I had the privilege of being a part of the Glenfiddich Revealed event at Downing Street Pub in Houston, TX where Brand Ambassador Freddy May takes you on a blind tasting experience.

Not only do you get the full sensory experience of tasting the scotch while examining the color, nose, and taste- you also have complimenting meals to pair with each glass. This is a beautiful presentation as well as being very educational.

It was also very entertaining as Freddy encouraged the table to really get into the event with song! Yes, songs known from the Distillery were also enjoyed.

As you sit down at the table three glasses are waiting for you, each with a description of aromas and flavors. To assist even further, there are bottles on the table with pears, honey, and wood for you to train your nose with and match the flavors. I love the interaction of food and beverage, especially when you are looking to break down the components of a complex flavor. This makes the experience comfortable and fun.

This is also something to consider when you are tasting your cigars as well as considering pairings. Take your time and enjoy all the senses- see how they are on their own, and then how they combine as a whole. How does the feel of your wrapper go with the smell before it is even lit, and then the taste as you smoke? Where do you feel the smoke hit most- is it the tip of your tongue with sweetness or all around with a spice? Is the finish short or long.

I think you can gain a lot from wine, food, and spirit tastings and incorporate what you learn into your cigar smoking experiences. One passion grows the other. And in many cases, they go along so well together, too!

Lessons from the event:

The Distillery was built stone by stone in “The Glen of Fiddich” – Gaelic for The Valley of the Deer.

Glenfiddich Water:

“William Grand always understood the inextricable link between good whisky and good water. That’s why, back in 1886, he only began building his distillery once he’d secured a water source, the bubbling natural springs called Robbie Dhu. Today Glenfiddich is the only highland malt to use a single source of pure Scottish spring water throughout the entire whisky-making process.”

Solera Vat:

“True innovations in single malt Scotch whisky are as rare as finding a distillery that’s still family-owned. Happily, Glenfiddich has had 5 generations of the Grant’s family at its helm, and this independence has allowed us to be innovative with our whisky-making. A defining example is our use of the Solera Vat, a large wooden vessel that’s never emptied, and always at least half full of whisky, to create depth and consistency.”

Oh, and as a special treat we were able to partake in a tasting of the Glenfiddich 30 year! A beautiful end to a beautiful event.

Thank you Freddy May of Glenfiddich and everyone at Downing street for this incredible event! If I hear of another similar experience coming up I will be sure to let you know here on the blog. In the meantime, take your senses more into consideration and see how the way you taste your cigar compares to your food and spirits.