I don't know that I'd go that far; it was actually a fair bit quieter inside than I expect of the hip places in DC. We're suckers to try anything non-sushi Japanese (we love sushi, but don't have to go to DC for it) and wanted to see something other than the couple of izakayas we default to.

A friend said today is World Whisky Day or something to that effect. I poured myself a bit of Nikka Coffey Grain, and yes, it's quite tasty if not really much like any other Japanese whisky I've had (nor any true Scotch, either). Definitely one of my absolute favorites.

I am excited that I will be trying my first Japanese whisky in a couple weeks. BamaVol Jr #1 is coming for a visit and bringing me a bottle of Hakushu 12 year old. I have no idea what to expect.

The 12 (and the Hakushu in general) is IMHO a bit lighter-bodied than a lot of Scotch whiskys I've had, but still very Scotch-like. I prefer the Yamazaki 12 myself from Suntory, though the Hibiki 17 isn't bad either (how many 17-year whiskys are? ;)).

Scotch Whiskys are more mature and pleasant at 17 than most teenagers! ;)

i seem to recall balvenie 21 actually burning, and glen fiddich / glen livet 18 seeming incredibly light/weak

tasting (event) recommendations?

anyone done http://www.thewhiskyextravaganza.com/schedule/ for example?

Looks interesting base on some of the sponsors.
Is there any indication anywhere of what will actually be sampled?

im curious how often there are expensive tastings of older whiskeys

I've been to this one: http://www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/wow-expo-sf-schedule Never again. It's a beat down. Free tix or not, the 3 day hangover isn't worth it.

spit? :D how was the whiskey?

She who must be obeyed recently brought me a bottle of Talisker Storm - lovely stuff - peatier and spicier than regular Talisker

Our local liquor store held a bourbon tasting last year with maybe 50 bottles open and available. They weren't pouring full shots, but it starts to add up. Fortunately, Mrs BamaVol is not a bourbon drinker and was available to drive me home after the event. I paid a price the following morning.

Last year, we attended the brewfest in Des Moines with BamaVol Jr #2 and his girlfriend. I personally tried 20-30 different beers in 3 ounces glasses. In this instance, everyone had too much to drink and we had to fill the empty spaces with crappy Mexican food before we could risk the drive home.

There's a local beerfest that I will avoid for the third year running for this reason. If I want to overindulge, it's safest to do so at home. But regardless of venue, you do pay the piper the next day.

Great stuff, we must have the same type of SWMBO!

Tastings, my $0.02
 

I find the free for all too painful the next day(s) that I go to the more local paid private ones where there is a smaller number of samples and full dram is served in a clean nosing glass.