The after-dinner drinks game has become increasingly popular in recent years. Department stores and supermarkets often now offer a significant choice of game options. Such games make great presents and providing the rules aren't too complicated, they make a great alternative to Murder Mystery Games.
The folk behind The Whisky Tasting Party have actually gone better than most adult drinking games. They have introduced an element of education to proceedings and combined it with that other great social event the whisky dinner complete with anecdotal speaker.
This year's version is a distinct improvement on last year's, and that is why Whisky Magazine has thrown its support behind it. What better way to find out a bit more about whisky in its various guises than in the comfort of your home among close friends?
Each game comes with four quality miniatures, two of which are single malts, two of which are renowned quality blends. It's a game of two halves. And to help you get to grips with the subject, you're guided by no other than our contributing editor Dave Broom.
In the first half of the evening lasting a not unreasonable 30 minutes you're taken through the basics of whisky appreciation, nosing and tasting.
Then, acting as teams or individuals, you're given the chance to taste the rest of the whisky and to answer some simple questions both about the whisky and its flavours, and about Scotland in general.
It's not particularly challenging but it is ideal for people with even the most modest interest in, or know of, whisky. And it passes the key test for these sort of things: it is fun.
The Whisky Tasting Party is available from Sainsbury's, priced £14.00
