You're invited on a journey around the world, all from the comfort of your own home, with a virtual scotch tasting event March 29 in support of CHATS (Community and Home Assistance to Seniors) York Region.
Local scotch expert Keith Scott will be the tour guide for the night, walking attendees through Whiskies of the World, which is the theme.
“Instead of focusing on a particular brand or flavour profile, we’re showcasing different whiskies around the world. So we have Japanese, obviously Scottish, Irish, Canadian and we have a great American bourbon,” he said.
Attendees will get to try five different hand-selected scotches.
“We span such a bigger flavour profile. These events are to try things out,” Scott said. “If the average bottle is $80, isn’t it better to have a venue like this to try things out and see what you like.”
He said this event is great for both newcomers to the whisky world and seasoned sippers like himself.
Scott is a member of the Aurora Whisky Society and a local scotch expert, although he doesn't consider himself to be a true expert.
“It’s a passion. It’s never been a full-time job," he said.
He is self employed, so he has been able to do a lot of travelling to learn more and meet the people at distilleries, which is who he considers to be the real experts.
“I can go to Scotland, I can go down to Louisville and meet the brand reps and meet the distillery managers and get to know people,” he said.
When asked if he has a favourite scotch, Scott didn't name any particular brand but said, “Sometimes my favourite scotch depends on who I’m with and where I’m at." He said on a cold winter day, you want a different scotch to warm up with than you do on a warm afternoon up at the cottage.
He said the biggest part of scotch for him is the experience and that's what the CHATS event is all about.
This is the eight annual scotch tasting in support of the organization. Before the COVID-19 pandemic restricted gatherings, they were held in person, which Scott hopes will return next year.
“Unfortunately, we have to do another virtual one but hopefully next year we’ll be back in person again,” he said.
On top of the scotch tasting and camaraderie, Scott said the other component of the night is fundraising, with proceeds from the ticket sales supporting CHATS.
Online registration is open for the event on Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. Limited tickets at $120 per person are available.
Registration includes a commemorative Glencairn whisky glass, five whiskys from around the world in 1.25-ounce portions, food accompaniments to enhance the flavours of the scotch, and a flight mat.
