The Perfect Whisky Tasting At Home With Friends

True whisky lovers never miss an opportunity to take part in a whisky tasting. Many distilleries offer tastings with or without a guided tour of the sacred distilling facilities and warehouses. But selected retailers have also discovered the world of whisky and offer regular tastings. But you can also invite friends and acquaintances to your home for a tasting of different whiskies. To ensure that the tasting is a real highlight, however, there are a few things that need to be prepared and taken into account. Read on to find out how to plan a whisky tasting with friends so that it will be a really cozy evening with a fine selection of the finest distillates.

Whisky tasting – the preparation

Anyone who takes part in a professional whisky tasting at a distillery or a whisky seminar with a real whisky connoisseur will not realise at first glance how much preparation goes into it. The whiskies have to be selected and their order determined. Glasses have to be rinsed and laid out, and sufficient water and bread, perhaps a few small snacks, have to be provided. Last but not least, an evening with friends enjoying a few fine drams also needs a nice atmosphere. Below, we outline the most important steps for a successful whisky tasting with friends.

Selecting the whiskies

Before you invite your friends over for a cosy whisky evening, you should know which whiskies you want to try. Unless, of course, you want to make it a big secret and resist the questions from your guests on the evening itself. But curiosity aside, it’s important to make sure you have all the whiskies you want to offer your guests in your bar cabinet at home. If you have an extensive collection of bottles that are not completely empty, you have a head start.

Which whisky you choose for tasting with friends depends on your personal preferences and the tastes of your guests. Not every guest will be thrilled to be served small peat bombs and strongly smoky whiskies from the Scottish island of Islay all evening. But apart from the taste, which determines the basic direction, there are two different approaches to selecting whiskies for tasting.

A good and harmonious selection of whiskies for tasting is extremely important.

Whiskies with similar flavours

On the one hand, you can choose whiskies that complement each other in terms of flavour. This means, for example, that they come from the same distillery, whisky region or whisky type, such as single malts, bourbons or blended whiskies. It is also possible to choose a range of whiskies of increasing age, which allows you to appreciate the influence of barrel ageing. With a tasting set like this, you and your friends can gradually explore the subtle differences in the nuances of the whiskies.

Compare very different whiskies

Another great idea is to set up a comparison round. You might choose bottles from different countries, highlighting how climate and tradition influence flavour. Or focus on a specific series, like the renowned Malts of Scotland, to explore the subtle differences within one collection.

You and your guests could also take a flavour journey through one region — starting with something light and fresh, then gradually moving towards richer, more intense profiles, finishing with a bold, smoky dram. It’s a fun way to explore the wide range of styles and see how each one stands out in contrast.

Tip: When comparing different whiskies, don’t necessarily mix them all up wildly. An evening of corn-sweet bourbons and heavily smoky whiskies will not pamper your taste buds, but will probably stress them so much that they will fail after two drams.

The order of the whisky

In addition to the selection of individual whiskies, the order in which they are tasted is also important. As a general rule, taste from light to heavy, from non-smoky to smoky, or in order of increasing strength. This is simply because a heavy or very smoky whisky at the beginning will have already overwhelmed your taste buds to such an extent that you will no longer be able to taste a light lady from the Lowlands in all her diversity.

Tip: If you can’t decide on an order, sort them by alcohol content. Taste buds react to alcohol because it is not only the carrier of the golden spirit’s flavour, but also a neurotoxin.

How many whiskies should you taste?

Even if you find it difficult, limit yourself to four to five different bottlings when selecting whiskies. This is not just so that you and your friends are left with nothing but memories of the headache the next day. After more than five different whiskies, our senses are at the end of their capacity.

Combine whisky tasting with some fun

Adding some friendly online casino fun to your whisky tasting night could give it a more modern feel. Taking a break after a few drinks, you and your friends can play games together on a site like Hidden Jack Casino. The practice of enjoying whisky and the fun of playing online games come together in this great way to keep the party going. You can have a great time whether you play slots or card games. The combination of eating and playing makes for a wonderful night. Find out more with Hidden Jack Casino review. We’ll show you what games and prizes are available.

Our recommendations: 3 tasting sets Scotland trip

To help you get started, we’ve put together a mini tour of Scotland — perfect for sharing with friends during your tasting evening. Use it as inspiration to explore the country’s key regions and discover how location shapes character.

Begin in the Lowlands with something light and gentle. Then move on to the fruity elegance of Speyside, followed by the bold and varied styles of the Highlands. Make a quick stop in Campbeltown, known for its distinctive coastal expressions, before finishing your journey on the rugged island of Islay, where smoky, peaty drams await.

