Is there a right way to serve whiskey to newbies?

[Hungry hobbit]

We have invited some friends over to share the whiskey I bought for hubby.  Unfortunately, our friends only drink wine and occasionally beer, but never whiskey.  Hubby has about 20 opened bottles; do we serve them all 20 so they can taste everything?  Is there a limit of how whiskey to taste at one time?  I don't want to accidentally kill anyone on New Year's Eve!

How would you do this?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mahalo!

[R-Savage]

There is a video. It is quite helpful. I just don't throw it out for glass cleansing.

 

[starhopper]

5 hours ago, Hungry hobbit said:

We have invited some friends over to share the whiskey I bought for hubby.  Unfortunately, our friends only drink wine and occasionally beer, but never whiskey.  Hubby has about 20 opened bottles; do we serve them all 20 so they can taste everything?  Is there a limit of how whiskey to taste at one time?  I don't want to accidentally kill anyone on New Year's Eve!

How would you do this?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mahalo!

If it were me, I wouldn't pull out "the really good stuff" for folks who don't drink Bourbon. In fact, I might even keep it out of view as there will be folks who, when they see Ol' Rip Van Winkle, may ask to have a sip just to see what all the hoopla is about - and before you know it, it's gone!  Basically wasted on those who really don't know how to appreciate it.  Better to keep it out of sight, then to have to tell your friends, "No, we'd rather not open that tonight".

I would have good, readily available, inexpensive bourbons like Buffalo Trace (BT), Four Roses Small Batch (FRSmB) - NOT the Limited Edition though!, Weller Special Reserve (WSR), Wild Turkey 81 (WT81) or even Wild Turkey 101 (WT101). Also, you should get your husband to post on this board - we'd like to hear from him too!

Edited December 30, 2015 by starhopper

[DonutsNBourbon]

I did a bourbon tasting for newbies recently and had about 12 different bottles lined up for people to taste... made it through about 6 of them with 1oz pours.  if you think about it though, that's about 2 drinks, and a lot of alcohol.  if they had made it through all 12 tastings then it woulda been like 4 drinks and that might've been too much for them to get through.  I thought about doing a half ounce, but that doesn't really give people much to taste.

Also, I thought I'd line everyone up and pour one at a time for all to try at the same time, but people arrived at different times, some quite late, some couldn't stay that long, etc.  so it ended up I'd start off with a pour my first bourbon for whenever the person got there and progress my guests at their own pace.  We all chatted and they tasted at their own paces.  I'd asked each person what they liked and based on the first few pours I'd give them something new to try to see if they would like it better than the last pour.  So I kind of went off script a bit too.  Some people just couldn't stand the bourbon at all so they stopped drinking it, so I just had beer and wine ready for them.

but back to your original question, after a while, they will all start to taste the same since you're getting drunker and the different bourbons will just eventually blow your palate.  20 tastings is a lot to get through depending on how much of each whiskey you pour, and as Starhopper suggested, keep the newbies to the lower/mid shelf stuff and keep your high end stuff off the table.  I started from the lower proof to the higher and kept the Rye towards the end too.  so hope that helps you out, overall my friends had a great time, but they definitely didn't get through my entire list of bourbon, but some of them definitely came out with a better appreciation for bourbon

 

attached: my proposed lineup for my bourbon tasting, but we totally went off script.  never got to Ritt, Bernheim, KC, WT101 or EC12.

[starhopper]

9 hours ago, Hungry hobbit said:

We have invited some friends over to share the whiskey I bought for hubby.  Unfortunately, our friends only drink wine and occasionally beer, but never whiskey.  Hubby has about 20 opened bottles; do we serve them all 20 so they can taste everything?  Is there a limit of how whiskey to taste at one time?  I don't want to accidentally kill anyone on New Year's Eve!

How would you do this?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mahalo!

