BUILD YOUR OWN WHISKEY

A Hands-On Whiskey Blending Experience

Most whiskey tastings are pretty straightforward.

We pour the whiskey. You taste it. We talk about it.

This one is going to be different.

For this tasting, you’re going to become the blender.

Jim is going to select several very different whiskies—potentially including bourbon, Scotch and other styles—and we’re going to explore what happens when you start combining them intentionally.

Because blending whiskey isn’t simply pouring two good whiskies together and assuming the result will be better.

Sometimes 1/4 ounce of something smoky completely changes a blend. A sweeter whiskey can soften something that’s overly oaky. A higher-proof whiskey can add structure. A small amount of an older whiskey can bring depth.

And sometimes two whiskies that you wouldn’t expect to work together create something surprisingly good.

That’s what we’re going to find out.

FIRST, WE TASTE. THEN, WE START EXPERIMENTING.

Jim will walk us through the whiskies individually and talk about what each one brings to the table—sweetness, smoke, spice, oak, proof, fruit, texture and finish.

Then we’ll start blending.

You’ll experiment with different combinations and ratios, taste the results, make adjustments and see how surprisingly small changes can completely transform what’s in your glass.

Too smoky? Adjust it.

Needs more sweetness? Change the ratio.

Too much oak? Find something that softens it.

There isn’t going to be one “correct” blend.

The goal is to figure out what tastes right to you.

JIM’S TAKE

I think this could be one of the most fun whiskey tastings we’ve done.

We’re not just going to sit around and talk about whiskey. We’re going to play with it.

I’ll pick whiskies that bring very different things to the glass, we’ll taste them individually, and then we’ll start experimenting.

Bourbon may meet bourbon.

Bourbon may meet Scotch.

Something smoky may end up with something sweet.

And I’m pretty sure we’re going to create a few combinations that none of us would have thought of before we started.

That’s the whole point.

If you enjoy whiskey or have ever wondered what would happen if you combined two bottles sitting on your shelf, this tasting is for you.

Come ready to taste, experiment, make a few questionable decisions…

and hopefully build a really good whiskey.

No refunds due to limited seating.