Islay or Not? (A flight of 6 Bottles)

- Blind Tasting Game with Themes - Islay or Not? -

- Usually, when looking at labels, people might have preconceived notions about some Islay distilleries. But can you identify them if you don't see the label?

- Could non-Islay whiskies be so convincing that they fool you into thinking they are Islay?

- In a situation where you can't see the label and have no bias, will some distilleries surprise or shock you?

COME and PLAY!

A flight of 6 bottles (30ml & 50ml available this time)
Limited quantity 🙏

Variance- Region - 3 Islay + 3 Non-Islay

Similarity- Young vintages (below 20Y);
- Bourbon cask matured;
- Scotch;
- Peated;
- Abv around 50 - 55%

WB Average Value (€) for reference (2024.8.31)- 115, 78, 169, 82, 270, 180

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Background

A plan that I've wanted to execute on this platform for over a year, but procrastination kept getting the better of me 🫠

I occasionally participate in blind tasting events for Wine & Sake, trying to explore without bias through different themes and comparisons. There are often surprises.
E.g. South African Bordeaux Blends can be unusually similar to Bordeaux's Bordeaux Blends;
New Zealand Pinot Noir can be indistinguishable when placed alongside Burgundy;
Certain breweries can achieve 70-80% of the flavor profile of a '14th Generation' sake at 20-30% of the price.

I've heard from friends that some seniors have conducted similar events before, but I haven't experienced it myself.
So, why not try applying a similar concept to whisky through this platform and play together 😘

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How to Play

Each session will always have a theme and be conducted in a blind tasting format.
This means you won't know exactly what's included initially, only hints will be provided. Upon receiving the bottles, each will be represented by a numbered label (1-6).
Whether I use my own portfolio or source whiskies externally, I will try my best to minimize variance.

For example, this time a relaxed theme - Islay or Not?
I hope to reduce variance within a flight and share more similarities, e.g. similar casks used, age, and alcohol content,
making the comparison more meaningful and enjoyable.

Rest assured, a PDF will be provided to participants at the end, containing detailed information about the whiskies, tasting notes (if any), and a group photo of the empty bottles – ensuring you'll know which is which after playing, what the whiskies are, and what their labels look like.

P.S.
1. This project will not be a frequent occurrence due to the significant human resources, materials, and thought involved. Your understanding is appreciated 🫡
To narrow down the variance for each flight, my limited portfolio often requires sourcing additional whiskies to fit the theme. Plus, the cleaning and sanitization work this time has already made my colleagues swear profusely lol.
If we survive, we might do this once a month.

2. This project is exclusively shared with our existing customers and will not be publicly advertised on the website or other social media.

3. As participants won't know what they are tasting, for fairness, the WB average value for each bottle will be listed for reference. You can decide for yourselves if it's worth participating.

4. For security reasons, the PDF will be password protected... to prevent participants from opening it accidentally and revealing the answers before they start playing.

5. Just a game for fun, not for instructional or academic purposes. Leave the professional stuff to the professionals/teachers. I'm an amateur 🙏

Next- Sherry version? Premium version? Old & New sherry bomb? Dunno

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Equipment

- A medium-sized milk pot has been purchased for high-temperature sterilization. It should meet even a baby's standards, ensuring no one gets a stomach ache.

- Measuring cups will be used for liquid measurement.

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Logistics

- Standard free shipping for orders over $1,000. Self-pickup is also welcome.

- Currently available in 30ml & 50ml options.

- Work takes time. Colleagues will complete all administrative and operational tasks by September 4th.