I also think I remember seeing an interview with Elmer T Lee, or some other master distiller, in which he said that after about 6 samplings, he had to take a break for a while as it pretty much numbs the tatsebuds after that many samples.  And if your visitors will also be drinking wine and beer, the bourbon tasting experience may be completely wasted on them - or they may be completely wasted already

So, I think six bourbons would be the MAXIMUM I would have out to taste.

Make sure you have designated drivers.

Edited December 30, 2015 by starhopper

[b1gcountry]

That bottle of larceny looks awful big. 1.75L?

I put on a tasting for my family. I brought 4 Bourbons and we tasted them blind. Then my brother in law opened a bunch of his stuff and my palate was really shot. But the MM tasted really good compared to last time.

 

 

 

[kcgumbohead]

Several ways to go about this. My favorite is to compare and contrast 2 similar pours of different ages such as Weller SR and Weller 12 This allows the tasters to experience what additional time in the barrel does to shape the whisky and wheated bourbon lends itself particularly well to this, especially for newbies.  Next I like to introduce a nice rye recipe bourbon you could go BT and keep it all in the family or have some EC12, KC, 4R, WT....  After that stage they may have had enough or cut em loose to further their experience with whatever you care to put out, have fun!!

[mbroo5880i]

I usually let guests who want to try bourbon or whiskey taste small samples.  I keep those really small 1/2 ounce plastic sample cups used for tastings at liquor stores on hand.  You can find them at grocery stores.  They also work well for experience the "nose" of the spirit.  I always encourage nosing the spirit before tasting.  It is a big part of the experience.  They can taste whatever they want...the best or worst of what I have.  I will even open a bottle if it isn't open.  I usually try to guide them to help them identify bourbons or whiskey to their liking.  I want them to enjoy the experience.  For example, I don't let them burn their taste buds or throat by drinking a heaping helping of a barrel proof bourbon.  Once they have tried what they want, I invite them to enjoy a larger pour of something they enjoyed.  I tell them how I typically drink their selection but I allow them to enjoy it anyway they prefer.  I have one person who loves Blanton's but likes to dilute to it some with sprite.  While that is not how I prefer it, I am ok with their choice.

What I find helpful is to not overwhelm them.  After a while, they tend to tune out nuances like mashbills, age, etc.  If they develop an interest, based on the experience, they will pick up on those things later.

[DonutsNBourbon]

1 hour ago, b1gcountry said:

That bottle of larceny looks awful big. 1.75L?

I put on a tasting for my family. I brought 4 Bourbons and we tasted them blind. Then my brother in law opened a bunch of his stuff and my palate was really shot. But the MM tasted really good compared to last time.

 

 

 

yup, the 1.75L that's taken me a while to finish...  good stuff, but lots of other stuff to try too

[cazolman]

If they are new to whiskey you may want to give them a variety of styles. Bourbon, Rye, Tennessee, Canadian, Scotch or Irish. They may not know that there are so many different types and flavors available. This could lead you into a second tasting in the future for those that preferred the Bourbon or Scotch or Canadian. You could also explain some of the similarities between the whiskey and wine making process such as aging in barrels or different grains versus grape varieties.  I would limit the samples to just 4-6 small pours. After about 6 samples even a die-hard whiskey nerd will start to lose interest, taste sensations and ability to concentrate on the sample.

[s8ist]

 

On 12/30/2015, 3:10:44, Hungry hobbit said:

We have invited some friends over to share the whiskey I bought for hubby.  Unfortunately, our friends only drink wine and occasionally beer, but never whiskey.  Hubby has about 20 opened bottles; do we serve them all 20 so they can taste everything?  Is there a limit of how whiskey to taste at one time?  I don't want to accidentally kill anyone on New Year's Eve!

How would you do this?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Start with the sweetest and least alcohol dominant whiskey you have that is rich in flavor.  Particularly something with a lot of vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon notes.  These are the ones that most people key in on first and will help them quickly identify what they are drinking.

