The Birmingham Whisky Club and Lauren Mustard from Pernod Ricard recently hosted a Whisky tasting at The Wellington in Birmingham. Give me wine and I know what I’m talking about, however I’m yet to differentiate between the different kinds of Whiskies. So when there is an opportunity to try 5 Whiskies in varying styles, I jump at the opportunity.

The room was filled with around 18 bodies, mostly regulars, one or two bloggers and some who just like me were still getting their heads around the stuff. Not common with every tasting, I really liked that this event was hosted by a young lady, although this in no way alters the credibility of other events, I just really liked that I could relate to her. The drinks industry can be very male dominated so it’s a refreshing change.The Birmingham Whisky Club was created in December 2011 by Amy Seton and Craig Mills. They pride themselves on being a members and non-members Whisky club, offering regular, unique and themed events. You do not need to be a member to attend a tasting, however you do get a juicy  discount on the events. You can find out more about membership here.

Pernod Ricard is a trendsetter in the premium spirits category. An international brand with the likes of Perrier Jouet, Mumm Champagne and Chivas Regal, they have a pretty varied portfolio. 

With my notebook intact here are my notes from the evening.

• The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection – Single Malt Scotch Whisky RRP £55
  • Tropical fruits, vanilla, honey and toffee
  • First fill, ex American Bourbon oak barrel
  • Cask strength, which means no water was added after maturation
  • I thought it was nice and smooth, with a beautiful texture. Some commented that the Whisky was harsh, adding a drop of water fixed this problem.
• Chivas Regal Extra – Blended Scotch Whisky RRP £35
  • A wheat grain and malt Whisky, matured in an Oloroso Sherry cask
  • Sweet mixed spice, ginger, cinnamon, smoky, savoury, leather
• Chivas Regal Ultis – Blended* Malt Scotch Whisky RRP £160
  • *NB this is not a blended Whisky that has been blended with grain, like the Chivas Regal Extra. There is no grain in a blended malt
  • Stewed red apples fruits on the nose, followed by vanilla, citrus zest and cloves. Rounded off with tobacco
  • The first blended malt Scotch Whisky from Chivas Regal. Five single malts from five Speyside distilleries in honour of the five generations of Chival Regal Master Blenders 
  • Ultis is an amalgamation of the words ultimate and fortis (fortis translating to strength from Latin)
• Longmorn 16 – Single Malt Scotch Whisky RRP £85
  • Reminded me of a Christmas cake, sweet mixed spiced, citrus rind and raisins
  • Matured in first fill ex Amerian casks for at least 3 years
• The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish – Single Malt Scotch Whisky RRP £50
  • Subtle smokiness, vanilla and black pepper – my kind of Whisky!
  • Finished in casks that had previously been used to mature peated Whisky

I really enjoyed the evening and it was nice to drink something other than wine for a change. Although I went with a friend, I would happily go alone, the informality of the tasting make it easy to meet people. You are also encouraged to ask questions throughout the evening.

All in all a lovely 2 hours spent tasting and learning about the latest Whiskies from Pernod Ricard. Tickets for the tastings are around £25-£40, sometimes they offer food matching!

A plus one of a guest of the event, although gifted with tickets, I was not expected to write a review.  As always, my writing and my honest views.

Winepressgirl x