I have somehow or another got myself volunteered to coordinate a Whisky tasting event this summer/fall. Still not quite sure how this happened… Not that that matters at this point, I agreed to do it, so now it’s time to just make the best out of it.
It’s an annual event that’s part of a larger event that lasts for a week in my small hometown. Funds generated in excess of expences go towards supporting local non-profits, (such as scholarships).
This whisky tasting is in its fourth or fifth year, and each year it has a different theme. At last year’s tasting, the attendees asked for Scotch to be the 2022 theme. Cigars are usually part of these whisky tastings as well (I do not smoke, so I have delegated that to someone else).
It is usually five, ~1.5 OZ pours and it lasts about 3 hours. Casual, outdoors, some snacks, and generally a good time. Tickets are $100 Per Person, although I may bump that up to $125 if needed. I think the max capacity (per local regs) is 50 people, and so far, sells out quickly.
I have only been dabbling in Scotch for a couple of years now, and frankly, I prefer bourbon. I am not a fan of heavy smoke and/or peat, and like just enough of both to know I’m drinking Scotch. For reference, Dalmore 15 is my favorite so far. So again, I’m probably the wrong person to coordinate this thing.
I was thinking about having six pours this year. Five would be single malts, and they would each be fairly representative of whichever of the five separate ‘regions’ it hails from (Campbeltown, Highlands, Islay, Lowlands, Speyside). The sixth would be a blend.
The bottles would need to be somewhat unique, but not unobtainable or terribly expensive - keeping the ticket price ($100-125) in mind.
What do the Scotch drinkers think about this idea? Good, dumb, bad, or might you have a better idea? And if it’s an OK idea, any recommendations for the bottles I should start searching for?