Set 1: Scotland trip for beginners

1. Glenkinchie 12 Years Old
2. The Singleton of Dufftown
3. Dalwhinnie 15 Years Old
4. Longrow Peated
5. Laphroaig 10 Years Old

Set 2: Scotland trip for advanced whisky drinkers

1. Bladnoch 10 Years Old
2. Glenrothes 12 Years Old
3. Glenfarclas 15 Years Old
4. Longrow Peated
5. Lagavulin 16 Years Old

Set 3: Scotland trip for connoisseurs

1. Auchentoshan 21 Years Old
2. The Balvenie Portwood
3. Glencadam 19 Years Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish
4. Springbank 18 Years
5. Caol Ila 25 Years

It’s all about the right glass

Tasting is all about the senses — and the right glass makes a big difference. You’re probably familiar with the classic tumbler: wide, heavy, and often seen in films. It works well for a casual pour of bourbon or an Irish blend, but it’s not ideal for a proper tasting session.

For that, you’ll want a nosing glass — or even better, a Glencairn. Their shape is designed to concentrate aromas and help you pick up the finer details with both nose and palate. The narrowed opening captures the bouquet, while the rounded base allows the liquid to breathe.

At what temperature should whiskey be tasted?

On the rocks or slightly chilled — that’s perfectly fine. Especially in summer, out on the terrace or with a glass of good bourbon, a cooler sip can feel just right. When sharing a bottle with friends, though, it’s better to skip the ice cubes or those trendy stones. The flavours open up best when the drink is closer to room temperature.

That said, “room temperature” isn’t always ideal. In modern homes, it’s often warmer than it used to be — sometimes well over 20°C. Experts suggest that around 18 to 19 degrees is the sweet spot for enjoying the full range of aromas. You don’t need to overthink it. Just a little warmth from your hand around the glass can help bring the spirit to life — no need to place it next to the fireplace.

The atmosphere for whisky tasting

So, the bottles are picked out and the glasses are ready. What’s still missing? The guests, of course — and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. There’s no need to redecorate the entire home; that would be a bit much. It’s all about enjoying the evening together. Still, a few thoughtful touches can make a big difference. Some stylish napkins, a good book or two about distilling traditions, and maybe something to flip through between pours can really set the mood.

Sure, a kitchen table works just fine for tasting. But if your guests are lounging on a comfy sofa or gathered around a barrel-turned-table, it all feels a bit more special.

Tip: Try theming the evening! For example, take your guests on a little journey to Scotland with accessories that reflect its culture — tartan blankets, small flags, or vintage maps add charm without going overboard.

Food for whisky tasting?

We can answer the question of what food goes well with whisky tasting quite quickly. During the tasting, you should concentrate solely on drinking. Prepare yourself for 1 to 2 hours of pure enjoyment from your glass. A good foundation is not a bad idea. If you want to prepare a meal, it should be eaten before the whisky tasting. We recommend small snacks as a kind of buffet afterwards.

The reason for this is that food influences the taste between different types of whisky. You have probably heard that certain foods such as chocolate or shortbread go well with whisky. But save that for later or for more special whisky tastings. Then you can try, for example, how a whisky changes after eating a particular food.

Between drams

It’s best to avoid eating during a tasting session. There is one exception, though — plain bread. Much like water, it helps reset the palate between pours and keeps the focus on the flavours in the glass.

Still water with low mineral content can also play an important role. After the first sip, try adding just a few drops to your drink. With some selections, especially those bottled at cask strength, a little dilution can unlock extra layers of aroma and taste. You’ll be surprised how a small amount of water can reveal new depths. (We go into more detail in our blog post, which includes a helpful dosage table.)

Tip: Use a fresh glass for each round — or rinse thoroughly between pours. That way, no lingering flavours will interfere with the next pour, allowing each dram to shine on its own.

The whisky tasting process

Everything’s set and ready to go. The only thing left to complete your tasting experience is a simple yet brilliant addition — tasting notes. Place small slips of paper or cards next to each bottle so you and your guests can jot down impressions as you go.

You’ll find ready-made templates in many specialty stores or online. These often include checklists for common aromas and flavours, making it easier to identify what you’re tasting. A small notebook dedicated to these sessions is also a great idea — it lets you keep track of different drams over time and makes a thoughtful gift for your guests.

In the end, it’s not just about the drink. It’s about the moments you share — good company, honest conversation, and the pleasure of discovering something new together.