Scotch Tasting Toronto & Ontario - Virtual & In Person

Scotch is produced in Scotland and there are five primary scotch whisky production regions. These regions are: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay. Although each scotch is unique, the whisky produced in each region have some common characteristics that separate them from other regions. Our scotch tasting experience explores whisky from these various regions including their unique production methods and flavours. We can also do a virtual scotch tasting!

We service the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Ontario, Canada. We offer whisky tasting events for groups or individuals, in a either self directed or live expert facilitated format. Our mobile tasting experience can come to your venue or you can come to the 180 Drinks tasting room. A private tasting is great if you are looking for a fun experience to build connection, spark conversation, and learn the fundamental knowledge and skills to taste whisky.

What We Cover During Our Scotch Classes

Tasting scotch is a multi-sensory experience. Below is an overview of how we incorporate the senses in the scotch whisky experience and the knowledge we aim to impart.

Whisky Appearance

Whisky derives most of its colour from the barrel it is stored in. To assess the colour, hold the glass up against a white background. The next step is to assess the viscosity of the whisky. To do this you gently swirl the whisky in the glass, coating its sides thoroughly. Then wait and watch, as the liquid runs back down the side of the glass, the “legs” of the whisky. How the legs form and fall can indicate alcohol and fatty acid content, and age.

Whisky Aroma

The next step is to assess the scotch whisky aroma. To do this you bring the glass to your nose and sniff gently (Whisky is high in alcohol and is absorbed by your nasal membranes). Once you are comfortable with the alcohol in your olfactory organs, breathe in more deeply, taking note of any specific aromas you detect. The whiskies we select for your tasting incorporate a variety of unique aroma’s, and you will learn how to describe their aroma’s.

Whisky Taste

How you approach a tasting can dramatically impact the aromas and flavours expressed. There are three phases of whisky tasting:

• The intake.
• Pass through the mouth.
• The finish.

The sum of all these flavours and sensations is used to describe the taste of the whisky. By the end of your tasting you will learn how to describe the taste of whisky!

In Person and Virtual Formats

Self Guided Scotch Whisky Tour

Our self guided tasting scotch sampler is great for a scotch tasting gift, date night, virtual happy hour, or an at home scotch tasting session for a small group. Each self guided scotch tasting kit includes:

• A curated selection of 5 whiskies.
• A guide that provides instruction of how to taste, key knowledge, and an overview of each whisky including the tasting notes.
• Options include: note card, tasting scotch glass, and food pairing.

In Person Scotch Whisky Master Class

Our private in person master class is facilitated live by a scotch expert. We can do a mobile scotch tasting class and travel to you, or we can host at the 180 Drinks tasting room. The scotch whisky experience includes:

• Tasting kit (5 to 6 samples).
• Whisky tasting guide.
• Options of Scotch or World Whisky.
• Glencairn tasting glass rental.
• Optional chocolate and snack pairing.

Featured Whiskies and Tasting Kits

We aim to impart key whisky knowledge including a discussion of the various distilleries and production methods. For example, some scotch whisky is aged first in ex-bourbon casks and then finishes its aging journey in sherry or port wine casks. Below are examples of whiskies featured in specialized tasting sessions:

Furthermore, we offer specialized options like the Advent Whisky Tasting Set and the Adelphi Whisky Tasting Set which features four exclusive Single Casks. These are ideal for a scotch gift or for those looking to expand their horizons with unique drams. You can also pair your drams with some delicious chocolate; for instance, the Atlantic sea salt and lime milk chocolate pairs perfectly with Machir Bay whisky.

Logistics and Shipping

We provide global reach for those looking to order tasting packs. For orders being shipped to the EU, local VAT will be calculated during checkout. Orders shipped to locations outside the UK and EU are dispatched on a tax and duties unpaid service.

Our scotch classes are great to increase your knowledge and improve your tasting abilities. We look forward to providing an immersive, unique, and memorable tasting experience.