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    Home » Cocktails » Expert Scotch Whisky Tasting Tips and the Ginger Grouse cocktail

    LAST UPDATED: October 1, 2019 • FIRST PUBLISHED: September 24, 2013 By Toni Dash 5 Comments

    Expert Scotch Whisky Tasting Tips and the Ginger Grouse cocktail

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    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Some women love a man in uniform; personally I’m partial to a man in a kilt. Perhaps that stems from my Scottish heritage. My personal pedigree folds in several countries from both the ‘continent’ and the UK, however the Fraser Scottish has held strong through my mother’s lineage. We all know our roots, have visited the Motherland and are warmed by the lilt of the native tongue.

    men in kilts chatting

    Some women love a man in uniform; personally I’m partial to a man in a kilt.

    Perhaps that stems from my Scottish heritage.

    My personal pedigree folds in several countries from both the ‘continent’ and the UK, however the Fraser Scottish has held strong through my mother’s lineage.

    We all know our roots, have visited the Motherland and are warmed by the lilt of the native tongue.

    A group of men in matching kilts walking

    Though having traveled to Scotland many times for work and pleasure, I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve been remiss to experience the closest opportunity to enjoy some of Scotland in the form of the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival held locally every year in September.

    With my husband’s lineage being Irish, this year we took off our weekend lazy pants and scooted into the mountains to experience all the festival had to offer.

    man in kilt and cape at Scottish festival

    Nestled in the wee village of Estes Park, Colorado, a mere hop from Boulder, the setting could not have been more perfect (‘pear-fect’ as I hear the accent).

    At the foot of the splendorous Rocky Mountains, shrouded by billowy white clouds and cerulean skies.

    Scottish-Irish Games Athletics Jousting

    I’ve been to Scottish festivals over the years in different parts of the United States.

    I’ve loved watching the athletic tossing of the hammer, putting of the stone, the stealthy herding of the dogs, the artful dance and of course listening to the bagpipes.

    Longs Peaks Scottish-Irish Highland Fest food

    The Estes Park festival folded in jousting, bands (modern Celtic and traditional), Highland artisans, authentic food and drink.

    As well as Clan booths where we of Scottish or Irish descent could visit with our clans and learn more about our history.

    Guys in Kilts Scottish Irish Festival 2013 Estes Park CO

    Whisky Tasting

    This excursion however had a specific purpose; I’d been invited to a tasting of Scotch Whisky.

    Though enjoying whisky, or ‘Scotch’ as most Americans call it, I’ve never been schooled in it as with wine or beer.

    My hope of some education was answered in the form of Alastair Menzies, a Glasgow born-and-raised Scotsman partnering with Macallan, Highland Park and Famous Grouse  Scotch Whiskies.

    Ready to take on uneducated Yanks and send us on our way after a 50 minute intensive session, all the wiser.

    Alastair Menzies Scotch Whisky Tasting
    Alastair Menzies, our tasting tutor of the hour, is a member of The Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society (most of my Scottish friends are, whether official members or self-proclaimed as such) and a lover of all things from his native Scotland, whisky being at the forefront. Though currently living in Boulder, Alastair travels annually back to Scotland to visit family and explore new distilleries, trying new whiskies in the process.

    Tasting Scotch Whisky Macallans Highland Park Famous Grouse

    The tasting admission price (incremental to the price of the festival entry) was made worthwhile as soon as Alastair began to speak.

    There is nothing quite like the Glaswegian accent. I’ve traveled the world and lived in Asia before my first lighting in Glasgow.

    I found it, unquestionably of anywhere I’d been, the most difficult accent to comprehend until tuning my ear to it.

    I recall sitting at a Glasgow café listening to the chattering tables around me and not understanding one word of what they were saying.

    It is a thicker Scottish accent, so much so that I watched a Glaswegian-made movie in the U.S. that featured English sub-titles.

    You get the picture.

    Expert Scotch Tasting glasses

    Alastair was easily understandable and  the learning was certainly deepened by his colorful turn of phrase, rich description of the whisky and the country from whence it came.

    We tasted six Scotches. With each there were distinguishing features, different aromas and flavor notes to behold.

    However it was the insider info I walked away with and will pass along here. 

    Whisky Tasting – Tips from an Expert

     Add a bit of Water to your Whisky when Tasting

    Adding some water (not tap water due to the chlorine flavor) to your tasting whiskey allows release of the flavors and makes it easier to taste.

    When drinking outside of a tasting, stick to the straight stuff or a cocktail; don’t water it down.

