10 Top Virtual Bourbon Tasting Classes to Toast Team Connections

Looking to elevate your classic happy hour for your remote team? Take it up a notch with a virtual bourbon tasting. It’s the perfect way to mix a little learning with your TGIF fun and have a great bonding experience. 

In this article, we have compiled a list of the best virtual bourbon tasting classes that your team is sure to bring your team closer than ever.

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What is a Virtual Bourbon Tasting?

A bourbon tasting is a chance for teams to explore more about the flavors and complexities of bourbon, while bonding with each other. The tasting begins with a learning curve about the process of making bourbon, its origins, and flavor profiles. An expert typically hosts an online bourbon tasting session and guides you and your team through the tasting process. Alternatively, teams can also opt to self-host their session by following instructional walkthrough videos.

During the tasting class, the expert will teach you to differentiate classic bourbon notes like vanilla, cinnamon, and cherry among others. You will be provided with a flavor wheel to help pinpoint the flavors you can taste. Then, everyone can then discuss their observations amongst themselves while engaging in light conversations. The session then ends with an open Q&A, where participants can ask questions about the tasting. 

Bourbon tasting kits are provided to participants, which can be purchased individually or as part of a hosted tasting. Teams can also opt for a BYOB blind tasting session, where they can bring their own bourbon of choice to sample.

10 Best Virtual Bourbon Tasting Classes for Your Team To Unwind

These tasting events will not only bring you and your team closer but will also introduce you to a whole new world of bourbon. Here are some virtual bourbon tasting classes that you and your team will enjoy taking part in.

1. Hooray Teams

No. of participants: 10–1000
Time duration: 60 minutes
Price per person: $70 per person

If you’re looking for a bourbon tasting that doubles as a learning experience, Hooray Teams’ Virtual Bourbon Tasting Class is what you need. An expert whiskey sommelier will help you explore and appreciate a fine selection of bourbon by sharing tasting notes and tips. You and your team will also gain knowledge of the rich history and distilling process of bourbon whiskey.

They will ship out a bourbon tasting kit with all the essentials needed for the event to each participant before the session. Each kit will come with 3-4 bottles of straight, high rye, and wheat bourbon samples, tasting guides, and tasting notes. 

🥃What else? If you would like to personalize the event with custom requests, you can let Hooray Teams know in advance.

2. Whiskey Edu

No. of participants: Customizable
Time duration: Customizable 
Price per person: $100 per kit 

Whisky Edu’s self-guided virtual bourbon tasting offers a diverse tasting experience to you and your team. Their ‘Self Guided Whiskey Tasting Sets A-Z Series’ comes in about 25 different sets. The sets explore 160 Scottish distilleries, which include single-malt, single-grain, bourbon, sherry, among more. 

You can sample five to ten bottles of the world’s best whiskey sourced from distilleries, auctions, and private collections. One ounce sample bottles of each whiskey will be sent to your team’s doorsteps. And, if you’d like a host to guide the virtual tasting, you can request for a whiskey expert.

🥃 What else? They hold a Monthly Whisky Study Group on the third Wednesday of every month to help you further hone your whiskey knowledge.

3. Distilled Living

No. of participants: 8-900
Time duration: Customizable 
Price per person: Available upon request

Distilled Living’s founder Tim Knittel and his team are certified bourbon stewards who bring bourbon knowledge to team building and corporate events. Their virtual bourbon tasting will teach you and your team how to discover subtle aromas and flavors of bourbon. Teams can further learn about the history, the difference between bourbon and whiskey, and a lot more.

They host the session in professional studios with top-notch lighting, video, and sound quality to bring a premium experience. When it comes to the kit, they currently only offer a BYOB (bring your own bourbon) session. With their guidance, you can sample different bourbon flavors and find the best food pairings to complement them. 

🥃 What else? They also provide cocktail kits to make delicious cocktails with bourbon like Old Fashioned, Bourbon-Rita and more.

4. Distilled Leadership

No. of participants: 40
Time duration: Customizable 
Price per person: Available upon request

Distilled Leadership’s specializes in all things whiskey, especially bourbon. Master Distiller Michael Kutner will guide this session, covering the origins of bourbon and the art of bourbon tasting. Teams can upgrade to two different tasting classes, namely Gold and Platinum. The Gold level includes Four Roses Small Batch bourbon, Elijah Craig Small Batch bourbon, Maker’s Mark, and a Acopa 4-oz whiskey glass. The Platinum level includes personalized suggestions from Michael or you can request fine scothes or high-end whiskeys.

All of their whiskey tasting kits include three 50ml bottles which can be customized, a whiskey drinking glass and a water dropper. You will also receive small vials of cherry and vanilla oil. A bourbon flavor wheel card, tasting placemat and napkin will also be included in your kit.

🥃What else? They offer special non-alcoholic concoctions for team members who abstain from alcohol.

5. Priority Experiences

No. of participants: Customizable 
Time duration: 45 minutes, can be customized
Price per person: $125 excluding host fee (must purchase at least five kits)

Priority Experiences offers a virtual bourbon tasting that guarantees a fun and memorable experience for your team. Their bourbon whiskey virtual tasting experience includes ice breakers, an overview of bourbon and tips to taste bourbon like a pro. 

