Waiheke Whisky Club Night
MONTHLY ON THE 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH
We invite you to explore whisky with us. Every month, we’re hosting Whisky club night in the distillery here on Waiheke Island. Unless there are special reasons why we move a date around, these will be on the third Friday of every month, so you can set up a calendar date now.
THIS MONTHS THEME: Christmas Port & Sherry
Let’s look at port & Sherry casks, their influence on the final spirit, why some people love a sherry-bomb, and do any of them really taste like Christmas Cake?
What’s the idea?
To develop a tasting club devoted to our favourite drink. Build friendships and learn about the history and production of different types of whisky from all around the globe as well as our local distilleries. To grow experience in tasting and grading whisky and just to have fun.
Who’s it for?
Anyone and everyone who’s keen to learn about whisky, share a story or experience and just enjoy this wonderful diverse drink. You definitely don’t need to be an expert and we welcome anyone even if you haven’t got any experience in the whisky world. We’re making this for everyone and that includes the price. We have a deep knowledge of whisky, and we’ll invite experts in so you wil guaranteed to leave knowing more than you did when you arrived.
What’s the format?
It’s an accessible relaxed, round table chat, about all things whisky, including at least 4 tastings per night, themed to either a style or geographic location of whisky, or something that the whiskies have in common such as a taste profile, a regional theme, a type of barrel or distillation process.
What sort of whisky are we taking about ?
Each session will feature a Waiheke Whisky or two, along with drams from all over the world. We will serve special tastings from bottles from our own collection of special drams - these might be old, expensive and hard to get single malts, or a special bottle we’ve brought back from travels to the new whisky world. When we can time it right we will have guest ambassadors here to share drams too.
How long is a meeting and who's running the show?
Some months we will have a tasting that will be more complex, with guest hosts alongside us, at others the sessions will be short and sweet, but always informative and intimate. The Boilermaker bar at the distillery will be open from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm. The guided session is from 7 pm - 8 pm. Hosted by Mark Izzard, our founder, Patrick Newton head distiller, and guest hosts.
How much?
Four drams and a Whitestone Cheese platter to snack on, and in depth education on all aspects of whisky making and the whisky business, the inaugural 2024 ticket price is a bargain at $45 pp.
Where is the club held?
At the Waiheke Whisky Distillery, in the Barrel Hall at The Heke, 64 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island.
Invite a friend. You’re welcome to book dinner at The Heke here before the session, or just pop in and out.
How to Book
Book now by email bookings@theheke.co.nz
For Your Diary: Planned Club night dates & themes:
Friday 16th August
Peat - Explore why peat is a thing. All aspects of peated whisky New Zealand peat vs Scottish peat, where it comes from, why it’s there and how it influences flavour. If you hate peat even better, come and try some smoke scales and see where your palate takes you.
Friday 20th September
Get fruity - Why do we talk about fruit when we talk about whisky, as we know there is no fruit in it. We explore the concept of fruity flavours and scents in single malt whisky. We will explore Speyside and Japan alongside our Waiheke Whisky. Why do we mention fruit when we create tasting notes? You’ll soon know.
Friday 25th October (changed from the 3rd Friday of the month to the 25th to coincide with Labour Weekend)
Aging - Does whisky need to be 25 years old to be any good? Come and find out what aging whisky really does, and how it affects the final product. We will taste whisky of different ages from around the world to see if older is better and you’ll be able to hold your head up at your next catch up
Friday 15th November
New world whisky - What is meant by new world whisky can the rest of the world beat the Scots and Irish at their own game. Explore whiskies from around the world including Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia.
Friday 20th December
Christmas Port & Sherry - Let’s look at port & Sherry casks, their influence on the final spirit, why some people love a sherry-bomb, and do any of them really taste like Christmas Cake?
Friday 17th January
TBC
Terms & Conditions:
Once purchased your ticket is not refundable, but you can put it towards a future date.
This is an R18 event. We are responsible hosts and reserve the right to refuse to serve anyone on the night.
The ticket price includes a guided tasting session, four drams and snacks, other drinks will be available to purchase when the bar is open.