If you’re looking to taste the difference between “whiskey” and “whisky,” buy a ticket to Marblehead Arts Association’s Scotch Tasting.
The event, set for Feb. 23 from 6-9 p.m., is a head-to-head tasting comparing the notes of a single cask whisky to the consumer brand. Whisky without the “e” is for spirits that come directly from Scotland, according to Missy Fisher, president of the Board of Directors at the MAA.
“We first started this scotch tasting as an alternative to the many wine-tasting events and fundraisers that were being held around the area,” Fisher said. “It began with a small group of die-hard single-malt devotees but has since grown as word spread about the uniqueness of this event. We obtain half of our whiskys directly from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) in Edinburgh, Scotland, so it’s a rare opportunity to taste the spirit in all its authenticity.”
Tickets for the fourth annual event are $100 and can be purchased online at marbleheadarts.org or by phone at 781-631-2608.
Ideas for the initial event were cooked up by Harry Foster, Fisher’s husband and longtime member of the SMWS. He will take guests through the nuances of each flight and provide detailed insights about each taste, said Fisher.
To complement the spirits, chef Barry Edelman from the 5 Corners Kitchen Restaurant in Marblehead will provide food specifically tailored to enhance the flavors of the tastings, said Fisher.
The tasting event will also offer raffles, auction items, such as handblown whisky glasses crafted by Ellen Garvey, and live music, which is a new addition this year.
“We like to think we are open to all kinds of artistic expression at the MAA and brewers of this libation consider this their own form of art,” Fisher said.
