01
Choose two to four different whiskies
Mix styles, regions or price points to make the reveal more interesting. Agree a budget and give each bottle a fair chance—expensive does not always mean favourite.
Hidden Cask field guide
How to host a brilliant blind whisky tasting.
Choose two, three or four bottles, keep every label out of sight and let aroma and taste lead the conversation. The winner is revealed only after everyone has scored.
The golden rule
Nobody tasting should know which whisky is which.
Ask a non-player to prepare the pours wherever possible. If the host is also playing, hand the bottle-entry screen to somebody else until setup is complete.
See the game in action
From setup to the final reveal.
Hidden Cask guides the host through each stage. These six real game screens show the complete journey before you begin.
Add everyone who is tasting
Choose saved friends or add somebody new. The host is clearly identified and every player is checked before continuing.
Enter, conceal and number the bottles
A non-player enters the real bottle names, then labels every concealed bottle, decanter or group of glasses with its matching number.
Start with Nose & Aroma
Everyone smells each numbered whisky, scores the aromas and can add optional Aroma Notes before moving on.
Focus on one player when needed
Select any player for a calmer view with large, clearly labelled scoring buttons, then return to the full table in one tap.
Taste, choose the serve style and score
Record whether the round is served neat or with ice, then score each whisky's flavour, complexity and smoothness.
Unlock the final reveal
Discover the winning whisky, unveil every bottle and compare the group's scores and personal favourites. The reveal screen itself stays a surprise.
From bottles to reveal
Your tasting night, step by step.
02
Hide every clue
Original labels, bottle shapes and colours can give the game away. Use clean decanters, numbered containers or have a non-player pour identical glasses away from the group.
03
Number the pours
Label each hidden bottle or group of glasses from 1 to 4. Enter the real bottle names into Hidden Cask in the same order, keeping that screen away from players.
Add the players
Everyone can take part without an email. Adding one simply gives that player secure access to their games, scores and personal bottle catalogue afterwards.
Smell, taste and score
Judge the nose first, then the palate. Add tasting notes or guesses if you wish, and submit each round before moving to the next pour. Why Hidden Cask scores 1–5.
Reveal the winner
Once every score is locked, reveal the bottles, compare favourites and discover which labels surprised the table most.
Small details, better tasting
A few useful tips.
- Pour modestly.You only need enough to nose and taste each sample.
- Add water if wanted.Provide a small jug and let each player decide.
- Reset the palate.Plain water and neutral crackers work well between pours.
- Take your time.The conversation is the point—there is no prize for finishing quickly.
Ready to pour?