Mary in Vancity

Whisky tasting is always more enjoyable when shared with others, and Flavor Camp takes this to another level. Recently, my friends and I attended a single malt tasting. It wasn’t just about drinking—it was about learning, exploring, and deepening our appreciation for whisky together. Flavor Camp’s mission to “taste better, together” shaped the entire evening, creating a shared, intentional experience.

Led by whisky expert Reese Sims, this wasn’t your typical whisky tasting. Flavor Camp focuses on teaching the art of tasting and connecting people through flavour. From start to finish, we were encouraged to immerse ourselves in the multisensory process. We developed the skills to discern between complex whisky profiles.

Learning to Taste with Intention

Flavor Camp divides whiskies into four “flavour camps”—Smoky, Roasted, Baked & Fruity, and Grainy—which guided our experience. Each whiskey we tried fit into one of these categories. We were challenged to pay attention to the subtleties of aroma and taste. It wasn’t just about whether we liked a whisky or not; we were learning how to find those delicate flavors that make each one unique. This approach to “putting flavour first” is what made the evening feel so intentional and meaningful.

Tasting with friends made the experience even better (and a lot funnier). We all had different takes on the same whisky—what I thought was grainy someone else swore tasted like a fruit salad. Sharing our wildly varying observations opened up new perspectives. It helped us all realize just how diverse a single malt can be. It’s amazing how a sip of whisky can spark debates. These debates are worthy of a courtroom. And it’s all in the name of “refining our palates.”

Discovering New Favorites

Of the eight whiskies we sampled, Glenmorangie The Original 12 Year stood out as my personal favourite. With its notes of citrus and ripening peaches, balanced with a vanilla softness, it became an easy winner for me. It’s smooth, with a lingering finish of coconut and maple syrup, and at $74.99, it offers excellent value for such a well-rounded whisky.

What was especially enjoyable was how each whisky introduced us to different regional styles. With Reese (your whisky muse), you’ll learn how to break down complex flavours, gain a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, and connect with others through shared experiences—and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to bond over a glass of something delicious?

Follow Reese as she moves to Calgary. We can’t wait to having her back soon for more Flavor Camps. Follow her here.