I had heard about this event before, but did not go the last time it was on. Having had a chat with Chad, the organiser, I was then convinced that going to this annual event would be a worthwhile gig to to go to.
At first the idea is a bit bizarre: you go around an event hall where you can sample Whiskey. And then buy it. Sounds like a bit of a party, but it is indeed more education than anything else. As you go around, the good people selling their wares will explain each expression. I am sure that they will also have a few shots, but mostly they would have to be sober. So I think... Poor buggers!
Going round, looking serious, trying and discarding certain brands, discovering others, one realises: this IS a serious affair and not some Frat Party in KappaGamma House. Anyone that has proudly bought a locally made bottle of booze while on a trip to an exotic location (say, Japan for example) and having discoved that the brew acquired for a small fortune actually tastes like glue meets jetfuel will appreciate this arrangement. Try and if you don't like it move on, getting a lil boozier in the process.
Some of the samples I had were surprising. Some peaty ones I totally disliked, although I tend to opt for peated Whiskey. Acclaimed Japanese ones were... well, just not to our taste and some of the really old ones wowed (Dewar's 21 and 25...Yummmmmm).
It was good to see this event being successful with everyone have a jolly good time. For an afternoon we forgot our worries about C-19 and all that stuff.
And we walked home with mostly Gin!
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