Five Reasons Why You Should Go to a Whisky Tasting by Kirsty Dillon
let’s begin
My name is Kirsty Dillon, wife of 'GreatDrams Greg' and this sounds like a loaded post where I'm going to give you lots of reasons why you should sign up for a GreatDrams tasting. I'm a marketeer so I know how it looks but believe me I'm writing this because of the experiences I've had at tastings and the feedback I've gathered along the way.
Whisky is going through its fashionable stage we’re seeing craft beers, gin distillers, pop ups etc.
I was never much in to whisky however since my husband has become an authority in the subject I figured I’d need to learn quickly to keep up and have opinions in our conversations rather than nod along. I’m still praying that one day he’ll take as much interest in celebrities, the latest diet fads and fashion. We’re nearly there on celebrities as his favourite programme is Keeping up with the Kardashians! I digress. I went along to the tasting to learn and now I stand beside Greg as we host our own tastings with my opinions on the flight. I never thought this would be me.
So I thought it was important to highlight the benefits of a whisky tasting:
1. It's a low investment.
One of the things I find daunting about a whisky bar is cost. You go in are overwhelmed by the menu and just want to put your trust in the waiter to suggest what you would like. This terrifies me. What if they go straight to the top shelf and I’m left underwhelmed and overcharged. A tasting can provide the opportunity to taste things you wouldn’t want to risk a lot of money on trying or buying a bottle of to find it didn’t have the taste you were hoping for.
2. Learn
As I said I went to a tasting to learn more so I could have conversations about the liquid and I’m yet to attend an event where I haven’t learnt something. Whether this be from the presenter, the brand ambassador or the person sat beside me. Everyone smells somethings different, remembers a different story from a distillery tour and has something to tell that you didn’t know before.
3. Socialise
I have witnessed many new friendships strike up over whether someone can smell caramel or toasted oats. I’ve walked in to a room knowing no-one else but Greg, and walked out knowing the room. Everyone brings their A-game to a tasting and wants to share their opinions – especially after the third dram.
4. Try new things
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm can be the same old, day in day out. Whilst sat at the desk the mind can often wonder to new experiences, holidays and ticking things off the bucket list. An evening at a whisky tasting can transport you from the water source at Ardbeg, to cutting peat at Laphroaig or creating ice cube spheres in Japan. It opens up new opportunities to hear about other people’s experiences which is always a win in my book.
5. Walk away an expert
You’ll have heard the stories, tried the liquid and know a lot more than when you walked in. Ready for the next time you’re at a bar and want to know exactly what to order or when you’re heading to a dinner party and want to bring the perfect bottle with you.
So why not get involved, obviously GreatDrams.com/events has a regular whisky tasting events but here are some others to look out for. Also, be sure to get along to The Whisky Show – October, more details here and others here
Enjoy and share your tasting pictures with us @greatdrams
Greg
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3 thoughts on “Five Reasons Why You Should Go to a Whisky Tasting by Kirsty Dillon”
When a marketeer says ‘Believe me’, I usually do the opposite 😉 But all kidding aside, you make excellent points. All of ’em could be made for whisky festivals as well.
You are probably right on marketeers most of the time! Glad you enjoyed, thanks for the comment. You’re right about whisky festivals too.