If you’ve never been to a whisky tasting before, the biggest question is usually, “What actually happens?” Not in theory, but actually on the night.
Is it formal? Do you need any experience? Will it feel awkward?
The short answer is no. But keep reading for all the details.
Here’s what you can expect at a Devon Dram Club tasting
You Arrive (Usually a Bit Early)
Most people show up about 10 to 15 minutes before we begin.
There’s usually a drink in hand, people chatting, and a bit of curiosity in the room. Some guests know each other, but most don’t. That doesn’t matter at all. It’s the kind of place where conversations start easily. Usually, someone asks, “Have you been to one of these before?”
We get started (No Fuss)
At 6:30pm, we begin. There aren’t any long speeches or formalities.
We just do a quick introduction:
What we’re doing.
How it works.
What to expect.
Then it’s time to pour the first dram.
The whisky is served blind
This is when things get interesting.
At first, you won’t know what you’re drinking. There are no labels, no distillery names, and no prices.
Just a glass in front of you.
It levels everything out. You’re not influenced by reputation or what you think you should like. Just by what you actually taste.
We taste together
We explore each whisky together as a group. You’ll get some guidance, but nothing is forced. We talk about what you can smell, what you can taste, and how those flavours change over time.
You might hear things like:
“I’m getting something fruity”
“That’s quite spicy”
“That’s completely different to the last one”
At some point, you might find yourself thinking:
“I didn’t expect to like this… but I do.”
There are no right answers
This is the most important part! you don’t need to get it right!
If you taste vanilla and someone else tastes apple, both answers are valid. The goal isn’t to analyse whisky like an expert. It’s about noticing more, enjoying more, and discovering what you like.
Five drams, all different
Across the evening, you’ll try five different whiskies. Each one is picked to show something different. Maybe a new style or flavour profile. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you enjoy and what you don’t.
The reveal
Once we’ve tasted a whisky, we reveal what it is.
This is always a highlight.
People are often surprised by what they end up liking, and sometimes their expectations are completely off. That’s part of the fun.
It’s social (but not loud)
The atmosphere is relaxed. It’s not a lecture or a classroom. It’s just a group of people sharing drinks and conversation.
Some come alone, others with friends. By the end, it usually feels like everyone’s shared the same experience.
The bar stays open
The tasting runs from 6:30 to 8:30pm, but that’s not the end of the night. The Crossed Anchors bar is open before and after, so you can arrive early to settle in. Afterwards, relax and have another drink while you chat about your favorite whiskies.
It’s all part of the evening.
Who it’s for?
We like to think Devon Dram Club tastings are for everyone, but if we had to give some examples, we’d say:
People who are completely new to whisky
People who think they “don’t like whisky”
People who already enjoy whisky and want to explore more
There’s no expectation, no pressure, and no need to know anything beforehand.
Most people leave their first tasting realising whisky is much more interesting than they expected. It’s not because it’s complicated, but because they finally had the time and space to explore it properly.
Want to join the next Devon Dram Club tasting?
If you’re curious, that’s all you need.
Come along, try a few drams, and see what you think for yourself.