    Get to know your Scotch before your first Sip

    Using a dating analogy, Alastair told us to put the brakes on diving in for the first gulp.

    Much of the scotch-tasting experience is in the aroma, and the look (in my opinion). Miss that and you’ve shortchanged yourself.

    Avoid the Alcohol Prickle

    Wine tasters will be familiar with taking the ‘bouquet’ or aroma, before sipping.

    Alastair guided to take the first inhale of Scotch Whisky with one’s mouth. Not gaping like a cod of course, but with lips discretely parted.

    Why? It allows taking in the more subtle aromas without being overwhelmed by that stingy alcohol burn ripping through your nostrils.

    After inhaling this way, close your mouth and take in another good inhale.

    You’ll pick up different ‘notes’ than with your first whiff.

    Chew your Whisky

    ‘Don’t just throw it down your neck’ was the edict from Alastair. In doing so it bypasses the senses and you miss out on the layers of flavors.

    Instead, take a bit and chew it; that’s right, swish it around and chew it a bit before swallowing.

    You can learn a lot in that first ‘bite’.

    Don’t add ice when tasting

    It affects the flavor. Add it when you are drinking if you wish, but not tasting.

    Single Malt vs. Blended; What’s Best? 

    Alastair would tell you to drink what you like. There is snobbery about blended whiskies, with some believing blended whisky to be less pristine.

    The blends we tasted were each made of several fantastic single malts combined. What’s the issue with that?

    All Scotch Whiskeys are not the Same

    Depending on where in the country whiskies originate, and the method by which they are distilled, their flavors can vary greatly.

    Tasting can introduce you to the variety of flavor profiles. What is ‘good’? What you like; it’s personal.

    The Ginger Grouse cocktail

    Ginger Grouse cocktail

    During our tasting Alastair mentioned his current favorite cocktail he’d been sipping over the summer:  the Ginger Grouse. He has been kind enough to share it with Boulder Locavore readers.

    Though at first blush it may seem a warm weather libation, the prominence of ginger, a spicier flavor, and the whisky, makes it is a perfect segue into the fall as well (so says I).

    Ginger Grouse cocktail

    Ginger Grouse cocktail

    This simple, gingery cocktail is perfect to whet one's whistle any time of year!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktail
    Cuisine: Scottish
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 168kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 shot A measure of The Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky (for Yanks, go for 'a shot' or one ounce)
    • A high ball glass
    • Ginger beer (to fill)
    • Unwaxed limes
    • Ice
    • A high ball glass

    Instructions

    • Roll the lime, quarter, squeeze into glass and drop
    • Add a 'measure' (see above) of The Famous Grouse and wait for the mixture to infuse
    • Add lots of ice
    • Add the ginger beer

    Notes

    Cocktail developed by Alastair Menzies and is printed here with his express permission. Slainte!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 11mg | Sugar: 14g | Iron: 0.3mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Ginger Grouse cocktail from aboveMy thanks to the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival for hosting my exploration of this fun festival and tasting!

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stan says

      September 05, 2017 at 9:53 pm

      5 stars
      Great tips!

      Reply
    2. jacquie says

      September 24, 2013 at 8:33 pm

      I have never been to a whisky tasting but it so sounds interesting and very similar to a wine tasting. I’m not familiar with whiskies at all so wouldn’t even know one to start w/ to see if I did like it. Any recommendations for a good sipping whiskey?

      Reply
    3. Liz says

      September 24, 2013 at 12:54 pm

      I’m not a drinker, but I enjoyed your pictures,. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        September 24, 2013 at 4:39 pm

        Believe me Liz I was merely a micro-sipper for this tasting event….at 11 a.m. nonetheless! I found all I needed was a half thimble on my tongue to get the picture (and I did learn a number of new things as well as very entertained listening to our host). Glad you like the photos. It was great fun seeing the men dressed up so proudly in their native garb.

        Reply
    4. Adri says

      September 24, 2013 at 9:19 am

      My goodness! This is the second time today I have read about Estes park. I had never heard of it before, and it is glorious. I bet the festival was wonderful – so much to see and do. I too like a man in a kilt, even though I am of Italian descent. I recall that our Teaching Assistant in a history class at UCLA was from Scotland, and he made quite a splash when he arrived for our final exam wearing a kilt. It was later, however, while at St. Andrews University that I really developed my appreciation for men in kilts!

      This drink sounds like a must try. I would have loved to have been at the Tasting. There is so much to earn on this subject. I recall visiting a distillery years ago while in college, and being amazed at the smells in the place. It was fabulous!

      Reply

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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