Whiskey Tasting

Up until the 19th century, whiskey was spelled without an “e.” In the late 19th century, however, an “e” was added by some distillers, particularly Irish distillers (perhaps to differentiate their product from Scotch whisky). Today, all Scotch whisky is spelled without an “e” by law. In Ireland, the predominant spelling today is with an “e,” although by law it can be spelled either way (Paddy Irish Whiskey only added the “e” in the 1960's and Irish distilleries like McConnell's Distillery and Waterford Distillery currently spell it without the “e”).

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

Whiskies are meant to be enjoyed. Some people drink whiskey with ice or cola. That is okay for drinking, but not for tasting. You should taste the whiskies neat and without ice.

WHISK[E]Y BASICS

Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage made from the distillation of fermented cereal grain mash (i.e., grains soaked in hot water and left to ferment) and typically aged in wooden containers.

Whiskey was originally called “aqua vitae” in Latin (i.e., water of life). In Irish Gaelic, “water of life” is “uisce beatha” (pronounced “ish-kuh bah-hah”), and in Scottish Gaelic it is “uisge beatha” (pronounced “oosh-kih bay-ha”). It is from “uisce” / “uisge” that the modern English word “whiskey” is derived.

Scotch Whisky

In order to be considered a Scotch Whisky, it must:

Irish Whiskey

In order to be considered an Irish Whiskey, it must:

Single Malt Whisk[e]y

A single malt whisk[e]y is one produced in a single distillery using only malted barley (i.e., barley that has been allowed to germinate and then heated to stop the growth).

The Tavern's Tasting

When you present your ticket, you will be given a punch card along with a complimentary Glencairn whisky glass. Present the punch card at our pouring station to receive one, one ounce pours of each of our offered whiskies.

Unlike some festivals where you are herded in and out of the whisky tasting area, we encourage you to stay and enjoy your whiskies for as long as you like. Entertainment will be provided in the whisk[e]y tasting area over the entire weekend. The area will include information about each whiskey with the characteristics of each.

2025 Whiskies

Check back closer to the event to find out the selection for the 2025 tasting!