Another month, another Devon Dram Club.
As usual, we met at Crossed Anchors Brewery in Exeter for an evening of blind whisky tasting, good conversation, and a few wild guesses.
If you haven’t joined us before, it works like this: we pour five whiskies without showing any labels, prices, or hints. Everyone decides what they think before we reveal what’s actually in the glass.
Whisky is much more enjoyable when you stop worrying about what you should think and just focus on the taste.
If you missed out, don’t worry; the next Devon Dram Club is already open for bookings.
Tickets are limited, and they’re selling out quicker each time.
Grab your ticket before they’re gone.
This month, we tasted whiskies from all over Scotland, with a few surprises thrown in.
Whisky 1: Glengoyne White Oak
We started the night with Glengoyne White Oak.
It was a great way to begin. Easy to drink and full of vanilla sweetness, it got everyone talking right away. Dare we even say the word “smooth”? People discussed how much the oak affected the whisky, and many were surprised when we revealed the bottle.
It was a very enjoyable start to the evening.
Whisky 2: Loch Lomond Distillery Edition Eleven
The next whisky was something completely different.
This 4-year-old single grain whisky from Loch Lomond made us rethink what age means for quality. Tasting it blind, most people had no idea it was so young.
That’s why we enjoy blind tastings. The whisky is judged by its taste, not by what’s on the label.
Was it young? Yes.
Was it interesting? Absolutely.
Whisky 3: Glen Scotia 12 Year Old
Our third whisky came from Campbeltown.
Glen Scotia 12 had a bit of coastal character and was the kind of whisky that grew on people with each sip. The longer people tasted it, the more flavours they found.
Campbeltown whiskies always get people talking, and this one did too.
Whisky 4: Cadenhead’s Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old Rum Cask Matured
By the fourth whisky, things became a bit more adventurous.
This Bunnahabhain, bottled independently, spent time in a rum cask and was full of character. Its tropical notes, sweetness, and strong flavours made it one of the most talked-about whiskies of the night.
It definitely sparked debate, which usually means the whisky is interesting.
Whisky 5: Cù Bòcan Creation #8
We ended the night with a smoky whisky.
Cù Bòcan Creation #8 is a limited-edition whisky from Tomatin. It mixes lightly peated spirit with a unique mix of cask types.
As the last whisky, it was a great choice. The gentle smoke and rich flavours gave everyone lots to talk about as the night ended.
An enjoyable evening of whisky in Exeter
The whiskies are always enjoyable, but the best part of Devon Dram Club is seeing everyone share opinions, compare notes, and find new favourites together.
Some people arrive knowing loads about whisky. Others arrive with almost no knowledge at all. By the end of the night, everyone is part of the conversation. That’s just how we like it.
Join us next time
If you’ve been thinking about joining us, take this as your sign.
You don’t have to be an expert or know the difference between Highlands and Lowlands. All you need is curiosity about whisky and a willingness to try something new.
Bookings are now open for the next Devon Dram Club, and we’d love for you to join us.
