Need help with planning my 1st scotch tasting
 

Hi there. I'm new to the forum. I started enjoying scotch a few years back after my dad introduced me to it. I decided to host my first scotch tasting in about a month and need some advice. I have Michael Jackson's complete guide to scotch, so that'll help my pick which ones to taste. I think I'll limit it to 4 or 5 different kinds. What I really need help with is food pairing. Is there a good guide (with recipes) for food to pair with scotch? I think we're having between 15-20 people, so small finger food would be great. Any other advice or tips about how to host a great tasting would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

Suggestions for a Scotch tasting....
 

Here are some food suggestions for your Scotch tasting - sausages, smoked salmon, smoked duck, bacon wrapped scallops, lamb and sushi. Also, serve cheeses (with crackers, fruit) such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort (excellent with smoky, peaty Scotches), and Parmesan. Don't forget dessert - chocolate and / or bread pudding.

And one more suggestion....
 

Have you thought of asking your guests to bring their favorite Scotch for all to share? This can possibly bring the most diverse collection of Scotches. And, don't worry, I have been to these types of tastings before and guests are really only taking a few sips of each just to sample it.

Thanks for the suggestions. Since I'm having about 14-15 people, I think we'll just limit the number of bottles to about 4 or 5 so we can get a decent variety without overdoing it. Some other information I found about food said not to serve cheeses or meats because of the fat that can coat the tongue which diminishes the flavor. Out of curiosity, anyone know of a good connoisseur of scotch in Seattle that I might be able to contact with questions?

You're welcome!! And, I must admit I find it quite interesting you read serving meats and cheeses are not recommended. This is the first I have heard this. Every Scotch tasting I have attended, meat is the majority of the dishes - and certainly complements the Scotch. For example, last night I had Balvenie Portwood 21 year - after I had an orzo dish with garlic and asparagus. This dish really didn't complement my Scotch - for my palate, it just wasn't my best choice. I know a meat dish would have better complemented this superb Scotch. Do a Google search on - Scotch pairing - and check out all the suggestions. Also, once you know exactly what Scotches you'll be serving, send me the list so I can be more specific as to what pairs best.

Okay, I did a little research and came up with a list. It's not 100% complete and I'm really looking for some feedback. Please keep in mind that I'm trying to do this for relatively low cost and with just what's available at the liquor stores in Washington state (their website keeps an inventory). I also wanted to keep it simple. I tried to keep it between a 10-14 year range and get one bottle from each region:

Speyside- Aberlour 12 year
Islay- Bowmore 12 year
Highlands- Glengoyne 10 year
Campbeltown- Springbank 12 year
Lowlands- ?????
I couldn't decide on one from the Lowlands. Any suggestions?

So, those are my initial picks for the tasting. Thoughts? I'm trying to keep the cost of each bottle below $60. Most of these scored very well in the tasting guide I have. And I'm still looking for something really unique as a surprise for everyone. It doesn't have to be Scotch. I was initially thinking of a Japanese or Eastern European brand.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Once I have the scotch choices locked in, my next task will be food pairing. The tasting is on Nov. 1.

Looks like a fine selection! The Glengoyne 10yo is one of my favorites (and I really like the reasonable price) and Aberlour is right up there too. I haven't had the Springbank 12 yo yet, so would love your feedback. As for a surprise whisky, how about a Japanese one? Look into Suntory's Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky. There's a 12 yo & 18 yo. The 18 yo is over the $60 limit, but the 12 yo should fit the bill. I have had them both and thought they were both excellent. And, regarding a Lowland, unfortunately choices are limited. Try the Glenkinchie 12 yo (goes great with parmesan cheese).

What to pair with your Springbank 12 YO
 

From our contact at Springbank - their suggestions....
Regarding the best food to match with a whisky, this would depend on which particular 12 year old it was. I would have to see a photograph to give a better description - however in general if the whisky is dark (sherry casks) then it will go well with lamb, venison, duck, dark chocolate etc, anything with lots of flavour. If the whisky is lighter in colour (mostly bourbon casks) then smoked salmon, oysters, mussels, in fact any seafood would be my choice.

Happy planning!

Post tasting
 

I had the tasting at my house about 2 weeks ago and it was s huge success. I think we had about 20-25 people. Everyone was happy and really enjoyed trying the different types of scotch. They also loved the food pairing. I have a little bit of each one left over. We didn't take a formal poll, but I believe the winner was the Aberlour. My favorite was Springbank. Thanks for the advice. It was such a good time, that we are now planning for the next one in the summer.

GREAT!! Which Aberlour was served and which Springbank? Would love your feedback on both as well the others you tried. All of our whisky pages offer a comment section. For example, to comment on Aberlour - see: http://whisky.com/brands/aberlour_brand.html#comments

Also, please share your food pairings. We find that many are always looking for these suggestions and you know there's really not a whole lot on the Internet about this.

I'm so happy to hear your event was such a success! We hope to hear from you again

Here's what we tasted and what food was paired with it:

Aberlour (Speyside) 12 year old paired with chocolate covered espresso beans

Bowmore (Islay) 12 year old paired with smoked salmon

Glengoyne (Highlands) 10 year old paired with granny smith apples drizzled with honey and cinnamon

Springbank (Campbeltown) 12 year old paired with eggplant humus and pita chips

Auchentoshan (Lowlands) 10 year old paired with kalmata and nicoise olives

Other food suggestions I found:

Islay: smoked oysters, raw oysters, smoked almonds

Sherried: dark chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, fudge, cheesecake, flan, creme brulee

Highlands: Semi-sweet dark chocolate

Lowlands: green olives, pepperoccini, tomato tapenade, roasted garlic

Sounds like some pretty perfect pairings - delicious! Thank you so much for sharing - it is much appreciated by all!

another option
 

i have bowmore 12 year, like it a lot, suggest you try caol ila 12 year old, wow, this one is a little more wilder, really tickles your tonsils and opens your sinuses, comes from islay and is imported by DIAGEO n/a norwalk, connecticut, im from islay and these are two lovely whiskies, og.