Islay Whisky Academy has set up a series of events to guide you through not just some of this island’s incredible whiskies but also to learn more about what makes Islay, and Scotland, so special – the landscape, the music, the language and more. Find you perfect pairing and get your tickets today.
Islay Rocks! An Exploration of Islay Drams and Geology
Whisky is not a spirit produced in isolation from the land. Explore Islay geology in your glass of Scotch! Hosted by local expert David Webster, we will take you through the Rocks of Islay to explore the physical heritage of our island.
With 4 stunning Single Malt Islay drams in hand, investigate how water and landscape come together to influence whisky production.
Note: Please wear walking boots and outdoor attire.
Price: £45 per person
Date: Saturday 27th May, 2023
Time: 3:15pm – 4:45pm
Location: Port Ellen (on the Green across from the Co-op)
Minimum age: 18
Ticket payment link: https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/Y6W55ACWMPYZL
A Taste of Scotch and Scottish Shamanism
Islay Whisky Academy are excited to bring more magic to Fèis Ìle. This is a fun and light-hearted introduction to the spirits of the Quarters of the Earth: North, South, East, and West. Explore 4 stellar Single Malts, each paired with a Quarter of the Earth.
Sit around a bonfire and share the spirit of Scotland’s old ways. Let’s bring the past into the future, and have fun learning something new and interesting!
Price: £35 per person
Date: Monday 29th May, 2023
Time: 3:15pm – 4:45pm
Location: Will be confirmed via email the day before the event
Minimum age: 18
Ticket payment link: https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/4J6PUUP4XFXEE
Learn the Language of Scotch
Scotch whisky may be easy on the tongue, but their Gaelic names can be a challenge! Come along to this workshop and learn the foundations of the Gaelic language – through a whisky perspective.
We’ll explore the linguistic background of place names and how to pronounce the Gaelic names of distilleries. Using the Gaelic flavour wheel specially created by Rachel MacNeill, sample 3 Single Malts and learn how to talk about aroma notes in Gaelic.
No prior knowledge of Gaelic necessary – this workshop is welcome to all whisky enthusiasts.
Learn more about IWA Open Day here.
Price: £35 per person
Date: Thursday 1st June, 2023
Time: 10am – 4:45pm
Location: Rhinns Hall, Portnahaven
Minimum age: 18
Ticket payment link: https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/WENBBNYYQD4M6
Courting the Dram Workshop
Dive head-first into a sensory discovery of whisky aromas. Through a guided immersion into 5 unique whiskies, you are invited to explore the possibilities of sensation and deconstruct the dram.
You will be challenged to develop your nosing and tasting skills. We will explore 16 items, such as cream, peat, and wool, and use them as a sensory frame of reference when encountering new whiskies throughout the workshop.
Learn how to “sight read” a dram with just a sniff. And, above all, fall in love with Scotch!
Learn more about IWA Open Day here.
Price: £45 per person
Date: Thursday 1st June, 2023
Time: 12:15pm – 1:45pm
Location: Rhinns Hall, Portnahaven
Minimum age: 18
Ticket payment link: https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/DW92EA53EWMQA
Ceol Mor & Scotch Experience
Piobaireachd, or piping music, is created from the sounds of blood pumping in our veins, the beat of our heart, the sounds of the wind and the waves, the sounds of our land and language.
Listen to four distinct piping tunes, matched with 4 distinct whiskies, and discover how piobaireachd shares a magical flow with drams of single malt whiskies.
Learn more about IWA Open Day here.
Price: £35 per person
Date: Thursday 1st June, 2023
Time: 1:30pm – 3pm
Location: Rhinns Hall, Portnahaven
Minimum age: 18
Ticket payment link: https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/HN2JUXJXRS65C
Whisky & Witches Show
Travel with us to the realms where folklore, whisky, and mystical music meet in perfect harmony.
Experience an immersive tasting, exploring 6 spectacular and rare single cask drams. We are joined by Whisky & Witches: singer-songwriter and whisky experience ambassador Christine Kammerer and whisky bar owner Jane Ross, who will share haunting songs exploring Scottish and Nordic mythology.
We look forward to sharing the magic with you. Come along and be enchanted!
Learn more about IWA Open Day here.
Price: £65 per person
Date: Thursday 1st June, 2023
Time: 3:15pm – 5:15pm
Location: Rhinns Hall, Portnahaven
Minimum age: 18
Ticket payment link: https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/4HCXF34WUY4MY