A tasting for someone with a strong thirst

By this we do not mean large quantities of drinks, but in terms of alcoholic strength, the ABV. CS stands for Cask Strength, or barrel strength.

Most whisky’s go into the barrel at 63.5% ABV and after years of maturing in the barrel, with natural evaporation (“the Angel’s Share”) the distiller has the choice: Is he/she going to bottle at the most common 40% … or is it going to be bottled as it comes out of the barrel after maturation… at the Cask strength at that time.

You hear many people say: “you have to add water to open the whisky”

Well, try it out yourself during the tasting. Taste first without water, then with water  if you wish … or not, then you just drink it as you like it. Neat… at Cask strength!

Personally I never add water, but in masterclasses or during festivals I have seen master distillers adding loads of water to their glass. Everyone’s preference of his/her own and only yours counts…for you! Keep in mind we taste at higher alcohol percentage. During the tasting, 5 glasses of 2cl will be served, so make sure you can go home safely. Drink responsibly!!