New Orleans Tasting

Join us for a fun tasting event inspired by the unique city of New Orleans with Speciality Brands' Head of Education, Nathan Shearer. Nathan will guide you through a one-of-a-kind cognac and rye whisky masterclass, accompanied by a fascinating insight into the history of New Orleans cocktails.

Please note that we require a minimum number of 10 people booked for this event to go ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket includes a nice, comfy seat in our Salon plus:

• Cocktail on Arrival
• Guided tasting of cognac and rye whisky
• Nibbles
• A New Orleans inspired treat!

About Nathan

Nathan has worked in the food and beverage industry since he was fourteen years old and has never even considered a career in any other sector. Starting in restaurant kitchens in his hometown of Porthcawl, South Wales, Nathan swapped the chef whites for bar aprons when he was eighteen and has since worked at some of the world’s finest drinking establishments. During stints at cocktail bars Callooh Callay in Shoreditch and Swift in Soho, Nathan was part of the team that won Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans.

After falling in love with the Speciality Brands portfolio whilst working behind the bar, Nathan joined the company in 2018 and spent the next few years talking all things whisky before taking on the role of Head of Education in September 2022.

What food is provided?

We'll be providing you with a few snacks (such as breadsticks and water biscuits) to stop you feeling wobbly while you're tasting neat spirits. If you'd like something more substantial we recommend arriving earlier (from 5pm) for a cheese board, hummus plate or charcuterie. Unfortunately, we won't be able to serve food to your table during the event itself.

For this event we'll also be offering you our chef's choice of an treat during the event.

What time does the event start?

The event starts promptly at 7pm so please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand so we can get you settled in for the evening.

What if I can't make it?

Unfortunately, because we have limited seats available, we are unable to offer refunds however you are welcome to pass your tickets on to someone else if you can't make it.

Can I stay on for a drink after the event?

We close at 10pm on Thursdays so you're more than welcome to stay on and enjoy another drink if there is time after the event.

What happens if there aren't 10 people booked?

Unfortunately, we won't be able to go ahead with the event if we have fewer than 10 people booked. If that's the case, we'll give you at least 48 hours notice.