Last night I went to the first (my first, anyway) in a series of whisky tastings at Boxcar Social. A while back I met the whisky director there, and he told me they’d be running events. Lo and behold, they did, and I came. It was probably a little beginner-y for me, but still worth it to help me structure my thoughts and notes about different whiskies.

We tried:

• Lot No. 40 Canadian rye. This was a hit. Everyone loved the spiciness.
• Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon. I didn’t love this one. Very light, almost too light for me.
• Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Irish whiskey. He was going to do Writer’s Tears, I think, but this group liked the stronger stuff. I like this one; I have a bottle on the go right now, and it’s a solid step up from regular Jameson.
• Nikka Pure Malt Japanese whisky. No age statement, but a blend of whiskies with an average age of ten years. I got a lot of the Sherry cask in this one. Probably my least favourite of the evening.
• Glendronach 12, a sherry-aged Highlands Scotch. Almost ruby red in color, this one was aged in Oloroso and Don PX Sherry casks. Tasted, unsurprisingly, like the Glenfarclas I have open right now.
• Bunnahabhain Ceòbanach Islay Scotch. My favourite of the evening. Light in color and mouthfeel, but well peaty.

Throughout the evening they also brought out charcuterie boards and special pairings, like chocolate with the Nikka and a beautiful espresso (from Anchored, in Dartmouth!) with the Bunnahabhain.

Not a bad way to spend an evening, really. I’m interested to see what comes next in the series.