The Macallan tasting serves up an evening of sherry, tea, and Speyside warmth.

While the first autumn storm of the year seemed to be rolling in outside, countless whisky lovers were all smiles indoors. The whisky store in Groningen, The Netherlands, was dedicated to six whiskies from Scotland’s Speyside during The Macallan tasting. We pulled up a chair and here’s everything you need to know.

If there’s one Speyside distillery that’s famous the world over, it’s The Macallan. Still, a number of tonight’s attendees had never before put their lips to the nectar of the gods from Easter Elchies House.

As with most tastings at Mitra Hoogezand, whisky friend Wietse Blink is once again on hand to keep everything running smoothly.

The program holds no secrets for him—he visited the remarkable distillery only recently. Side by side, he presents three single malts of the same age that make up the first half of the evening.

The first whiskies go down well with the tasters. Notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and fruit are, according to some, nicely complemented by soft malt tones. Blink’s storytelling about the distillery fits the mood perfectly.

He talks about the many stills and washbacks, and the estate of over 400 m2 where spirit has been made for centuries. As Blink arrives at The Macallan’s sherry tradition, it’s also time for the Sherry Oak Collection. This dram is slightly darker than the first two thanks to the casks in which the nectar matured.

That’s also where the whisky’s extra fruity character largely comes from. The flavor goes down a treat, though some find the finish a touch on the short side. Everyone agrees, however, that all three are dangerously easy to drink. Will that also be true of the whiskies waiting for us after the break?

We speak with Alex Venema (39). He lives around the corner and often attends these tastings. Even though he’s a bit under the weather and can’t fully experience every whisky, he still made the effort to come. The Macallan isn’t familiar territory for him like Loch Lomond is, but he’s far from disappointed.

Venema has already sneaked a peek at what’s coming after the break and is very curious about the rest of the lineup.

The second half of the program features a few special bottles:

Blink picks up where he left off: with the sherry casks from Jerez. The next whisky in the glass pays tribute to Spanish cooperage—a true sherry bomb with a double meaning.

The A Night on Earth whiskies also nod to Hogmanay, the New Year’s celebration. This distinctive dram sits in a different class from the first three, and what follows is even more special. From The Macallan Harmony Collection, an exceptional bottle has been chosen: the Jing.

This whisky is inspired by Chinese Oolong tea. Does the spirit echo that character? With approving, and at times surprised, expressions, noses dip into the glasses. The Scottish distillery knows sherry like no other, but it can still pull off a surprise.

Still, sherry dominates tonight’s pours, and the tasting ends there as well. The Macallan 18 Year Old is a whisky that shouts sherry in every respect.

This 18-year-old dram is a fine example of The Macallan’s character: a sunlit whisky in a bottle brimming with rich fruit and a hint of spice. After this final dram, the atmosphere is buoyant, and it’s truly time to brave the blustery weather outside.

On to the next tasting, which promises plenty more surprises.