Things to bring to a tasting

[Bourbon_Nerd]

I'm going to a tasting next week, and want to bring something everyone can enjoy besides booze. I was thinking palate cleansers but they can be pretty boring. Anything you guys have seen/brought to a tasting before that got a great response?

[squire]

French baguette sliced into rounds with a selection of spreads.

[Bourbon_Nerd]

I like where your mind's at! That's way better than a standard palate cleanser.

[berto]

We usually get good bread, good cheese, and good chocolate.

[Richnimrod]

Best thing I ever had a 'tasting'?

Bananas Foster a la George T. Stagg. Ask Tom if he'll demonstrate the process.....

[gooneygoogoo]

Not limited to bourbon tastings: I have learned that when in doubt...bring bacon

[Corn Dodger]

Not limited to bourbon tastings: I have learned that when in doubt...bring bacon

[393foureyedfox]

Never a bad choice! :icon_pidu:

bacon wrapped, and then baked, dates are an irresistable chewy treat

[petrel800]

Make everyone pretzel necklaces.

All kidding aside, just bring yourself and an open mind. A special or unique bottle for everyone to try. A pork butt tends to go over well. If it drags on into the evening 3-4 Little Ceasars hot and ready pizzas go over pretty well.

[JonRob]

$5 Hot and Ready pizzas are a staple at our meetings!

[dmarkle]

Not limited to bourbon tastings: I have learned that when in doubt...bring bacon

Heh, one of the local restaurants here has a bourbon/chocolate/bacon-topped milkshake which is damn great (even though the bourbon clearly is just Jim Beam)

But to stay on topic, +1 for dark chocolate. +1 for bacon. +1 for something neutral like bread. Maybe some good quality bottled water and ice too if the water available isn't up to the quality of the whiskey you'll be drinking.

[wildrnesxperienc]

Bacon wrapped dates are ridiculously good, when you remove the pit, you can stuff them with a little blue or feta. I always try to avoid pizza when drinking bourbon neat, it absolutely destroys my palate, and no not from being too hot. But afterwards the whiskey is almost nothing but fire. And nothing but time will fix it as far as I have found.

[Kalessin]

I like bringing some seriously good chocolate, both dark and milk. And maybe some handmade caramels. And my own personal favorite, a pound of super-colossal-sized unsalted cashews. All of these things come from local candy houses here in Massachusetts.

These things may influence bourbon flavors for serious tasters, but they seem to be appreciated (or saved for later) by people who just like drinking whiskey. I never seem to have a problem bringing home much in the way of leftovers.

Edited November 12, 2014 by Kalessin

[tanstaafl2]

I like cheese during a tasting. Usually a nice lightly smoked mild gouda seems to work best. A few crackers to go along with it and I am good to go.

[393foureyedfox]

I like cheese during a tasting. Usually a nice lightly smoked mild gouda seems to work best. A few crackers to go along with it and I am good to go.

who are you calling a cracker?!

[tylermke]

Not food or drink, but extra Glencairns can really come in handy. Leaving them behind for the host is not a bad idea either.

[Flyfish]

Bacon wrapped dates are ridiculously good, when you remove the pit, you can stuff them with a little blue or feta.

I had a date once who rather liked being wrapped with bacon. Didn't mind being stuffed with bleu cheese or feta. Drew the line, though, at removing her pit.

[GerryM]

I know it's obvious but make sure you have plenty of bottled water on hand!

[tanstaafl2]

who are you calling a cracker?!

I suppose that would include me! I am after all from the right region and pretty much at the end of the correct generation to qualify. I never saw the Atlanta Crackers play but I have a friend whose father was on the team.

Edited November 13, 2014 by tanstaafl2

[DEelfinn]

+1 good bread, +1 bacon. For cheeze, I like a well-aged non-smoked Gouda; the sweetness plays well without overpowering.

[brettckeen]

Bring extra glassware. Focus on protein and fat, carbs don't sop up the bourbon. Coffee in between tasting works well.

[Flyfish]

A medicine dropper. I took bourbon, bottled water, and Glencairns to a tasting. The water was to demonstrate how even the tiniest splash of water can open up both the nose and the taste. A nurse brought out a medicine dropper to help verify that all it takes is literally just a drop. And, obviously, one drop does not "water down" or reduce the proof of the bourbon.

[Kalessin]

A nurse brought out a medicine dropper to help verify that all it takes is literally just a drop.

A nurse! Brilliant! That's what, er who, I've been forgetting to bring to whiskey tastings...

[mosugoji64]

A nurse! Brilliant! That's what, er who, I've been forgetting to bring to whiskey tastings...

Doug and I would volunteer for that gig, though I'm sure we're not what you had in mind. :grin:

[393foureyedfox]

Doug and I would volunteer for that gig, though I'm sure we're not what you had in mind. :grin:

it wouldnt be the first time Ive gone out in drag....

Doug