You’ve likely already marked your calendar if you’re a whiskey fan: Whiskey in the Winter returns to the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch on December 9. Considering the 400-plus available whiskeys, navigating the sold-out event can feel overwhelming—and there likely won’t be enough time to enjoy everything. So make plans in advance by following some of these tips.
1. Plan ahead. The event’s organizers have posted the event’s extensive list of spirits online. Use this menu of sorts to create your own list, and know which distilleries and brands you don’t want to miss.
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2. Start with lighter and milder whiskeys. For instance, you might try William Grant and Son’s Monkey Shoulder or a light Japanese whiskey, such as Suntory’s Toki, before moving on to stronger, more robust options. This approach will help you maintain the integrity of your palate longer while still being able to appreciate the subtle nuances of each spirit.
3. Pace yourself. Don’t rush. Take your time savoring. It’s OK if you don’t finish what’s in your glass—that’s what there are dump buckets. In fact, don’t finish it; small sips are all you need to experience flavors and jot down tasting notes. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
4. Ask questions. Talk to the representatives. They are there for a reason and typically provide an incredible resource for those wanting a deeper dive into a particular whiskey, including production processes, brand history, and availability locally.
5. Take notes. Bring a notebook or use a whiskey tasting app to jot down thoughts and impressions of different whiskeys. Taking notes reinforces those pathways in your brain that associate flavors, and it can help you remember what your palate enjoys.
6. Stay hydrated. Drink as much water as possible while tasting whiskey. Not only will you feel better the next day, but sipping water between samples helps cleanse the palate, so you can continue to experience those fun tasting notes.
7. Enjoy some food. Another way to cleanse your taste buds is to have some plain crackers handy. Whiskey in the Winter will have plenty of region-specific food, such as Canadian, Japanese, and Indian cuisine to help soak up all the alcohol. The event will also offer plain snacks and crackers for those who need a palate reset in between tastings.
8. Arrange for a designated driver or other transportation. If you plan to taste a variety of whiskeys, then it’s essential to have a designated driver, use public transportation, or arrange for a ride-sharing service. Whiskey in the Winter offers tickets and other options.
Want tickets to the sold-out festival? Enter our Whiskey in the Winter giveaway in partnership with Synergy Productions for the chance to win two VIP tickets!
