scotch tasting for $135. It includes food, beverage, and cigars provided by Ashton. Will this help me develop my scotch taste?, and is this a good price? Any help is more than I know.
That is a good price for bourbon, scotch, and cigars. I saw a TV show today on the whiskey festival and the entry was 100 bucks but they didn't provide cigars. 135 aint too bad.
Hard work may pay off eventually but laziness always pays off now.
I would be there in a second. Enjoy the different tastes from the different regions of Scotland. Try them all-in my opinion the best region are the Islay malts. Let me know if you like them and have a dram for me. ADB
Posts: 61 | Location: Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA | Registered: October 08, 2003
glentochas is recommending the Islay's, but if you are totally new to Scot's malts then start with something from the Highlands, speyside - just about anywhere but Islay.
Islay's are very phenolic (peaty), and for 99% of people is a taste that you acquire over time. Having an Islay first could put you off for life!
I've been seriously into malts for the past 13 or 14 years and I still haven't developed a proper taste for the stronger Islay's, and I have had the advantage of having my best friend as a whisky professional!
Enjoy the tasting though, they are a great way to get more knowledge and get to know like minded people.
----------------------------- S.N.O.B #1007, Ambassador from the Court of St. James.
Posts: 1054 | Location: Preston, UK | Registered: May 08, 2002
My favorite drams are the Islays, but I have been enjoying and studying Single Malts for a while. However I think you are right that if someone is going for the first time, maybe a good Highland Park would be a great first dram. As they say: "Laphoraig-love it or hate it". I love it but thats my personal taste. Anyway the best philosophy I ever heard was "The best dram is the one in your hand" ADB
Posts: 61 | Location: Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA | Registered: October 08, 2003
I'd love to find a scoth tasting in my area - my personal favorite so far is Glen Morangie 18yr. Haven't had a chance to try the Islays yet so if anyone has a good recommendation that way, I'm all ears!
Posts: 2 | Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Registered: August 07, 2004
Some of you don't have your location posted but if there are any Canadians interested in a Scotch Tasting Society, try the Companions of the Quaich. Here in Toronto, we get three drams of various single malts, sometimes as old as 25 years, varying from $55. to $175. per bottle as well as a very nice meal in a cigar friendly dinnerclub.
Hey, I know it's a bit late since you first posted, but if anyone is from around the Chicago area there are quite often tastings at Binnys Beverages. Everything from Tequila to Scotch to Wine. You can not beat it. I've been to 4 total so far and they keep getting better. There's specials on bottles, you get to talk for hours with product reps and the people who make them, free giveaways (shakers, bottle sleeves, ect) and there is always a local restauranteur who is there providing free plates of his/her food. The best part, most of the time all of this (usually 30+ different drinks to try) is under $50. A tequila tasting I went to was only $15!! I'm not joking...check the site out, they always have listings of upcoming events, usually 20 or so are planned at a time. Cigars have only been provided at 1 that I've been to and it was an Acid. Ehhh. Regardless, sticks are available at the stores if you want to smoke one. I'm going to an Italian wine tasting next month and also a Scotch tasting with dinner for $40. Can't beat it. Check their website out. http://www.binnys.com/
