Tastings of this kind are generally a mix of fun facts and entertainment. For these events I put together a balanced cocktail of the two and engage participants with interesting information and inspiring insights. I usually recommend a basic tasting for such occasions, especially if many of the guests have not yet had a chance to experience whisky. I also offer various advanced tastings for groups that are already (well) informed. The “spirit of Scotland” is always provided free of charge!
A basic tasting generally includes a selection of five standard bottlings of Single Malt Whisky that are both typical for and representative of their region. I use many illustrations to convey basic knowledge as well as the history and making of this noble drink while also discussing a variety of topics from the glass and temperature to tips for buying whisky. And, of course, we also learn the proper way to taste a whisky. Anecdotes from Scottish history and Gaelic toasts add a fun touch to the informative part of the evening. See “Tasting recommendations” for more tasting ideas.
Conditions
- Every tasting is individually coordinated with the event organiser.
- A tasting generally lasts between two and three hours, depending on the number of people and focus.
- I can provide the necessary nosing glasses for a fee if these are not available on site.
- A tasting is most effective with a group of between ten and 30 people. Tastings for up to 100 participants are also possible, but the experience is not as personal in this case.
- When selecting the venue and seating it is important to ensure there is enough space for every guest to fill out a tasting sheet and that they can easily view the presentation screen. I must also be able to move freely from one interested whisky taster to the next.
- The event organiser provides the screen and a high-resolution projector.
- The organiser also provides mineral water (still); I recommend ½ litre per participant. Please consult with me before you select the brand as not all drinking water is suitable for whisky.
- Please do not place savoury biscuits, pretzels, etc. or any bread on the tables. I’d be happy to explain the reason for this in person …
- Ideally the guests will have eaten at least a snack prior to the tasting, but no hot and spicy food.
- Tell your guests to drink a non-alcoholic beverage or beer with their snack or meal. They should not drink any wine or other spirits!T
How much does it cost?
- Depending on the amount of time, effort and preparation – especially for special topics – the fee for an evening can be between €600 and €1,150 plus VAT.
- If the event organiser does not provide the whisky, the whisky for the tasting costs an additional approx. €140 plus VAT for a basic tasting. This rate varies depending on the theme of the tasting and the number of bottlings provided.
- Nosing glasses will be provided if necessary.
- Any costs for room and board are borne by the organiser.
- The organiser is also responsible for travel expenses by means of public transport or car hire.
- No travel expenses are charged for travel within a 50 km radius of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Tastings for private groups | Tastings on private order
I am also at your disposal if you are interested in whisky and would like to organise a private tasting for your friends and guests – no matter if you are an inexperienced newcomer or a passionate enthusiast. The tasting can take place nearly anywhere – in a sufficiently large room at a private location or in a separate area of a restaurant or bar.
You can choose from one of my prearranged tastings or I can put together a special theme just for you. No matter what you decide, the participants of this evening event will learn a lot about how “Scottish gold” is made, develop their own passion for it, hear anecdotes from Scottish history and learn some Gaelic toasts.
We will of course also answer all questions regarding the glass, water and ice (!). And if your group is already well-versed in whisky or interested in a purely expert tasting, I will happily accommodate these needs, too.
In any case, it will be an informative and entertaining evening in the company of friends. I will also gladly answer any questions about kilts or the accuracy of films on Scottish history (made in USA).
Conditions
- Every tasting is individually coordinated with the event organiser.
- Tastings in a small group last about two to three hours.
- I am happy to provide the nosing glasses for a small fee.
- Private tastings can be organised for a minimum of ten to a maximum of 20 people.
- When selecting the venue and seating it is important to ensure there is enough space for every guest to fill out a tasting sheet and that they can easily view the presentation screen. I must also be able to move freely from one interested whisky taster to the next.
- There should be enough room to set up a projector and a screen.
- The organiser also provides mineral water (still); I recommend ½ litre per participant. Please consult with me before you select the brand as not all drinking water is suitable for whisky.
- Please do not place savoury biscuits, pretzels, etc. or any bread on the tables. I’d be happy to explain the reason for this in person …
- Ideally the guests will have eaten at least a snack prior to the tasting, but no hot and spicy food.
- Tell your guests to drink a non-alcoholic beverage or beer with their snack or meal. They should not drink any wine or other spirits!
How much does it cost?
- Private tastings require much less time and effort to organise than tastings for corporate events: The fee for an evening of basic tasting is as little as €55 per person including VAT and whisky. The price varies depending on the theme and the bottlings to be tasted
- Nosing glasses will be provided if necessary.
- Any costs for room and board are borne by the organiser.
- The organiser is also responsible for travel expenses by means of public transport or car hire.
- No travel expenses are charged for travel within a 50 km radius of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Training courses for restaurants and hotels
Are you interested in getting in-depth training on the subject of whisk(e)y for your service staff, bartenders and sommeliers? Would you like to have professionally trained salespersons who can use their expert knowledge and skills to find the right whisky for the right guest? Are you looking for people who actually know what you have to offer in your bar and can sell it?
I am at your service in this area as well to train your employees on this subject. I offer professional one-day seminars on the following topics:
- The history of whisky in Scotland, Ireland and the United States
- Details on the distillation processes in the respective countries including some chemistry, aroma development and knowledge about casks
- Differences between the various types of whisk(e)y
- Proper nosing and tasting of a whisk(e)y
- How to create a Nosing Wheel
- Cask strengths in tasting
- Which mineral water is suitable as a companion or for dilution?
- Which glasses are suitable for the enjoyment of whisk(e)y?
- Independent bottlers – advantages and disadvantages
- Information about the big and small players in the whisk(e)y world
- Recommendations for putting together a collection for your bar and purchasing advice
All participants will be able to leave the training seminar on their own two feet …. The number of bottlings to be taste-tested is kept to an absolute minimum with a focus on quality and not quantity. However, a means of transport other than the participant’s own vehicle or motorcycle should be arranged for the ride home. Participants receive the seminar documents on a USB drive before they leave.
Conditions
- Employee training takes an entire day.
- The number of participants should not exceed about 20; all participants must be of legal drinking age.
- When selecting the venue and seating it is important to ensure there is enough space for every guest to fill out a tasting sheet and that they can easily view the presentation screen. I must also be able to move freely from one interested whisky taster to the next.
- The event organiser provides the screen and a high-resolution projector.
- The organiser provides sufficient mineral water (still). Please consult with me before you select the brand as not all drinking water is suitable for whisky.
- Please do not place savoury biscuits, pretzels, etc. or any bread on the tables. I’d be happy to explain the reason for this in person …
- A hearty lunch with snack breaks in the morning and afternoon should be offered. Please do not offer any hot and spicy food.
How much does it cost?
- The fee for a one-day seminar is €1,150 to €1,350 plus VAT, regardless of the number of participants.
- The event organiser bears the costs for the procurement of the various bottlings (by arrangement).
- Any costs for room and board are borne by the organiser.
- The organiser is also responsible for travel expenses by means of public transport or car hire.
Whisky dinners
Whisky dinners are a special treat because they bring together the amazingly rich and aromatic world of whisk(e)y with the virtually infinite aromatic world of cuisine. In addition to very detailed planning, it is essential to have an extremely skilled head chef with whisky experience or at least one who has already prepared a wine dinner. Guests who partake in a well-executed whisky dinner will never forget the experience.
For this reason, I only offer whisky dinners on request and under the above conditions.