Importance of peers

I can’t truly explain the experience of this trip. If you go alone, you will be lost. To enjoy the random hilarity and creative conversations was more than half this adventure. If you don’t know who MacGruber is, or what the bag game is, then you’re missing out. The fun and games just happened in the middle of what our goal was, to get a new understanding of what whisky (Scotch) truly is.

The group dynamic was a key factor in the trip, and not just for the jokes (which I wish I could explain). Tasting different whiskies in Scotland with other cocktail nerds helps keep you on your toes. We all also have different palates, which causes different flavor profiles. Half our conversations were about what we liked and what we didn’t. Even our guides had it tough, ask Andy MacDonald at Glenmorangie or our guide at Speyside Cooperage. We are a tough group, all 28 of us. That is why this trip worked, a group of industry professionals that want more information.

There are certain vacations or adventures you can take alone, but if you can go with a motley crew such as us, it’ll be a lot more interesting. When you’re on a bus for 5 hours, and half the time your talking about tequila or tonic water and special syrups/purees, you know you have a good group. I can’t even give you a brief synopsis without writing a 600-page book, but I can tell you to do what we did. Go somewhere with people, explore, try what they drink, and enjoy!

On a personal note, I would like to thank Bridget, Brian, Scott, Kyle, and of course MacGruber. This was an amazing trip, took a lot home with me, you guys were great.