Where Can I Buy Samples???

Would like to try samples of single malts before I spring for a bottle. I pulled the trigger on Highland Park 12 year old and love it. Would like to try smokier peatier single malts but would like a little sample first.....Where can I order samples?

[blenderm]

Nearly all major malts bottlers, and some smaller ones, sell miniatures and that's really the only way you can get "samples" as no-one I've heard of will sell a sample as such

[Jojo]

You can also buy samples / miniatures here:

http://www.masterofmalt.com/drinks-by-the-dram/

[jwise]

A bar? Just saying, as that is where I get to try "samples" of whiskies before I buy a bottle. We have a cigar bar that specializes in Scotch whisky, and they have a NICE selection to choose from. Expensive, but much cheaper than a bottle.

[silverfish]

Originally Posted by Jojo

You can also buy samples / miniatures here:

http://www.masterofmalt.com/drinks-by-the-dram/

I'll second the MOM program. I've ordered some of their sample
bottles for shipping to the USA and had no problems. Both times
the bottles were packaged well and shipped promptly. A great
way to "try before you buy", especially if you don't have a nearby
bar that offers a good selection, as in jwise's case.

[BourbonDrinker]

I had no idea that MOM could would even try to send samples to the US. Great tip. There are plenty of Whiskys I would love to sample, even if getting a bottle is problematic.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!

[jwise]

Originally Posted by silverfish

I've ordered some of their sample bottles for shipping to the USA and had no problems.

And away I go to order some up! Hmmm.... What to get....

I had NO idea they would sell/ship to the US!

[jwise]

Just finished placing an order for 3cl sample bottles with Master of Malt! Here's what I ordered:

Glenfarclas 105
Glenfarclas 15 Year Old
Springbank 15 Year Old
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or
Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnnie Walker Gold Label 18 Year Old
Balvenie Signature 12 Year Old
Balvenie Madeira Cask 17 Year Old

I've had a few of the above whiskies, but I either can't remember them (Nectar D'Or), or I had them after I had already had a couple drinks and didn't get a really good "taste."

I was hoping to find some different offerings, but these will be a good first order!

[Animadversior]

Finally came in a few days ago... I could only get them today because of work & the weekend...

Wow. I've smelled them all & so far have tasted the Oak Cross which I didn't find to be all that exciting, though it was nice... Second up & current (after a good time inbetween) is Glengoyne... Holy cow! There's a sort of spice there... A sweet & tangy kind of spice. The color red jumps to my mind... Almost like an indian spice or something... Remarkable!

[awhiskeydrink]

Wow, I have to get on this today! Thank you so much for finding and telling us about ordering samples. This will make my blogging efforts far more affordable.

Nothing beats a side by side comparison.

But I have found a limit to how many you can try before you start forgetting or the flavors begin to muddle.

[silverfish]

Another place to check - The Whisky Exchange.
(click "type" on left hand side to limit results)

These are 5cl miniatures and appear to be the smaller "airplane bottles".
I have not ordered from TWE so I can't comment on their service but
thought I'd mention them as an alternative in the event MoM doesn't
offer a sample of something you'd like to try.

[awhiskeydrink]

I just ordered several samples from Master of Malt's Drink by the Dram. I'll let ya'll know how it turns out. There for reviews on my blog, yay!

I'll have to check out the Whiskey Exchange next.

[metejt]

Hello - My son has recently developed an interest in Scotch, thanks mostly to a new friend from England. I would like to put together a gift set of the sample bottles for him for his birthday. My problem is I have NO knowledge of Scotch or which ones to order. Also, I don't know the currency conversion rate. Just how much are these little bottles each anyway? I've been reading this site and it seems that MOM would be the best place to order from.

If anyone could make some suggestions about which ones to put into his little gift box I'd really appreciate it. Also, any additional suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks so much.

Theresa

[silverfish]

Originally Posted by metejt

Hello - My son has recently developed an interest in Scotch, thanks mostly to a new friend from England. I would like to put together a gift set of the sample bottles for him for his birthday. My problem is I have NO knowledge of Scotch or which ones to order. Also, I don't know the currency conversion rate. Just how much are these little bottles each anyway? I've been reading this site and it seems that MOM would be the best place to order from.

For currency conversion, I use XE.

As far as ordering, assuming you want it to be a surprise, maybe
try one or two from each region (Lowland, Highland, Islay, Speyside,
Campbeltown). Or sneak a peek at what your son is drinking and
post the name here - maybe someone can suggest some similar bottles.

[Master of Malt]

Hi everyone, it sounds like you're really enjoying our Drinks By the Dram Range (which is what it was designed for!).

Animadversior, I'm sorry for the delay with your order. Not knowing the details of this particular order I obviously can't say why, but it does look like it may have been delayed by the postal service entering the US. Please rest assured that delays to parcels (even overseas ones) are rare, and please feel confident to order with us again.

Metejt, I'm sure you have probably already found some lovely samples on our site, but for future (or anyone else who is not sure what to buy someone) we recommend our Tasting Sets (http://www.masterofmalt.com/dram-sets/) as they make a nice gift - especially the 'Whiskies of the World' one and the 'Regions of Scotland' one if you're not sure what the recipient likes, as they cover a wide range of flavours.

Our customer service chaps are always happy to take your calls/emails, whether it be suggesting whiskies or tracking parcels, so if you ever have a question don't hesitate to contact us! If you just fancy some tips or a quick chat you can also find us on our Twitter (@masterofmalt) and Facebook (/masterofmalt) pages.

Take care and have a lovely week everyone,
Master of Malt

I hope that helps!

[brittanimv]

I have never ordered samples but have ordered miniatures. Just out of curiosity, do those of you whom have ordered samples find the portion size satisfying and sufficient to fully taste the scotch?

[michael]

I remember reading this post some time back. What a great resource. I'm making this a sticky for awhile.