01
Choose 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 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.
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
Enter everyone who is tasting. Email is optional, but it lets each player keep their games, scores and personal bottle catalogue.
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.
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?