Whiskies of the World Tonight -- Awesome or Lame?

[iwantmytwodollars]

Considering going to the Whiskies of the World tonight, but am concerned that drinking in a giant hotel ballroom is really not more fun or interesting than being in a really great bar that serves a lot of great whiskey and rye.

Anybody been? Is it more for industry types?

[Ericruo]

I think that if you don't know your taste and/or if you want to go outside of your comfort zone, these events are excellent because of the breadth of their offerings. Not that it matters, but I found out that I like moderate peat and cask strength whiskey and prefer the 8 to 15 year old versions to the more aged ones. I went for a number of years, only tasting what I hadn't tried before. Its also a way to taste whiskies that I'd never buy because of their high cost. Its really important at these kinds of events just to taste and expectorate and drink lots of water. As another responder said, the seminars are very interesting. Some of the presenters are real characters and hams, and fun for that, but I think I learned more from Anchor Beer's Fritz Maytag who talked about their distilling, their gin and American Whiskey.

[iwantmytwodollars]

This is exactly the reason I wanted go: to figure out what "kind" of whiskey drinker I am, what isles I prefer, what age I like. While it does sound like it would be fun to hear stories from craftsman and the like, but the idea of seminars on a Saturday night -- just the very words -- are kind of a turnoff, no matter what the topic. Sadly, I think I would get more out of it trying to taste things I can't afford. :) Thanks all!

[wolfe]

I heard a discussion of how to enjoy the experience on the Gene Burns show. The whisky drummer suggested that the correct way to enjoy his blended single malt* was to first hold some good coffee on your tongue followed by doing the same with the scotch and finishing off with 65%+ cocoa chocolate. This allows all the subtle nuances to be appreciated.
* blended from aging a single malt in different casks previously used for sherry, madeira or other wine.

[Shane Greenwood]

Those events are not really about drinking. You have small sips at a number of different tables. It's not at all like being in a bar that serves great whiskey or rye. It's not even as nice as wine tasting. Basically, you are in a hotel ballroom, and like any trade show type of atmosphere, you drift from table to table to chat and sample. It's more about gathering information than it is about drinking. You'll leave with more brochures than whiskey. The sips of the whiskey are nice and it's really interesting to compare the different styles while learning about the ins and outs of distilling & aging from the craftsmen themselves. I met Fred Noe and Jimmy Russell at one of these, which was a super cool experience. If they have some break out sessions, those are usually pretty interesting. When I went it was a mix of industry types and aficionados. Go if you are interested in an educational experience. Skip if you want a great bar.

[DavidT]

You might want to post your inquiry on the Spirits board as well. I am sure this event (or ones like it) has been held in other cities around the U.S. You might get helpful feedback from someone living outside the SF Bay Area.

[iwantmytwodollars]

I thought about that, but then figured the folks in NYC might have had a totally different experience depending on how it's set up there. In the end, after a day of moving furniture, we were too pooped to go. Spent the evening watching kung fu movies and drinking burgundy. Honestly, it wasn't so bad...