Are you trying to give a memorable present to a wine enthusiast or to a loved one who knows their uisce beatha? Yes, a bottle of their favourite beverage will be very well received, but if you really want your gift to stand out, treating them to an experience that helps them enhance their knowledge, encourages them to discover new sides of their favourite drinks or simply offers them fun and enjoyment will be a creative and thoughtful way to show appreciation.
Below a list of unique experiences you can give the oenophile or drink aficionado in your life (and as I always say, it is OK if that special person is yourself!).
Give the wine lover in your life a present that will help them enjoy their glass even more. Courses by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) adjust to all levels of knowledge, from total rookie to committed connoisseur.
As the organisation is the largest global provider of qualifications in the field of wines and spirits, providing education in over 60 countries, not only the expertise they’ll gain will provide personal growth and enjoyment, but it will be a valuable and recognise certification.
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Exclusive Offer: WSET Course Level 2 for €299 at Dublin Bar Academy
Irish whiskey keeps getting better and better and the timing is ideal to learn more about and appreciate this new golden age. What better way to do so than by visiting a distillery? Visiting two! The DoDublin Whiskey Trail is a unique experience for Irish whiskey enthusiasts that takes them from Dublin Castle to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, located in the heart of the Liberties and the first to open in the city after 125 years; and then to the recently revamped Jameson Distillery Bow St., for a visit which combines great storytelling with hands-on participation, exciting visual effects and a comparative tasting.
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Hop at the Chance to Experience this Exclusive DoDublin Whiskey Trail only €50
There’s no doubt about it, gin is in. Such a fashionable tipple can be enjoyed at its best at an equally chic destination and Galway’s modern 4-star The House Hotel is just ideal. This elegant boutique hotel in the heart of the City of Tribes is hosting a delightful Pink Gin Afternoon Tea which you can combine with an overnight stay. A lovely present for a couple (in which you could be one of the halves!) or the perfect setting for the ultimate mini-holiday with for BFFs. Gin-iuous!
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If whiskey is the tipple they fancy, Ireland is filled with wonders. How about a road trip to the beautiful Marble City for a luxurious uisce beatha experience? The Hibernian Bar at award winning 4-star Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel is home to a collection of over 60 Irish whiskeys and their tasting experience with overnight stay and breakfast is both educational and indulgent.
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Sake is becoming increasingly popular and there’s a growing number of places in Dublin that are embracing Japan’s national drink. Say kanpai at Dylan McGrath’s newest hotspot and have a taste of their extensive sake collection. Besides different styles of sake, you’ll be able to enjoy sake-based cocktails and Japanese-inspired bar bites to accompany your sips. For someone who enjoys discovering new flavours, this is an experience they’ll really appreciate.
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Just as wine and spirits, coffee is one of those beverages with a complexity and history capable of inspiring great passion. One of the key differences, besides being an alcohol free drink, is that an excellent coffee and an awful one cost practically the same, so learn to prepare it properly and you’ll give yourself so much more enjoyment without breaking the bank.
These classes are a mixture of theory and practice delivered by our very own coffee masters James, Olivia and Marina. They keep the classes to a limited number to ensure optimum learning standards and you get the most attention when you are perfecting your skills on our coffee machines.
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Exclusive to TheTaste – 3 Hour Barista Skills & Brew Class for €50 – Normally €75
Gabriela’s passion for writing is only matched by her love for food and wine. Journalist, confectioner and sommelier, she fell in love with Ireland years ago and moved from Venezuela to Dublin in 2014.
Since then, she has written about and worked in the local food scene, and she’s determined to discover and share the different traditions, flavours and places that have led Irish food and drink to fascinate her.
Gabriela Guédez Gabriela Guédez