A buddy of mine is a Scotch guru. He’s interested in doing a tasting class to discuss the different regions, flavors, and types of scotch.
Does anyone know what the rules are as far as hosting a tasting event at DMS?
Who would be interested in attending?
How would we provide the scotch for the tastings? Could he charge for the class?
-Ian (scotch noob with scotch guru friends)
If he is interested in teaching those who have no experience with Scotch but are intrigued by it reputation, I would be interested in attending. I do not mind paying a reasonable fee.
More specifically, what are the rules related to the alchyhol bit? The ‘teaching a class at DMS’ is pretty straight forward.
I did a beer tasting class back in November. I posted a similar question back then (Gauging interest for Beer tasting or fermented foods classes - #18 by Dirk_Jeanis) regarding alcoholic beverages. Here’s the response I got:
"Robert_Davidson Board Member Oct '15
Sure no issues with doing a tasting. Just the basics I am sure you are familiar with
That being said. I’d love to come and have a bottle of Laphroaig I could share.
When I lived in Israel I went to a tasting party sponsored by Johnnie Walker. hey had all the individual single malts that make up Black Label. They also went through the history, etc. Someone may want to contact them and see if they still do this.
It was a great night … suggest a designated driver as there were six singles malts plus others they brought in. It would have been rude to now try them. 
Had some of that again last night and it was still just as awful as the first time I tried it… The only flavors I get out of it are ‘burning hospital’ and ‘tire fire’ 
But there were others that included flavors like “unicorn smiles” and “touched by an angel” 
I’ll get started on this with him and see how he wants to do this. It might be interesting if everyone signs up with a bottle of something they like and he’ll do some background on what it is and what makes it special. Everybody agrees to pass a little around… probably limit the ‘class’ to 6-7 though 
And for those that don’t know what to bring, I’m sure he could provide suggestions!
I keep a bottle of Caol 12 year at the house that has a strong medicinal flavor to it. Some people seem to love that. My go to is Highland park 15 since it’s not crazy expensive and is very smooth. I would be interested in attending if I’m in town.
Add two more to the list of attendees. We’re also up for wine and meads. Oh I’ll bring the cheeses.
Scotch, wine or mead—I’m in! Assuming I’m in town.
I’m not currently buddies with Laphroaig. (I’ll second “burning hospital” and “tire fire” and add “mossy ashtray.”) But I don’t hold grudges and I’m wiling to give it another try. 
count me as another interested scotch noob
You could reach out to some liquor reps or total wine and see if they would be interested in helping facilitating. Just an idea.
I wouldn’t mind giving it a try. I’ve been wanting to for some time but never wanted to by an 80$ bottle if it wasn’t something I liked. I asked a couple years ago at a liquor store, he recommended I go to a whiskey/scotch/bourbon tasting festival. Down side to those is I don’t think I would fit in.
Just posting this to make sure no one missed this part of the message James posted. To my mind this really makes a scotch tasting at the space unlikely unless we can arrange sponsership for it. Single malt, particularly the good stuff, is expensive. And for a tasting you really need 5-6 different kinds (or even more).
If you can’t charge, then funding such an activity is problematic.
I got a batch of spiced mead from colorado wild honey that I’ll be making up next weekend and soon here my next door neighbour’s hive will be producing some more honey from local wild flowers which I’ll be getting one of the first batches of that for meed…
Could everyone who wants to taste Scotch bring a bottle of single malt to pour? The person who’s organizing or who knows the most about whiskey (not it!) could provide a list of the best widely available labels by region. We could then shout out what we’re bringing so they’re aren’t any repeats.
I’ve been wanting to learn more about Scotch, but I get sticker shock every time I go to the liquor store or bar. Surely there’s a way to do this without breaking the rules or bankrupting the host. 
I know I’d be interested. And can sponsor a bottle of something.
Depending on the day you choose, I can bring a bottle of my whiskey. I’ve been wanting the opinions of a large test group.