Note: Since home base is the Pacific Northwest, most private tastings will be in this region. For a current story on Ramsay, visit the Oregonian's December 2006 article on the "Scotch Master." Link here

My tastings are a blend of entertainment and education and can make many special events unique and memorable. I’ve done tastings at corporate retreats and conventions, weddings, (no funerals yet; just two wakes) anniversary and birthday parties, and at numerous private clubs. In private clubs the tasting is usually the main event and can precede or be incorporated into the dinner.

If you would like me to host a private tasting in your home or for your business, there’s a number of ways to do this. I can select the spirits, depending on your price range, for the event and whatever is left over becomes your instant whisky portfolio! Typically, I’d pick the best quality whiskies representing each producing region for a Scotch tasting. Emphasis is on the single malts although I like to have a blend during the ‘cocktail hour’ before the event. With Bourbon I like to begin with a softer, wheated style, perhaps preceded with a Manhattan, and move up the ladder into gutsier and older whiskies. There’s usually 4-5 whiskies or spirits to sample and I try to give a good overview of the category. I can give advice on the glassware to use and which foods to pair with the spirits.

For staff trainings and tastings at restaurants and liquor stores, I typically work with a local spirits broker or distributor. Please contact me if you’d like to set up an event—I’ve hosted many of them and can help you create a prestigious, high-end dinner to events that maximize your number of customers. With staff training, I can offer waitstaff and managers a true, comprehensive education in the spirits category and can answer any and all questions about drink.

A whisky or spirits tasting at a country club or private club is the easiest to set up and host. I’ve hosted events at many business clubs, golf courses, university clubs and recreational organizations like fly-fishing clubs and yacht clubs. It’s a great way to say thanks to your members in an innovative and memorable way.

For more info, e-mail me at stuart@ramsaysdram.com or call me at 503-805-6763