Talks / Ideas / Philosophy

Whisky 101 - From Novice to Know-It-All

Various venues across London

Tue 27 Oct · 19:00 · £20.25

90m · Talk

About this event

"Whisky 101 - From Novice to Know-It-All" with Georgie Bell Summary: Whisky can be an intimidating category. From regional styles and production terminology to cask types, age statements, flavour descriptions, and the seemingly endless debate around how it should be served, there is a lot to navigate before you have even taken your first sip. Not to mention outdated stereotypes. This Pints of Knowledge talk will provide an accessible introduction to the world of whisky, giving attendees the knowledge and confidence to better understand, explore, order, and enjoy it. We'll break down whisky production fundamentals, explain key label terminology, debunk myths, and explore what creates the category's wide range of flavours. We’ll begin with the basics: what whisky is, how it is made, and the role played by grain, water, yeast, fermentation, distillation, maturation, and blending. We’ll look at the differences between malt, grain, rye, wheat, and corn whiskies, and explain terms such as single malt, blended malt, single grain, bourbon, rye, and single pot still whiskey. From Scotland and Ireland to the United States, Japan, England, Australia, and beyond, we’ll explore the major whisky-producing regions and the broad characteristics commonly associated with them. Rather than relying on rigid rules or outdated stereotypes, we'll look at how geography and production decisions together create distinct styles and distillery characters. Attendees will also learn how maturation works, including the difference between first-fill and refill casks, the influence of bourbon, sherry, wine, and other spirit casks, and why older does not necessarily mean better. We’ll examine common terminology such as cask strength, non-chill filtered, natural colour, single cask, small batch, and age statement, helping attendees understand what's useful (and what to ignore) when ordering a dram. Along the way, we’ll tackle some of the category’s most persistent myths. Does whisky have to be drunk neat? What does the colour say about whisky? Is single malt automatically better than a blend? Do you spell it with or without an e? Does an age statement guarantee quality? Is it just a man's drink? And is it ever acceptable to mix an expensive whisky? Bio: Georgie Bell is one of the co-founders of The Heart Cut, an award-winning Independent Bottler that collaborates with distilleries across the world to release one-off single cask and small batch bottlings. Georgie has spent the last 15 years working in the whisky industry, where she’s gained recognition as one of the preeminent figureheads of the new generation of whisky. As well as holding a second degree in distillation, she is a Keeper of the Quaich, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distiller, holds her WSET Level 3 Spirits Qualification and is on the Board of Trustees for the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Georgie started her career in the drinks industry working in bars in Edinburgh during her time at university, which is where her love and passion for whisky was born. Throughout her career, Georgie has worked as a Global Brand Ambassador for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Diageo and Bacardi. Whilst at Bacardi, Georgie went on to become Global Head of Advocacy for Bacardi’s craft brands, developing brand and marketing strategies to help build awareness, recognition and brand love on a global scale. The Heart Cut collaborates with whisky distilleries across the world to release one-off single-cask and small batch bottlings. Delivering a fresh take on the independent bottling scene, the brand works with a variety of partners, from small innovative distilleries in unexpected locations to internationally renowned brands. Released periodically throughout the year, each carefully selected cask has been chosen in collaboration with the partner distillery, telling their personal tale of people, provenance and the pursuit of crafting distinctive flavours through the art of production. Since launching in September 2023, The Heart Cut has gone on to be awarded ‘Independent Bottler of the Year’ in the 2024 and 2025 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, and is The Whisky Exchange’s ‘Producer of the Year’ for 2026. Venue: Never Forever 79 Highgate Rd, London NW5 1TL Event Running Time: (We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only) Doors from 7pm Introduction: 7:25pm Lecture: 7:30pm Q&A: 8:10pm Finish: 8:30pm FAQs: What is Pints of Knowledge? Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond. What happens at Pints of Knowledge? At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting. What if I don't drink alcohol ? No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Can I attend without a ticket? Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this. Is there food available? Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food. Can I get my ticket refunded? We issue full ticket refunds up to 24 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser. Can I get my ticket exchanged? We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser . Is the event pet/baby friendly? Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive. Is the venue accessible? All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.