“As the lucky winner, the thought immediately crossed my mind in mid-January: “What on earth have I got myself – and the Swiss Society members – into?” As a pure whisky lover, I usually choose whiskies simply according to the principle of try and error and personal taste – I am neither a whisky connoisseur nor would I trust myself to write a comprehensive tasting note. Smoke and sweetness I can still manage – but citrus notes, dried fruit and the like? No way – for me, it’s simply the overall impression that counts.
Well then. True to my whisky selection motto of trial and error (I like it or I don’t), I boarded the plane to Edinburgh with my partner on 15 February with great anticipation and was very curious to see what would await us over the next two days. It will go wrong somehow …
The first highlight was the accommodation organised by the Society in the “InterContinental Edinburgh The George” in the middle of the city, where we immediately felt very comfortable. An absolute recommendation for a stay in this great city.
The whisky adventure started the next morning. After a short drive to the Society headquarters in the Vaults in Leith, the members who had come from 13 countries were welcomed by Pip Hills, and we were given an introduction to the world of whisky tasting by the Society’s tasting panel. The most important insight: there are no bad whiskies, but only whiskies that correspond to one’s personal taste – or not. But above all, whisky should give pleasure and bring a smile to your face!
In the afternoon, it was down to the nitty-gritty: the selection of the whisky for Switzerland! All members were allowed to choose the whisky for their country from two randomly assigned samples. Whiskies not chosen were then rotated so that all members could continue to choose from the whiskies not chosen. Sounds complicated, but it worked perfectly. We found what we were looking for!
Another highlight awaited us in the evening: dinner in the Member Room on Queen Street together with the panel members and the Society founder Pip Hills. He chatted off the cuff and impressed with his anecdotes. Honestly: Whisky definitely seems to be an elixir of life – there is no other way to explain that Pip Hills still radiates such joie de vivre and vitality. A truly impressive person!
The next morning, it was time to write the whisky description. Sounds easy, but it’s more than a challenge! Although my partner and I had practically identical tasting notes: The creation of a creative whisky description is a real challenge. Our greatest respect goes to the tasting panel, which regularly masters this task. We gave it our best shot!
The result? Two wonderful days in Edinburgh with great encounters and the realisation that whisky is perfect when it puts a smile on your face! And of course a whisky that will hopefully do just that for the Swiss members. Enjoy it! Thank you for this wonderful experience!”