The organisers of the Scottish leg of a security tech conference asked Reel Time Events to provide a whisky tasting experience as part of their social program. The guests attending the conference travelled from all over Europe and were hosted for 5 days at the Balmoral hotel.

Where?

The conference gala dinner was at the National Museum of Scotland, with the whisky tasting being in the undercroft entrance hall area. The guests sampled 4 malt whiskies: Auchentoshan, Glen Moray, Glendronach and Laphroaig. This gave a fine and varied selection of Scottish liquid with various wood finishes (bourbon, sherry and port wood) contrasting flavours, colours and regional expressions.

Format

With 130 guests, we set up 4 whisky stations, with 4 whisky experts. This format encourages networking amongst the guests and interaction with the whisky hosts. The guests were interested in the striking differences in the style of whisky, along with the effects of even a few drops of water on their dram.

Just as the cacophony of chatter, wit and exuberance hit the high notes, the sound of the bagpipes was heard, signalling to all that dinner was being called by Richard, the museum Master of Ceremonies, and the guests were piped in for dinner.

The guests enjoyed a vintage pop band playing a set during dinner and then as a lively soundtrack to the remainder of their evening.

To mention the other prestigious suppliers who helped to make the conference gala dinner come to life; Heritage Portfolio Ltd supplied the banquet, and it was fit for a King! Vision Events provided the red carpet treatment, flambos and sound and lighting throughout the main gallery. Management of the event was coordinated by the experienced team at the Museum along with CWise, a team of London event planners.

If you need a whisky-tasting experience at your conference or gala dinner, have a look at our whisky tasting page and contact the Reel Time team for some options and inspiration.