Participants will receive a bourbon tasting kit that contains five 1-oz. sample-sized bottles of bourbon and a tasting wheel. You can also upgrade the experience with add-ons like mocktails and snacks. Chocolate and cheese pairing options can also be shipped to complement your bourbon samples.

🥃What else? To bring in a bit of friendly competition, you can customize your class to include a session of trivia about all things bourbon.

6. Single Malt Savvy

No. of participants: Customizable 
Time duration: Customizable
Price per person: Upon request

Single Malt Savvy brings a curated virtual bourbon tasting for team building events, conferences and other corporate occasions. A professional whiskey expert with over 15 years of experience hosts the tasting. He will walk you and your team through the history of bourbon, the distillation process and tasting tips.

The best part about their tasting is you can select your preferred styles of bourbons and whiskeys to sample. Together with their host, you’ll be able to assess each pour and be able to differentiate the subtle nuances of various bourbons.

🥃What else? You can create a tailored experience to suit your team’s preferred format or style by choosing your own whiskey preferences.

7. Bourbon & Banter

No. of participants: Customizable 
Time duration: Customizable 
Price per person: Upon request

Bourbon & Banter brings curious drinkers together to create a community of individuals who enjoy bourbon. Sought-after whiskey expert Patrick “Pops” Garrett will lead your virtual tasting with full enthusiasm.

For the tasting, you can opt for your preferred number of bottles although they recommend having at least four. They will be shipped directly to participants, including flavor wheels and tasting mats. You can also learn about delectable food pairings that will go with your choice of whiskey.

🥃What else? They offer a free gift, which is a copy of their Bourbon Flavor Wheel and Tasting Mat Template Bundle for future tastings.

8. Host Events

No. of participants: Customizable 
Time duration: Customizable 
Price per person: $130 onwards

Host Events offers an interactive way to taste classic whiskey styles, including bourbon. They offer three varieties of bourbon tastings that include the Business level, Corporate level, and Executive level. 

In the Business level whiskey kit, you will receive three 375 ml bottles from brands like Bulleit, Basil Hayden and Knob Creek. The Corporate level kit includes three 375 ml bottles from brands like Hillrock and Jefferson. Thirdly, the Executive level kit comprises a 750 ml bottle and two 375ml bottles from brands like Suntory, Oban and Widow Jane. All the kits also include an exclusive Host Events ice mold and a personal note. For more information, their event planning chat will assist you.

🥃 What else? Host Events also has Virtual Happy Hour events that you can couple with your bourbon tasting.

9. Bourbon Blog

No. of participants: Customizable 
Time duration: Customizable 
Price per person: Upon request

Bourbon Blog’s bourbon and whiskey tastings are specially curated for corporate teams. Renowned bourbon expert Tom Fischer will guide you and your team in nosing, tasting, and reviewing bourbon. You also get to engage in a lively FAQ session to gain more insights on the tasting.

Their team will help you select unique bourbons or whiskeys and arrange for them to be shipped to all participants. You can either choose between full-sized bottles or 50ml sample sizes for the tasting. Along with the whiskey, you will also receive personalized tasting notes to note down your observations. 

🥃 What else? The host will teach you how to taste, nose and review different whiskeys through compelling storytelling.

10. Seelbach’s

No. of participants: Customizable 
Time duration: Customizable 
Price per person: $179 per kit

If you’re looking for a self-guided virtual bourbon tasting, Seelbach’s Barrell Bourbon Tasting Pack & Glasses kit has everything you need. This limited edition box set will be shipped to you and your team free of cost.

It comes with four signature 100ml Barrel bottlings: Barrell Bourbon Batch 035, Dovetail, Vantage, and Seagrass. You get a chance to taste unique flavor notes like banana bread, chocolate milkshake, oak, and tropical fruits among many others. Also included in the kit are their etched tasting glasses, a tasting board, and the 33 Books Seelbach’s tasting notebook.

🥃What else? They will notify you via email when a date is fixed for the live hosted tasting of this set. If you’re unable to attend the live session, you can request a recorded video. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the tasting notes of bourbon whiskey?

Some common tasting notes often associated with bourbon whiskey include flavors like maple, caramel, oak, vanilla, honey, spice, and sometimes even fruity or nutty undertones.

How to host a bourbon tasting online?

Hosting a bourbon tasting requires a bit of preparation beforehand. First, fix a convenient date and time slot that works for everyone and choose a video conferencing platform to host it on. Next, arrange for an experienced whiskey expert who can guide the session. Do ensure that participants receive their virtual bourbon tasting kit and other add-ons prior to the event. 

How much bourbon to taste in a bourbon tasting?

In a bourbon tasting, each pour is about 1/2 to 1 oz. This amount lets you sample the bourbon without getting intoxicated and you can assess its aroma, flavor, and finish. Do keep some water and snacks like crackers handy to cleanse your palate between different bourbons.

How should I prepare for a bourbon tasting?

To prepare for a bourbon tasting, arrange your bourbons and whiskeys in the order of tasting. Bring in supplies like whiskey glasses, water, plain crackers for palate cleansing, and a spittoon if needed. Ensure you eat lightly before the tasting and stay hydrated.

What are some common bourbon terms?

During your tasting, you will hear terms like barrel proof, cask strength, nosing, single barrel and mash bill, among others. But fret not, your whiskey sommelier will explain these terms in detail for you.