Islay or Not? (A flight of 6 Bottles)

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

- When looking at the labels, we often have preconceived notions about certain Islay distilleries. But can you identify them if you can't see the labels?

- Can the non-Islay whiskies fool you into thinking they are from Islay?

- Without the bias of labels, will some distilleries surprise—or shock—you?

COME and PLAY!

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

Variance:
- Region - 3 Islay + 3 non-Islay

Similarity:
- Young age (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:

This is a project I've wanted to launch on this platform for over a year, but procrastination kept getting in the way 🫠

I occasionally participate in Wine & Sake blind tasting events. Trying things under different themes without bias often leads to surprising results.
E.g., South African Bordeaux blends can be uncannily similar to those from Bordeaux; New Zealand Pinot Noir is indistinguishable from Burgundy when placed side-by-side; and some sake breweries can achieve 70-80% of the profile of 'Juyondai' at 20-30% of the price.

I've heard that veterans have hosted similar events before, but I've never tried it myself. So, why not use this platform to bring this concept to whisky? Let's play together! 😘

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How it works:

Every session has a theme and is conducted as a blind tasting. You won't know exactly what you're getting, only the hints. Upon arrival, you'll see each bottle labeled with a number (1-6). Whether it's from my own portfolio or sourced elsewhere, I try to minimize the variance as much as possible.

For example, in this relaxed theme - 'Islay or Not?' - I aim to minimize variance by highlighting similarities, such as using casks, ages, and ABV percentages that are all comparable, making the comparison more meaningful and fun.

Don't worry, a PDF will be provided to all participants at the end. It includes detailed information about the whiskies, reference tasting notes (if any), and a photo of the empty bottles—ensuring you know exactly what you drank and what the labels look like.

P.S.
1. This project won't happen often as it requires significant time, effort, and resources. Please understand. 🫡
Since I need to narrow down the variance for each flight and my store's portfolio is limited, I have to source other whiskies to fit the theme. Plus, the cleaning and sterilization work is exhausting for my team. If we survive, maybe we'll do this once a month.
2. This project is exclusively for our regular customers and will not be publicized on the website or other social media.
3. Since you don't know what you are buying, I have listed the WB Average Value for reference so you can decide if it's worth playing.
4. For safety, the PDF will be password-protected to prevent accidental spoilers before you start playing.
5. Just a game for fun, not for teaching or academic purposes. Professional stuff is for the pros and teachers; I'm just an amateur. 🙏

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

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Equipment:

- I purchased a medium-sized milk pot for high-temperature sterilization. I believe it meets baby-safe standards, so no one will get a stomach ache.

- Measuring cups will be used for precise portions.

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Logistics:

- Free shipping on orders over $1,000 as usual; self-pickup is also welcome.

- Currently available in 30ml & 50ml.

- Work is underway; our team will complete all admin and operations by September 4th.