Whisky flights are one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the depth and diversity of the whisky world. A whisky tasting flight is a curated selection of drams sampled side-by-side, allowing you to compare flavours, regions, ages or cask types in one experience. Creating your own flight of whisky at home is wonderfully simple — all you need is a theme, a few well-chosen bottles, the right glassware and an order that guides your palate on a memorable journey. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a whisky flight, this guide will take you through every step.
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What is a Whisky Flight?
A whisky flight is a tasting experience made up of small measures of different whiskies sampled together for comparison. Traditionally, these drams are presented on a wooden tray or whisky flight board, often with tasting cards that describe the character of each whisky.
You’ll find whisky flights offered in distilleries, bars and tasting rooms across the world - but you can just as easily recreate the experience at home. Understanding what a whisky flight is and how whisky flights work opens the door to a deeper appreciation of aroma, texture and flavour.
Why Create Your Own Whisky Flight?
A home whisky tasting flight gives you the chance to explore whisky in a more intentional, engaging way. Sampling drams together helps you deepen your understanding of their flavour, aroma and finish, while also making it easier to compare different styles.
A whisky flight experience is ideal for discovering new favourites, learning the difference between regions like Islay and the Highlands, or exploring how cask types - from bourbon to sherry to port - shape the character of a dram. Most of all, it makes whisky more accessible. You don’t need to be an expert; you simply need curiosity. That’s why whisky flights matter for beginners and seasoned drinkers alike.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Whisky Tasting Flight
1. Choose Your Theme
Start by selecting a theme that ties your whiskies together. This is the foundation of any good flight.
Some popular ideas include:
- By region: Highland, Islay, Speyside, Lowland.
- By cask type: bourbon barrels vs. sherry casks vs. virgin oak.
- By age: compare younger whiskies with long-matured expressions.
- By peat level: unpeated → lightly peated → heavily peated.
A clear theme gives your flight structure and makes each dram easier to compare.
2. Select 3–5 Whiskies
For balance and enjoyment, aim for three to five whiskies — enough variety without overwhelming the palate.
Here are some Bunnahabhain whisky flight ideas to get you started:
- Introduction to Unpeated Islay Flight: Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old, Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old, Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old.
- Sherry Cask Influence Flight: 12 Year Old Cask Strength (Oloroso Finish), 21 Year Old Cask Strength (PX Finish), and 1998 Manzanilla Cask Finish.
- Westering Home Collection Flight: Turas Math No.1 15 Year Old Spirit Fully Matured Manzanilla & Amarone Cask Finish, Turas Math No.2 Palo Cortado Cask Finish, and Turas Math No.3 19 Year Old Armagnac Cask Finish.
If you’re learning how to build a whisky flight, this mix of styles shows just how dramatically different whiskies can be.
3. Arrange the Order
The sequence matters. Arrange your flight from lightest to richest, lowest ABV to highest, or least to most peated.
This helps protect your palate and ensures you don’t overshadow delicate flavours early on. Consider including a water jug or pipette to adjust each dram gradually if desired.
4. Prepare Your Flight Board and Glassware
Presentation enhances the experience. Use a wooden or slate whisky flight board or tray, placing each dram in its own glass.
- Label each position or place a tasting card underneath.
- Use tulip-shaped glasses to capture the aroma.
These small touches help create a more authentic and enjoyable tasting environment.
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5. Taste Mindfully
With everything set, slow down and savour the experience:
- Observe the colour and how it clings to the glass.
- Nose gently to uncover layers of aroma.
- Take small sips and let the whisky coat your palate.
- Add a few drops of water to see how the flavour opens.
Take your time between each dram to avoid palate fatigue — whisky tasting is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
6. Cleanse Your Palate
Between whiskies, sip plain water or enjoy simple palate cleansers like oatcakes or unsalted crackers. Avoid strong flavours such as cheese or chocolate until the tasting is complete, as they can overpower the subtleties of a dram.
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7. Record Your Notes
Capture your impressions with a tasting sheet or app. Even simple whisky tasting notes - colour, aroma, palate and finish - help you refine your preferences and remember your favourites. Learning how to taste whisky this way builds confidence and curiosity.
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Hosting a Whisky Flight at Home
If you're inviting friends or family, create an atmosphere that elevates the experience:
- Set the mood with warm lighting, gentle music and neutral scents.
- Print a simple tasting guide or menu.
- Encourage conversation: compare notes, debate favourites, enjoy surprises.
- Offer light snacks — nuts, smoked meats or dark chocolate — after the flight.
With these simple touches, your home whisky tasting becomes a memorable whisky flight party.
Common Whisky Flight Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best intentions can go astray. A smooth, structured tasting comes from avoiding a few common pitfalls. Starting with the strongest whisky can overwhelm your palate and skew your impressions of everything that follows. Mixing too many cask styles or wildly different ABVs in one flight can make comparisons confusing rather than enjoyable. Serving whisky too cold mutes aroma and flavour, taking away much of the experience. And while it’s tempting to move quickly, skipping water or forgetting to cleanse your palate and nose between drams can dull your senses more than you realise. Keeping these points in mind ensures each whisky has the space it deserves.
Final Sip: The Art of the Whisky Flight
Creating your own whisky tasting flight turns appreciation into exploration - a chance to connect with craftsmanship, flavour and story in every dram. Experiment with themes, take notes and discover what speaks to your palate. And when you’re ready for even deeper learning, explore our distillery range and build a flight inspired by the spirit of Islay.
Whisky Tasting FAQs
How much whisky should I pour for a tasting flight?
A standard tasting measure is 15–25ml per dram. Small pours help you compare flavours without overwhelming your palate — especially if you’re sampling four or five whiskies in one sitting.
Do I need special whisky glasses for a flight?
Not necessarily, but tulip-shaped nosing glasses make a noticeable difference. Their tapered rims capture aroma and help you explore flavour more clearly. If you don’t have them, small wine or spirits glasses will still work.
What’s the best order to taste whisky in?
Move from lighter to richer, lower ABV to higher ABV, or least peated to most peated. This keeps your palate fresh and ensures subtle whiskies aren’t overshadowed early in the flight.
Should I add water to my whisky?
It’s entirely optional — but a few drops can soften alcohol, open aromas and reveal hidden flavours. Keep a jug or pipette nearby so you can experiment dram by dram.
What food works best with a whisky tasting flight?
Keep it simple during the tasting — water, oatcakes and neutral snacks are ideal palate cleansers. Save stronger pairings such as cheese, charcuterie or chocolate until after you’ve finished the flight, when bigger flavours won’t interfere.
