Keep It Neat: Whiskey Tasting Party

Tasting parties are quickly becoming a must-do for those with discerning palates, and none are more exciting than the whiskey tasting party.

Delivering one of the most diverse flavor profiles in all of the tasting world, whiskey is an easy fit for those looking to host a tasting party.

Several factors go into the development of the flavor of the whiskey. Whether it is made from barley, corn, rye, or wheat, aged for years between distillation and bottling, each individual factor comes to play in the whiskey’s final taste. This variety of flavors is what makes the tasting process such fun. While you may find one flavor appealing, a friend may taste something completely different. Either way, all are guaranteed to be delicious.  After all, as author and screenwriter Raymond Chandler once said, “There is no bad whiskey. There are only some whiskeys that aren’t as good as others.”

Step 1: Inviting People

When it comes to whiskey, you want to make sure you have the right audience. Not everyone is a fan of whiskey nor are they open to the flavor experience. You want to make sure that the people you invite are whiskey connoisseurs already or, at the very least, are curious about learning.

Step 2: Choosing Your Tasting Menu

Many factors go into the selection of the tasting menu. Do you have a theme? Are you going to focus on whiskeys from a certain geographical location, a particular style (i.e. smoky, smooth, etc.) or maybe high end and low end brands? Whichever you chose, it’s important to keep the number of whiskeys you choose to around five, otherwise your guests’ palates will become fatigued.

And don’t forget the palate cleanser! Serve water and plain crackers so your guests can get the true taste every time. You may serve a larger meal after the tasting, but common flavors like garlic and hot pepper will dilute the taste of the whiskey.

Step 3: Educate Yourself

A good host is a smart host, so know the whiskeys you are tasting. Try and learn interesting facts about each one so that you can make the event interactive. Allow your guests to ask questions and open a discussion about the whiskeys they are trying. They may be slow to open up, so be prepared to control the conversation for the first couple of tastes. After a few sips they should be ready to loosen up and add their take.

Step 4: Have a Designated Driver

Don’t let your friends drink and drive! Offer a designated driver, whether it is your spouse, a whiskey-hating friend, or your local Uber driver, make sure everyone gets home safe and sound.

If you are unsure as to where to begin, head over to your local liquor store and get the advice of the pros. The staff at Julio’s Liquors, located at 140 Turnpike Road in Westborough, MA, are experts in all matter of liquors and libations. From the high-end to the hard to find, Julio’s Liquors has the whiskey your party needs!