If this is your first time to be invited to a gin tasting, you may feel anxious and even intimidated. But this feeling of uneasiness spawns from not knowing what to expect. As a result, you will imagine the worst things.
But alcohol is alcohol, no matter what the company is–whether you are hobnobbing with the elite crowd or the working class–gin tasting should always be fun.
So, here are some of the things you will expect to find when you go to one of these events:
- The table cost will cover the reservation, as well as the spot that is good for two- or three-hour sitting. There could also be some appetizers or food, depending on the package.
- Do not worry about the dress code. The company will typically tell you what clothes to wear so that you would not stand out during the event.
- It is not a place to get drunk. You are there to sample the notes, taste, and the aroma. You can splosh the spirit around your mouth to get the full experience. But you do not need to spit it out. If you have ever attended a wine tasting event, the process is quite similar to that.
- You will get a tasting sheet, which sometimes comes with a little introduction on the spirits. The curator will brief you on how the gin is produced. There would be time for Q&A, so you can clarify if you have some questions on your mind.
- Typically, gin tasting is done blindly. You would not know the brand of the spirits you are drinking until afterwards. But some events will tell you beforehand what to expect and what to look for. Each experience is very different, and it would be a good idea to try each one.
- Do not be surprised if you will also be introduced to the fundamentals of tonic. Gin and tonic often go together, so a little knowledge of how they complement each other will not hurt. But again, it depends on the event.
- The variety of choices means that each participant will eventually stumble across an unfamiliar brand. But that is okay. It is the raison d’etre of these events, which is to make you experience the unfamiliar.
- If you are uncomfortable tasting gin with a bunch of strangers, you can rent the place for an exclusive gin tasting event. In that way, you can enjoy the experience even more. For companies, it would be a great option to boost morale and build a bond among employees.
- Everything is provided for so that you do not need to bring anything with you to the event. You just need to clean your palate and listen to the curator. The event host takes care of all the meticulous details, and each one is not random. The arrangement, itinerary, glasses, and the briefing all contribute to a holistic experience for the guests. Even the temperature of the room is controlled to get the most flavour out of the alcohol.
Finally, it is important to keep an open mind during the event. It is not uncommon for people to find their favourite drink during gin tasting. They may also realize that the favourite brand they have been ordering for so long pales in comparison to the spirit that was introduced to them during the event.
