At our whisky tastings in Alkmaar you'll taste fine single malts, single casks and independent bottlings. You'll learn more about the world of whisky — for example about concepts like non chill filtered and natural colour — and you can ask all the questions you've always had. Here is what an evening with us looks like.
Sometimes it's time to not just taste, but experience. Travel to Rotterdam with The Whisky Specialist for a special afternoon at Cley Distillery, a modern Dutch distillery where innovation and tradition collide. We'll depart from Alkmaar by bus (bus fare included) at 12:00 PM for Rotterdam. We'll arrive at the distillery at 1:45 PM, where the tour begins at 2:00 PM. During this tour, you'll get a unique behind-the-scenes look: from raw materials to distillate, from still to barrel. The Cley team will share their vision of Dutch whisky and show you how they work with precision and dedication to craft their distinctive spirits. After the tour, we'll take a seat in the tasting room for an extensive tasting of various Cley products. Under supervision, we'll discover the aroma, flavor, and structure of their expressions and learn more about barrel aging, distillation techniques, and flavor development. An afternoon where knowledge and experience converge in the glass. Afterward, there will be an opportunity to purchase bottles of the whiskies or other spirits that most impressed you. A great opportunity to take your favorite home with you. At 4:00 PM we leave for Alkmaar again, undoubtedly with new insights and tasting experiences. There are a maximum of 45 seats available for this exclusive tour & tasting. An intimate setting offers opportunities for questions, deepening your knowledge, and sharing your passion. An afternoon for enthusiasts who want to look beyond the label and experience what Dutch whisky is capable of today.
On Thursday, March 26, we invite you to a special whisky tasting at the familiar and atmospheric location of Sociëteit De Dieu in Alkmaar . This time the evening is all about independent bottlers The explorers of the whisky world. Houses that chart their own course, choose based on flavor and character, and often bottle surprising gems you don't encounter every day. During this evening, you'll taste a selection of whiskies with the bottler's perspective at the forefront. Single casks, unique maturations, and expressions showcase how vision and craftsmanship can give a distillate its own unique story. Expect depth, nuance, and a distinct personality in the glass. The tasting will once again be led by Marcel Bol of Whisky Import Nederland . With his infectious passion and wealth of knowledge, he'll take you behind the labels and share his insights into the choices, origins, and philosophy of independent bottlers. Stories that will deepen your dram and enrich your understanding of whisky. An evening for enthusiasts who like to look beyond the standard bottles Warm, deepening and full of discoveries.
On Saturday afternoon, March 21st, we welcome a special guest from the world of Scotch whisky to The Whisky Specialist: Graeme MacKay, international ambassador for Ardnamurchan Distillery and Adelphi. During this informal in-store tasting, Graeme will bring several interesting bottlings from Ardnamurchan (and perhaps a little Adelphi). Two names that, each in their own way, demonstrate how character, craftsmanship, and a clear vision come together in the glass. For example, taste the new Paul Launois bottling from Ardnamurchan. Ardnamurchan, located on the rugged and remote peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, is known for its modern yet traditional approach to whisky making. Adelphi, on the other hand, is one of the most respected independent bottlers, having selected exceptional casks from distilleries across Scotland for decades. During this afternoon, you will taste a selection of expressions that beautifully showcase the character of both houses. Expect maritime influences, exciting cask maturations, and whiskies that demonstrate how versatile Scotch whisky can be. Graeme will also talk about the background of the distillery, the choices made in production and maturation, and, of course, the stories behind the bottlings that appear in the glass. This tasting is freely accessible and free of charge. You are welcome to drop by, taste a dram, and get acquainted with the world of Adelphi and Ardnamurchan.
Whisky without borders – A world trip in your glass On Saturday, November 29, we invite you to a special whisky tasting at an iconic location: Sociëteit De Dieu in Alkmaar . The theme of the evening? Whisky from around the world – from Scotland to Japan, from Ireland to the Netherlands, and surprises from lesser-known whisky countries. During this exclusive evening, you'll sample a range of exceptional whiskies that showcase the world's diversity. Discover how climate, tradition, and craftsmanship create completely different styles and flavors. Expect a captivating journey of contrasts: delicate versus powerful, sweet versus spicy, and classic versus innovative. The tasting is hosted by Robert van Harskamp of Craft Spirits . With his passion for craft distillates and extensive knowledge, he will guide you through the stories behind the bottles and share insights that will broaden your understanding of whisky.
How much flavor fits in a barrel? Find out for yourself! On Thursday, October 23, we invite you to a unique whisky tasting at a beautiful location: Sociëteit De Dieu in Alkmaar . The theme of the evening? The influence of the cask – from sherry to bourbon, from port to rum, and from hogshead to quarter cask. During this exclusive evening, you'll sample a variety of unique whiskies where the cask plays a starring role. Expect surprising aromas, distinctive flavors, and stories about maturation, cask sizes, and cask types that completely transform the character of a dram. The tasting will be hosted by Marcel Bol of Whisky Import Nederland , whose passion and knowledge will add depth to the evening. He'll take you on a journey into the world of wood, maturation, and flavor, sharing unique insights you won't easily hear elsewhere.
