August 30, 2011

Recent Scotch Tastings, and some happy tasters' comments.

Divino's Scotch Tasting SOLD OUT. Contact Divino`s to reserve for the next one.
 
Summer's going by way too fast! As always, Ottawa's a real treat in the summer - festivals, outdoor patios, backyard gatherings with friends, sipping wines or sharing a wee dram late at night. Speaking of drams, there were some fun Scotch and whisky tastings over the summer months. Check out Barb's comments on the first ever Opimian Society of Ottawa Scotch tasting. Close to 100 tasters attended the event.

In June a group of about 80 enjoyed a fun filled tasting evening at the beautiful Army Officers Mess on Somerset. This has become a regular sellout event. Featured whiskies were from three of the five official  Scotch regions - Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay, as well as a couple of gems from Ireland and India.

Here's what Paul had to say about a whisky tasting to kick off a weekend Bachelor party...........

"We hired Carol's services to host a scotch tasting event to kick off a bachelor party.  Carol was engaged right from the start, listening to our existing preferences and helping us build both a scotch list as well as a food menu that was a hit.  She is an excellent communicator and always answered email questions promptly and cheerfully.  She came well prepared for the scotch tasting, with handouts and a presentation. Her easy-going approach was very much appreciated as she was happy to answer any and all of the many questions we had, and allowed us to proceed at our own pace while regaling us with tales about the various liquids.  She made learning about the scotches fun (not to mention delicious), and I would not hesitate to hire her services again."

These were just a few of the summer wine and whisky events. Trips to Boston (Harvard law graduation), Delaware (new friends and family and a singing dog!), New York State (Glimmerglass Opera Festival), and a terrific 2800km trip to the Saguenay and Gaspesie filled a good chunk of the rest of the time. 
Who knew there were so many whales out there!
 









If you fancy a Scotch in the near future, there are a couple of public tastings on the horizon. The historic Watson's Mill in Manotick is the location for a great whisky tasting with food pairings on September 23rd. Contact Isabelle Geoffrion for tickets and information. Divino Wine Studio on Preston Street is the location for a wonderful October 20th tasting of fine Scotches and Whiskies paired with delicious tasting plates. Click the link for reservation details. 
We're always delighted to receive requests for private and Corporate wine and Scotch tastings, big or small, and we'll work with you to tailor an event to suit the occasion.
Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of summer!