The 5 Best Settings for Tasting Whisky: Set the Scene!

You can enjoy whisky in all kinds of moments: from a quiet weeknight at home to an unforgettable tasting. But what are the truly great settings? We’ve picked five. Read on.

We’re starting with a bit of a no-brainer: how about sipping a whisky in a beautifully designed, stylish bar? The world has plenty of standout spots. Each of these places lets you step out of everyday life and into another world. Real-life magic. Sounds good, right?

Plenty of people love walking and won’t say no to a great hike in nature. Europe is full of countries where you can head out on stunning trails, Scotland being just one example.

Wherever your hike takes you, don’t forget to pack not only good boots but also a couple of fine drams in your backpack. After hours on the trail, when you finally reach the summit, trust us: that whisky will taste absolutely, gloriously well-earned. Cheers!

This next setting is just as obvious as the first: the “stylish whisky bar.” Throughout the year you can join all kinds of whisky tastings online or, even better, in person both at home and abroad. And we’ll say it: nothing beats the real thing.

You immediately soak up the atmosphere, great stories, good company, and plenty of delicious things to try. A whisky tasting usually comes with more than just whisky and tall tales; there are often tasty bites to pair with your drams. In short, a pretty safe bet for a great night out.

Water is essential to whisky. So why not enjoy a dram on a boat? Whisky and boats also share a deep history.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, whisky was often stored in wooden casks to transport it for example from Scotland to the United States. It was also a way to smuggle whisky during Prohibition.

In 2025, there’s no need for anything illicit. You can simply enjoy fantastic events on boats and ships. Whisky tastings on the water pop up regularly, and they’re a blast.

Not a full-on connoisseur yet but still want a memorable evening? Try ordering a glass of whisky at a casino. Channel your inner James Bond with a fine pour in hand as you place your chips at the poker table.

With a bit of luck, you’ll win enough to splurge on a great bottle. Just be sure to only gamble with what you can afford to lose. Gambling isn’t for everyone. There’s nothing wrong, though, with booking a trip to Las Vegas and feeling like 007 for a night.

You’ll find many more of our top lists on this page.