Welcome to our private whisky explorers in Nurnberg!
We started to meet in July 2023 and welcomed participants from many different walks of life and cultures. We experienced a supportive, inclusive, and non-confrontational atmosphere while trying, sharing, and discussing a remarkable range of quality whiskies. We also concluded our evenings in a relaxed way, with a preferred whisky joined by a selection of light finger food, bread, and sweets. A highlight within a highlight, so to speak.
In only six months, the overall quality and atmosphere of our privately organized and funded events very quickly exceeded our expectations! All of this was made possible only by the continued willingness of the group to accommodate both a high diversity in our participants’ experience and the generosity of a few.
To sustain this atmosphere in the future, we felt the need to give a bit more structure to our sessions. Therefore, the announcements for upcoming events will include a more detailed description of what we are going for in terms of experience, contributions, and general vibe. What remains clear – we will continue to keep this private, limited to only 8 seats per session, hosted in a member’s home near Lorenzkirche, Nurnberg.
We flirted til July 2024 with having invites via MeetUp, however as the price to keep the Meetup group open rose to the cost of 5 decent bottles of whisky, we shut it down – priorities clear! If you live in the Nurnberg, Germany area and are interested in joining us, please post a comment here, noting the best way to reach you!
PS Whilst we began mostly monthly, we have shifted into quarterly sessions too!
Level 1: Introduction / Newcomers
Aim
New participants can get a first glimpse into the world of quality whisky in a friendly atmosphere. Experienced participants can enjoy an evening of revisiting standard bottlings, bargain hunting, and giving advice.
Experience
No experience required. We welcome new guests into the group and provide a basic understanding of what a Whisky even is. Experienced participants should expect questions and take pleasure in answering even the „stupid“ ones.
Contribution
We explore quality whisky at a very basic level. In general, the average price should be around 30€ per bottle. Nevertheless, all contributions (especially from newcomers) will be treated with the utmost respect. Snobbism need not be feared!
Level 2: Casual
Aim
Here we aim to ‚seal the deal‘ with newcomers just starting their whisky exploring, keeping the door open for participants who will only drop by from time to time.
Experience
You developed a taste and appreciation for quality whisky and have a basic understanding of what you like and dislike. You are at least comfortable with the idea of starting a collection and exchanging samples.
Contribution
At this level, we will leave the most basic bottlings behind and gravitate towards a quality level that will average around 50€ per bottle (500 – 750ml). Regular participants will be expected to contribute more often than not.
Level 3: Expert / Experienced
Aim
Our more experienced participants enjoy an evening of exploring higher-quality, niche bottlings.
Experience
You have a collection and enjoy exploring outside your comfort zone. You think of the occasional mis-buy as part of the journey.
Contribution
Well-crafted, obscure, or hyped bottlings, age statements, smaller batches, and finishes tend to come with a price tag. Bottles average around 80€ and exceed 100€ regularly. Since participants already have a collection at home, contributing goes without saying.
Level 4: Enthusiast
Aim
We aim for more exclusive bottlings and concepts like buying and splitting bottles as a group, sharing rare samples, charity tastings, and so on.
Experience
Since this format requires a lot of trust and familiarity with whisky culture and etiquette, these events are by invitation only.
Contribution
While we still keep things within reason, you shouldn’t be overly price-sensitive. Let’s face reality: there are many things in life you can get passionate about on a budget, but whisky just isn’t one of them. (Sorry, not sorry).
We began meting monthly, however have shifted to quarterly, with different themes and levels. Below is our tentative plan – fully subject to change! You can get a feel for our journey – with links to notes about our past events. Interested in joining? As we have closed our Meetup group, just leave a comment here with the best way to reach you!
| Date | Level | Theme |
| 26-Jan | TBC | To be announced |
| 25-Nov | TBC | To be announced |
| 25-Jul | 4-Enthusiast | Shelter Point to Scotland Rarities and Revisits |
| 25-May | 3 Expert | Taiwan’s Kavalan Solist Trio, The Six Isles & Glenglassaugh |
| 25-Jan | 2 Casual | Blends+ Dewar’s Japanese, Woven Homemade, Green Spot Bordeuax, Teerenpeli 10 year |
| 24-Sep | 3 Expert | Bring your bottle! |
| 24-Jul | 4 Enthusiast | A delightful Glentauchers duo, Glenlivet 17 + Glenburgie 26 |
| 24-Jun | 3 Expert | Curated Canadian – Shelter Point |
| 24-Apr | 2 Casual | Glen Elgin trio and Caol Ila + Lagavulin combination |
| 24-Mar | 1 Intro | St Paddy’s Irish whiskey |
| 24-Feb | 3 Expert | Not your ordinary blend |
| 24-Jan | 2 Casual | Surprise Me! |
| 23-Dec | 3 Expert | European Explorations |
| 23-Nov | 3 Expert | Diwali Celebration with Indian whiskies |
| 23-Sep | 2 Casual | Sherry bombs! |
| 23-Aug | 1 Intro | Glenmorangie Finishes |
| 23-Jul | 2 Casual | Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Series |
Whisky Lady 