Cambridge Whisky Club

1-year memberships are available now!

Menu

Second Hand Smoke Flight Tasting

Date:Wed 17th July 2025
Time:7:30 pm
Venue:HQ @
Tickets:£17
Discount for members:Yes
Host:Elliott_Drinks_Whisky
Buy tickets from Thirsty

Teaching a new dog, old tricks

I have recently said at a tasting that I had been avoiding selecting smokey whiskies that get that note by aging in casks which previously held peated whisky. When I said it out loud, I realised that it sounded pretty stupid. I know my enjoyment of whisky is greatest when I’m trying new bottles, so why would I cut out this section of the market? I don’t dislike the ex-peated whiskies I’ve tried! But also, with peat-burning being up there on the list of bad things for the environment that I ‘support’, I have been vocal about embracing alternative smoke sources.

Recycling in the best sense – 3 full measures of smoke-inheriting whisky.

If a distillery doesn’t want to risk tainting their equipment, they might choose a second-hand smoke cask. If they want to explore a tweak on their flavour profile without changing their fine-tuned production steps, they might go for a previously-peated cask. Or, maybe getting peated malt delivered seems like a step too far for a young distillery, but sourcing and storing an ex-Islay cask might suit them more.

Limited ticket event to ensure a flight-friendly atmosphere.

What is a guided whisky tasting?

All are welcome to attend the event, whether you consider yourself a whisky expert or haven’t explored it at all. The evening will start with an introduction to the event and the first whisky, explaining a bit about why I’ve chosen it. We’ll share some nosing and tasting notes and then I’ll let you enjoy the whisky with your friends and fellow guests. After a short while this process will repeat for each of the remaining whiskies.

I’ll be happy to try and answer any questions about the whiskies, the process of making them and the industry at any point. These events are a great opportunity to try some whisky you probably can’t try in a bar, without buying a whole bottle!

A bit about your host:

My philosophy with whisky is that there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. Neat, with water, with ice, blended, smokey, sweet, from Scotland or Japan or Mexico! Everyone should be able to enjoy tasting and smelling what they taste and smell however they choose.

I’ve been hosting whisky tastings in Cambridge for 5 years. Initially, as a part of the Cambridge University Whisky Appreciation Society where I held a 2 year presidency. Since then, I have branched out to reach a wider audience in the city and the surrounding area as an independent host. After studying in Scotland and continuing to explore the world of whisky in the years since, from Cambridge, I really enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others and find that there’s always more whisky to try.