SMWSA presents The Art and Science of Tasting - Berkeley

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society welcomes Society Tasting Panel Chairman Kami Newton to the USA for a very special event series! Tasting Panel Experience: The Art and Science of Tasting will be hosted at Heads and Tails Barbecue in Berkeley for Society members who will not just be taught how to taste whisky like a pro — it will change how you think about flavor itself. But be warned, you will never look at a dram in the same way again.

In this dynamic session, you’ll:

• Step behind the curtain of cognitive flavor processing
• Unravel mysteries such as why whisky can taste smoky but not smell smoky
• Learn how personal perception shapes every dram — why your vanilla might be someone else’s toasted oak
• Experience a VIP tour behind the workings of the SMWS Tasting Panel and the world of professional sensory analysis
• Gain groundbreaking sensory insights, tips, and brain hacks that will transform how you taste whisky forever!

Join SMWSA Senior Director Tom Smith and Kami Newton as we explore new releases through this scientific lens. Food will be served at this event.

Slàinte Mhath!

Host or Publisher Tom Smith | Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society