An often overlooked issue is getting your non-whiskey drinking friends to learn how to properly drink whiskey.  Generally I find that they try to drink it like wine or beer and that just won't work as they aren't accustomed to the higher alcohol content.

When I have done group tastings in the past, I always start off with the whiskey at room temperature and neat.  NO ICE! (drops of water are fine where applicable)  Then I instruct the drinker to nose the whiskey, inhale deeply, and then hold their breath. Then take a small sip, swallow quickly, then exhale through the mouth.  This usually will tone down the higher alcohol and prevent the nasty unexpected burn that usually turns off the uninitiated, but maximizes the flavor they will taste.

Once they have that technique down, then you can start giving them more unique flavor profiles and slowly amp up the proof as they go along.

Let the guest guide you in what they like or don't like.  Let them try 3 or 4 and then give them a break.  If they enjoyed it, they will likely be back to continue the adventure.

Edited December 31, 2015 by s8ist

[smokinjoe]

6 minutes ago, s8ist said:

 

Start with the sweetest and least alcohol dominant whiskey you have that is rich in flavor.  Particularly something with a lot of vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon notes.  These are the ones that most people key in on first and will help them quickly identify what they are drinking.

An often overlooked issue is getting your non-whiskey drinking friends to learn how to properly drink whiskey.  Generally I find that they try to drink it like wine or beer and that just won't work as they aren't accustomed to the higher alcohol content.

When I have done group tastings in the past, I always start off with the whiskey at room temperature and neat.  NO ICE! (drops of water are fine where applicable)  Then I instruct the drinker to nose the whiskey, inhale deeply, and then hold their breath. Then take a small sip, swallow quickly, then exhale through the mouth.  This usually will tone down the higher alcohol and prevent the nasty unexpected burn that usually turns off the uninitiated, but maximizes the flavor they will taste.

Once they have that technique down, then you can start giving them more unique flavor profiles and slowly amp up the proof as they go along.

Let the guest guide you in what they like or don't like.  Let them try 3 or 4 and then give them a break.  If they enjoyed it, they will likely be back to continue the adventure.

That is all really good and sound advice!  I highlighted your second paragraph, because that is an area fraught with danger for new whiskey drinkers.  If the whiskey hits the back of their throat in a direct shot, or goes down too fast, etc., all is lost.  

[Swoboda]

At our house curious noobs get a steady diet of Four Roses Yellow and Buffalo Trace . . . we progress from there.

[SebastianLloyd]

I would say try about 5, if you got these it would be great. Weller 12, Eagle Rare 10, Basil Hayden, Four Roses SmB, and finish with a rye like Rittenhouse. If you wanna, throw in a strong proof like Bookers but be conservative with the pour since it'll sting the noobs.

Edited January 3, 2016 by SebastianLloyd

[BigRich]

Well I guess my interpretation of the original question is different.  Everyone seems to be doing this as a broader tasting.  If I'm introducing a non whiskey drinker to whiskey for the first time I really cater it to the drinker.  Assuming they are friends that I've gotten to know I look at what they already drink and what they like and the pair accordingly.  It may be neat, over ice or in a cocktail depending on their consumption inclination.  If their current staple of adult beverage doesn't help (vodka tonics) then I will also look to the kind of food they like.  A full "tasting" can be overwhelming and palate fatiguing for a new whiskey drinker. Just my two cents.

[bullitt]

Some people who never drink strong spirits (or any alcohol) do so for religious, or personal reasons. Another group of people who "never" drink whiskey are those who have tried enough through trial and error that they've decided they just don't care for it and are not interested. Some of these friends can be properly re-introduced and may later decide to pursue it further. Then there are those who honestly just never had the opportunity to try and figure out if they like strong spirit sipping or not. Those who need help figuring things out and some guidance. Those are the ones who will benefit from your offer. Interested people should come to you with questions and requests. You can offer friends some really good spirits and teach them how to drink it but you cannot help them to enjoy it.

