Looking to host a memorable whiskey tasting party? Whether you're a seasoned whiskey lover or just starting your journey into craft spirits, a whiskey flight night is the perfect way to explore bold flavors, support local distilling, and connect with friends. With Pollinator Spirits’ award-winning lineup—crafted in New York State using locally sourced ingredients—you’ll be sipping with purpose.
Step 1: Create the Atmosphere
Set the stage with a cozy, relaxed vibe. Think warm lighting, plenty of seating, and background jazz or blues. Use tasting mats or cards to guide the flight experience, labeling each glass and leaving space for notes. Bonus: print flavor profiles or fun facts about each spirit to spark conversation.
Step 2: Explore the Spirits
All Pollinator whiskeys are made in small batches using New York State grains, mountain spring water, and real ingredients like wildflower honey and maple syrup. Here’s your tasting lineup:
Infused with raw Catskills wildflower honey, this bold rye delivers layered notes of toffee, spice, and burnt orange.
● Tasting Notes: Honey, spice, toffee, burnt orange
● Pair With: Aged cheddar, honey-glazed nuts, smoked salmon
Aged for up to six years and finished in barrels coated with local maple syrup, this bourbon balances depth and warmth.
● Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, oak, maple
● Pair With: Dark chocolate, pecan pie, maple-glazed pork belly
Pollinator Bonfire Rye Whiskey
Crafted at our Long Eddy distillery, Bonfire Rye brings bold smoke, malted barley, and a touch of sweetness.
● Tasting Notes: Smoke, spice, barley, corn
● Pair With: Grilled meats, charred vegetables, smoky gouda
Step 3: Sip Like a Pro
Pour 1 oz of each whiskey per guest.
Order: Rye → Bourbon → Bonfire Rye.
Encourage guests to:
● Look: Check color for age and barrel clues
● Swirl: Release aroma
● Smell: Short sniffs to detect notes
● Sip: Let it linger on the palate
Offer water and plain crackers to cleanse between pours.
Step 4: Elevate with Pairings
Thoughtful bites make the flavors shine. Build a board with sharp cheeses, cured meats, dried fruits, and dark chocolate. Feeling adventurous? Try bourbon-glazed ribs or rye-infused BBQ sauce.
Step 5: Add a Cocktail Station
Offer guests the option to mix things up:
● Pollinator Old Fashioned: Bourbon, bitters, sugar cube, orange peel
● Bonfire Manhattan: Bonfire Rye, sweet vermouth, bitters
● Honey Rye Smash: Rye, lemon juice, honey syrup, mint
Step 6: Share the Story
What sets Pollinator apart? Unfiltered spirits, pure Catskill spring water, local grains, and real honey or maple syrup. Let your guests in on the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
Step 7: Make It Interactive
Provide tasting cards for notes and ratings. At the end of the night, vote on a group favorite and share pairing ideas. Consider a small prize for the most creative description.
A Spirit-Filled Night, Done Right
With Pollinator Spirits, your whiskey tasting party becomes a full-sensory experience. From our maple barrel-aged bourbon to our smoky Bonfire Rye, each pour reflects a commitment to craft, community, and nature.
Ready to host? Shop the Whiskey Flight
