There’s little in life better than pouring a double whisky and sitting down to relax after a long day.
Whether you drink Scotch, rye, or bourbon, you are in the company of some of the world’s finest minds and characters. Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, and Humphrey Bogart all enjoyed a dram. When I was asked to join a Highland Park Scotch Whisky event here in Portland, I knew I was in for an enjoyable evening.
Similar to above, I was surrounded by some of Portland’s finest D (my forever plus one) of course, Meredith from Martha Chartreuse, Rebekah from PDXFoodLove, Mary from The Kitchen Paper, and Bee from The Spicy Bee were some to note.
I’ll be the first to admit I’m not one for sipping straight scotch/whisky, but after this event, my mindset has shifted. The Highland Park staff talked us through the proper methods of sniffing the scotch then “chewing” the drink in your mouth before swallowing it. The whole process was quite interesting and they had us pairing the Highland Park Scotch with beer. Which was also shockingly tasty.
How to Taste Scotch Whisky:
1. Check the appearance. Is it dark? light? How is the color?
2. Give it a smell. How does it smell? Does it remind you of any thing? Memories? Is it spiced? (make sure to open your mouth a tiny bit- it’s helps!)
3. Give it a taste. Just a small taste and move it around in your mouth, “chew it.” You’ll start to get a taste of the notes in the scotch. Is it smooth? smokey? etc.
Overall, if you can get your hands on Highland Park Scotch Whisky, I highly recommend a try. The company prides itself on being masters of their craft. In my experience with them, I was excited about all the new tips and tricks to drinking my favorite spirit.
Thanks to Highland Park for having D and I as your guests. It was a truly great experience.
“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” – Mark Twain
Meredith {MarthaChartreuse} says
Such a fun event! I’m going out for drinks tonight and am pretty sure I will be ordering scotch!
Rachel says
ooooo enjoy your scotch!!! xo
Brianne says
Sounds like a fun event! Thanks for the tips on tasting whiskey. I’ve never heard of “Chewing” it in your mouth. Interesting!
Rachel says
I know, I hadn’t ever heard of it either! But it actually is really neat!
Chloe | The Paper Airplane says
I was so bummed to have to miss this event! Looks like it was awesome. Also love the quote at the end. 🙂
Rachel says
I’m sad you missed it too! I have some samples, we can test 🙂
kelsey says
site looks amazing, and yum! want. actually have been needing a glass of anything alcoholic all week
Rachel says
After today, YOU DESERVE IT! Congratssssss <3 <3
Becky @ Disney in your Day says
What a fun event! I wish they would do something like that here. I’m not a huge whiskey fan but I know my husband would love it.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
I will forward this to my husband…he is a scotch and bourbon lover, Me on the other hand I love cooking with bourbon. He would love to attend something like this.
Rachel says
It was a blast!! What are his favorite brands?
catherine says
A whisky tasting would be so fun! Back in another lifetime when I actually went out to bars, whisky was my drink of choice. Usually neat. Mmm.
Rachel says
Ha, you can always try them at home after the kids are asleep! Could be fun!
Marie says
This sounds like a fantastic time! Not gonna lie, I’m a little (a lot) jealous of you right now. 😉 Thanks for the tasting tips!
Rachel says
Thanks!! it was a lot of fun!
Melinda says
What a fun event! I think I need scotch lessons–I don’t think I’ve ever had it straight up before!
Rachel says
I was in the same boat! it is pretty interesting if you follow the steps!
Geoff (Steep Stories) says
I see the bottle was the first “person” to pass out. Good job!
Rachel says
haha yup!!
Mimi Rose says
Scotch Whisky tasting event!?! This sounds awesome! And I’m based in Portland too! Looks like I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for another whisky event in the city soon. 🙂