Whisky Tastings
for small groups, couples, or individuals
Let me share my 25 years knowledge and I can guarantee a relaxed & enjoyable experience in a traditional Scottish pub located at the heart of Edinburgh city.
A Taste of Scotland - An Introduction to Single Malt Scotch Whisky
2.30pm Sunday - Friday
hosted at The Jolly Judge bar (map)
Duration - Approx 90 minutes
Ticket £40
On rare occasion I may be able to host a tasting outside of advertised times, so please feel free to get in touch if these times clash with other bookings and I’ll see if I can work something out.
LIMITED SPACES REMAINING IN DECEMBER
USE CONTACT FORM OR EMAIL BELOW TO BOOK NOW!
Rare and Old - A selection of 20 year and older Scotch whisky
Times and Venues as per A Taste of Scotland tasting
Duration - Approx 120 minutes
Ticket £80
Please contact me directly to UPGRADE your tasting from “A Taste of Scotland” to this “Rare and Old” version.
If I don’t have other tastings pre-booked on the date I’ll be happy to host this tasting for you and your group instead of “A Taste of Scotland” tasting.
If you have already booked “A Taste of Scotland” online but would like this tasting contact me to arrange the upgrade and simply settle the balance at the tasting.
Unlike some companies I do not host mixed tier tastings, instead focusing only on a single tasting per session. If you book this tasting it will be the ONLY whisky involved in the tasting as I strongly believe that focusing on the whisky itself is key to a quality and sucessful tasting.
For bookings and enquiries get in touch
I’ll endeavour to reply as soon as possible, and am often able to take next day bookings. For same-day bookings please feel free to check availability with me, if I’m free I’ll try and accomodate you even at short notice where possible.
How it works
Each tasting comprises of 4 drams available for a single individual up to a small group, just reserve your preferred tasting date via the contact form or email me directly.
Then in the comfort of a traditional Edinburgh bar we’ll sit down and sample the whiskies in a laid back and casual fashion. I’ll talk you through each whisky, the distillery and style associated, then we’ll discuss cask influences and finishes. The tastings are free-form and unscripted so feel free to ask questions or ask to go deeper into certain topics as they arise, I’m happy to share my 25+ years of industry experience with you. With a max tasting size of 6 people everyone will have plenty of chances to get their questions in and join the general discussion.
Tastings are open to absolute beginners, even if this is you first ever taste of whisky, right up to connoisseurs, I’ll tailor the tasting to suit your needs.
Booking in advance is required, but I’ll always try and fit you in at short notice if possible. For groups of more than 6 I may be able to arrange an additional tasting outside of the usual advertised times, just fill out the contact form and I’ll see what I can do.
Payment is made at the conclusion of the tasting by either cash or card payment, a deposit is not required under most circumstances. Any additional drinks or food purchased are payable to the bar at the time of ordering.
A Taste of Scotland - An Introduction to Single Malt Scotch Whisky
2.30pm Sunday - Friday £40/person 90 minutes The Jolly Judge bar
4 Drams covering the main styles and tastes of Scotland presented in an easily digestible format. The perfect tasting for your first whisky experience.
We will examine the colour, aroma and flavour of each style. Then we’ll discuss how they fit into each whisky profile and how to identify these for yourself whether in a bar or a shop to help you better select whisky for the future.
As the tasting is free-form I will adapt the level of history, production technique and anecdotal storytelling to suit each group. All questions are welcome as I’m happy to share my 25 years of whisky experience with you, and I fully encourage discussion and participation from all.
In closing I’ll be happy to recommend whiskies to try based on your favourite sample, where to buy within the city, other bars to visit, and the staff at the bar will be happy to assist should you desire to stay for another dram or two after we’re done.
Rare and Old - A selection of 20 year and older Scotch whisky
(upgrade by request) £80/person 120 minutes
Start times and venues as for “A Taste of Scotland” Tasting above
For the whisky connoisseur why not try something Old, Rare, or just Exceptional from the archives. Focusing on limited release or single cask bottlings of outstanding quality these whiskies are hard to find and impossible to replace. Looking for a special gift, a memorable experience or just a whisky fanatic then this might be the tasting for you.
Here we will look at all things Scotch - Single Malt, Single Grain, Blended Malts, and Blends. Unusual cask finishes, independent bottles, single casks, closed distilleries, or those who have changed ownership or spirit style over the years. I’ve sought long and hard to source these bottles and once they are gone, they can’t be replaced, indeed they are reserved for this tasting only! Given the nature of such limited stock the range will change periodically but I’ll always keep it interesting and promise excellent value for money compared to finding these in most regular bars.
We can go in depth into the whiskies themselves, exchange stories, or help you track down something for your own private collection. It can be as professional or relaxed as suits your tastes. Perfect to show off to corporate guests, or just relax on your vacation, you decide.
Each whisky is guaranteed to be at least 20 years old but often can be significantly older, the current line up totals 100 years over the 4 drams.
