Tasting Experience
What to Expect
Our session should last approx. 60 -75 minutes ; and will include 5 quality whiskies.
We will be using Glencairn branded glasses; which allow for a greater sensory experience when taking in the smell of the whisky.
High quality 126 Water, from Loch Ness, will be available to add to as required – we will discuss the pros and cons of drinking your whisky ‘neat’ ; with water; and with ice.
Out starting dram will typically be in the 40-43% ABV range – perfect to get the tastebuds livened up !
Throughout the tasting session, we will be chatting about the links of the particular whisky to some of the great Scottish courses – whether the links be through the location, history or ownership.
We will talk you through the different styles of cask maturation involved in the various styles of whisky, along with the topics of artificial colouring and chill filtering of whiskies.
Our second dram will typically be a higher strength bourbon-cask whisky ; usually at 46% ABV, so it WILL feel like a noticeable ‘jump up’ from the first dram.
Dram 3 will usually be our equivalent of the ‘hybrid’ club ; so will be a whisky which has been matured in a combination of sherry and bourbon casks.
Dram 4 …. Or should be that FORE ! ; will usually see us enjoying a whisky mainly/wholly matured in sherry casks ; so especially for those with a sweeter tooth , this may well be a “aaaaaah….” Moment !
The finale ; the ‘18th hole’ equivalent WILL have a degree of peat in the profile. Fear not , dear golfers ; we will have a chat around different degrees of peat – they are not all the same – in the same way that not all links courses are as fearsome as playing Pebble Beach in high wind.
For those who have been ‘peat-beaten’ in the past ; a ‘Mulligan’ option may be available……
Intertwined through our time together with the whiskies, we will touch on the history , people, highs and lows relating to both the distilleries and some of Scotlands’ great courses – including some personal experiences and anecdotes.
The Offering
I have two options; the ‘Core’ range of five whiskies; and then the ‘Premium’, which includes older versions of the Core whiskies, as well as some limited edition versions which are often only available in the UK.
The ‘Core’ package is from £50 per person, whilst the ‘Premium’ is from £100 per person.
We also have a Local Heroes Tasting – from £50 – EXCLUSIVELY at Grantown on Spey Golf Course , as part of the Bobby Cruickshank Hickory Experience. Celebrate the history of one of Scotland’s earliest golf pioneers, Bobby Cruickshank, with a selection of whiskies from Speyside & Highlands ; all from within a short drive (car drive, rather than golf club drive) of Grantown.
Depending on the location of the venue we’re presenting at, some of the distilleries might change with the following range….
Dating back to 1833, a family owned distillery which has a foot in both the Lowlands and Highlands Scotch region territories.
Typically a lighter style of dram.
Another family owned distillery; coming up for their 10th anniversary.
Based just outside of St Andrews and a fellow golf caddy was at the origin of this distillery! A fast growing product range, with diversity of taste profile.
Tomatin , located just to the south of Inverness and dates back to 1897. The range covers a wide range from the light and fruity Legacy, all the way through to the peated Cu Bocan range
Based between Inverness and Nairn. One of the very few distilleries to have a Royal Warrant, which was granted way back in 1835!
Their product range has been revamped in recent years.
Dates back to 1825, based in Pitlochry, and for many years this was one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland.
Well respected for their use of sherry casks.
Also family owned, with a fast growing reputation in the whisky world.
Founded in 2016 and launched with input from a highly successful crowdfunding campaign, they offer both their own whiskies as well as a wide range of independent bottlings.
Based in Elgin since 1897.
They offer a wide range of cask finishes.
Part of the Glengyle distillery in Campbeltown since 1872. Just a few miles from the Machrihanish golf courses.
The distillery; like the town it is located in, have a long and colourful history of highs and lows…..