[ThirstyinOhio]

When doing a tasting for newbies I usually pour 1/2oz pours of 4-6 different whiskies.  If they find one they like, I'll give them a larger pour of it.  Then the next time they come over I can give them a sampling of similar profiled whiskies.

I use to give full 1oz pours, but too many times people couldn't/wouldn't finish them so it was just a waste. 

[berto]

I try to avoid the Tijuana Method of grabbing them around the neck, forcing their head back, pouring a bottle down their throat, and blowing a whistle.  

[fishnbowljoe]

2 hours ago, berto said:

I try to avoid the Tijuana Method of grabbing them around the neck, forcing their head back, pouring a bottle down their throat, and blowing a whistle.  

Now that's funny. 

But seriously….. My advice would be the same as I've given to new members a number of times in the past. Start off with a pour. Try it straight first. Yes, nose the glass before starting, and then take just a small sip. Wait a bit, then add just a little water to the same pour. Have them sip that. Again, wait a bit, then add one or two cubes of ice. Let the glass seat a couple of minutes, and then have have them take a sip. This gives a "newbie" a chance to try something with different variables factored in. 

Cheers! Joe

[heydobro]

I haven't hosted a tasting for the uninitiated yet, but plan on doing so soon.  A while back in preparation I bought some Mellow Corn.  I figure that, some Berheim and a 95% MGP rye could be used to outline the extremes and highlight how each ingredient contributes to the overall picture and then start them on some shelf available pours that demonstrate each style.  Between BT, MM and maybe a KCSB or Booker's for a higher proof offering they can get a chance to identify something they may like and be able to buy it later that day.  You can't become obsessive if you don't start somewhere :-)

[jp_stargazer]

I have only had one "formal" tasting.  I did a BT vertical with Benchmark, OC8, BT, ER10, and Stagg Jr. diluted to ~100 proof.  In retrospect I maybe would have skipped the Benchmark but I think it helped show how age and barrel selection yield an increasingly tasty product.  I had a barrel stave sitting out to explain how whiskey moves in and out of the wood along with bottles of other types of American whiskey (wheat, wheated, rye, Tennesee) as visual aids as I explained what a mashbill was and how it dictated the type of whiskey.

If I have friends over, most of them know to just ask to try something, at which point I will give them any information or recommendations as I see fit.  

One thing I've learned is that if someone is not used to drinking a spirit straight, there is little that can prepare them aside from drinking spirits straight.  This prep work should probably be conducted with something affordable.

Lew Bryson's "Tasting Whiskey" book has a good chapter on having a tasting.  If I recall, he recommends a limited number of samples to avoid numb taste buds.  He had some interesting ideas for whiskey selection as well, such as a vertical of one distillery/mashbill, a group of similar whiskies (say wheated ones like MM, Larceny, Weller, etc.), a shotgun approach to show how different whiskey can be, or regions (more applicable for Scotch).

Jason

[Paddy]

After careful consideration, I can't think of a better solution than a progressive waterboarding of the Buffalo Trace mashbill #2 (shackles included).

Yep, that should do it! 

[s8ist]

Hoping for Stockholm syndrome? 

[Golzee]

2 hours ago, Paddy said:

After careful consideration, I can't think of a better solution than a progressive waterboarding of the Buffalo Trace mashbill #2 (shackles included).

Yep, that should do it! 

Not a bad way to go about things, however BT may be too much.   We (the minority of bourbon drinkers) love BT products, but, a person new to bourbon will probably only know JBW.  So, I think I would do a beam tasting.  Start with JBW, move to JBB 8yr, then KC, then Bookers.  You may not love the Jim Beam profile, but, you will see what the proof and the age of a bourbon will do to a whiskey gradually throughout the tasting.

[b1gcountry]

So I guess if they are jack drinkers you recommend starting them with Evan Williams?