What to buy for a whisky tasting

A whisky tasting needs more than a few bottles and glasses. Plan one tasting glass per guest for each pour, plus water glasses, carafes, snacks and a clear place for tasting notes. Whisky is usually served at room temperature, while welcome drinks and some mixers may need chilling. This shopping list also covers the easy-to-miss items that make serving and clearing up manageable, from trays and ice spoons to waste bins and table coverings.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 34
Buffet tableqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Whiskey glassesqty 200
Water glassesqty 40
Platesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40
Teaspoonsqty 40
Forksqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 8
Water carafesqty 10
Whisky carafeqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Portable refrigerator
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Kettlesqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving trays with lidsqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Ice spoonsqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 4
Waste binsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Whisky tasting matsqty 34
Menusqty 34
Name badgesqty 34
Table numbersqty 8
Candleless table lightsqty 12
Whisky information boardsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Speyside single malt - 1 bottle
- Highland single malt - 1 bottle
- Islay single malt - 1 bottle
- Irish whiskey - 1 bottle
- Bourbon - 1 Bottle
- Japanese whisky - 1 bottle
- Non-alcoholic sparkling drink - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Ginger beer - 3 liters
- Cola - 3 liters
- Cola Zero - 3 liter
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 3 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- White sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 8 pieces
- Unsalted crackers - 8 packs
- Grissini - 6 packs
- Unsalted almonds - 2 kilograms
- Walnuts - 1 kilogram
- Dark chocolate - 1,5 kilogram
- Dried apricots - 1 kilogram
- Green grapes - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Aged cheese - 1.5 kilograms
- Mild goat cheese - 1 kilogram
- Grape jam - 2 jars
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 1 pack
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Allow 15–20 ml of each whisky per guest per tasting round. For six whiskies, that is 90–120 ml per person, so calculate the total before ordering.
Provide at least 500 ml of still water per guest, served in water glasses and carafes. Water helps guests reset between whiskies and prevents glasses from being used for both drinks.
Buy or reserve one whisky glass per guest for each round, or prepare a washing system between pours. Add tasting mats and menus before guests arrive so nobody has to handle paper during the tasting.
Plan two snack portions per guest for each tasting hour, with plates, forks, serving spoons and covered trays ready before the first pour. Check dietary requirements before buying ingredients.
Collect equipment at least one day in advance, especially tasting glasses, tables, chairs, coolers, a portable refrigerator and serving trays. Check extension cords and power strips before connecting kettles or other equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How many whisky glasses do I need per person for a tasting?: Use one glass per guest for each whisky if you do not want to wash glasses during the event. For 10 guests tasting five whiskies, prepare 50 whisky glasses, or 10 glasses plus a quick washing setup.
How much whisky should I buy for a whisky tasting?: Allow 15–20 ml per person per whisky. For 12 guests tasting six whiskies, buy enough for 1.08–1.44 litres in total, with a little extra if you expect generous pours.
How much water and food do I need for a whisky tasting?: Plan at least 500 ml of water per guest and two snack portions per person per tasting hour. For 12 guests and a two-hour tasting, prepare at least 6 litres of water and 48 snack portions.
What should I arrange before a whisky tasting?: Reserve glasses, tables, chairs and serving equipment at least one week ahead when possible. Buy groceries and check dietary requirements 2–3 days before, then collect chilled items on the day.

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