Are whisky-tasting sets worth it?

If you’re an avid whisky drinker, you may be looking for new ways to branch out and sample some different whiskies without having to spend a fortune. 

That’s where whisky tasting sets come in. These provide you with the perfect opportunity to find what you like and expand your palate without having to attend whisky-tasting events or splurge on a big bottle before sampling.

It’s also a gift idea for any occasion, since you don’t have to guess which is their favourite bottle of whisky and, instead, provide them with a memorable experience.

But are whisky-tasting sets truly worth it for a whisky enthusiast? Today, we’ll dive into this question, talking about what whisky tasting sets are, who they’re good for, and if they’re really worth it for the money.

What’s included in a whisky-tasting set?

Whisky-tasting sets are designed to help you create your own whisky-tasting night at home. 

That means it includes everything you need for a fun, educational experience, including:

• Bottles of miniature whisky
• Whisky tasting cards
• A whisky tasting mat
• A keepsake box

Many sets include around five or six samples, and sample sizes are commonly 30ml or 3cl, which is enough for a proper tasting rather than just a quick sip. At the Whisky Tasting Company, our whisky sets come with 5 bottles of 30ml whiskies from various distillers. 

Why whisky tasting sets are worth it for many people

Whether a whisky tasting set is worth it really depends on what you want from the experience. 

Do you just want to add to your whisky collection, or are you looking to branch out in your tastes and try some new whiskies in a simple setting?

Whisky-tasting sets are worth buying rather than just investing in a few miniature whiskies yourself, since it removes the effort. A good whisky set will usually revolve around a theme, for example, our Japanese whisky set or old and rare Scotch whiskies.

This allows you to try different whiskies from the same country side-by-side, so it’s easier to tell the difference from one dram to the next. It’s also a great way to expand your tasting skills and get better at noticing various notes, flavours, and smells. 

1. You can try more styles without buying full bottles

Instead of spending good money on a full-size bottle you may only pour once or twice, a tasting set lets you explore a range of styles without spending a fortune. 

It’s a simple, low-pressure option if you’re still learning what you like, but it’s just as useful for people who already love whisky but want to compare different distilleries, regions, or flavour profiles in one sitting.

2. They’re a safer gift when you don’t know someone’s favourite whisky

Rather than guessing what your loved ones' favourite whisky is and risking spending a lot of money on one they don’t like, why not get them a surprise selection?

That way, they’re bound to like one of them, and if they don’t, they’ll still have fun sampling them! You can personalise our whisky gift sets for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, a wedding anniversary, or Valentine's (just add their name and your message to the box at checkout).

3. They turn an evening at home into a fun experience

Not everyone wants to receive a gift that requires them to book a day off work, socialise with strangers, and spend more money once they’re there. 

Instead of buying someone a ticket to a whisky-tasting event, gift them a tasting experience they enjoy from home. It’s bound to make a quiet night much more fun!

It’s also a great way to get together with friends or family and sample some whisky together, since there’s enough to go around. 

4. They’re great for helping beginners discover what they like

If you’re just dipping your toe into whisky, purchasing a whisky-tasting set for yourself is a great, affordable way to find out what you like in a low-pressure setting.

It already includes everything you need, and you can choose which option you’d prefer, from single malts to smoky scotch. Since you’re at home, you can take as much time sampling them as you need and come back to it another day to see if you notice any new notes.

Tasting a fruity whisky alongside a smoky one can make it easier to spot the difference between them, so you can form your opinions and master the art of noticing.

Whisky tasting set vs full bottle: which is better value?

If you’ve already tried a few whiskies and have one you love, it's better to invest in a full bottle.

Bottles can also be cheaper to buy than a tasting kit, since the tasting kit is selling you an experience, rather than a single dram. That said, value is not only measured by cost. 

A whisky tasting set may be a better value for you if you’re looking to branch out and sample some new whiskies before putting £40 or £50 into a single bottle. A tasting set also feels more like a gift when you’re looking to surprise a loved one on a special occasion.

So, to sum it up, a full bottle is better if you already know what you like and are going to finish it. A tasting set is better value when you want to try and compare different styles, enjoy an at-home tasting night, or show someone you care.

How to choose the right whisky tasting set

First, ask yourself: who is the whisky-tasting set for?

A beginner can benefit more from a mixed set with different styles to compare, such as our world whisky set. Extras, such as tasting cards, a guide, a mat, or a proper tasting glass, can also make a big difference, especially for gift buyers or people just starting out.

If you’re buying for a more seasoned drinker, it may be best to focus on a theme they like, such as Scotch whiskies, older single malts, or drams from a single country or region.

Luckily for you, we have a whisky-tasting set for every type of drinker and occasion at the Whisky Tasting Company. All of our sets come in beautifully packaged gift boxes, so you can send them straight to their door without any extra fuss. 

We also sell subscription boxes for when you want to keep the celebration going!