Beer, Whisky and Gin Tasting Stag Do

Drinking is going to happen on the stag do whatever you book. A beer tasting stag do just gives it a structure, an expert and the faint air of being educational. You’ll learn something, you’ll try things you’d never order at the bar, and the stag gets to call it a cultural experience when the bride asks what you got up to.

It goes well beyond beer, too. You can book a craft beer tasting with someone talking you through each pour, a brewery tour where you see how it’s made and then sample the results, a whisky tasting, or a gin tasting at a distillery. Most sessions involve a host, a line-up of drinks and plenty of chances to describe something as “hoppy” without really knowing what that means.

Beer and brewery tours. The safe bet. Most UK cities have craft breweries and taprooms these days, and a tour with a tasting is a solid couple of hours. Abroad, Prague and Munich are famous for their beer, so a tasting there is practically compulsory.

Whisky. If the stag is a whisky man, take him to Edinburgh. A whisky tasting there just feels right, and you’ll come away knowing your Speyside from your Islay (or at least able to fake it).

Gin. Gin tastings and distillery tours tend to be a bit more relaxed and sociable. A good one for a group that includes the dads and the father-in-law.

The Guinness Storehouse. On a Dublin stag do I’d make this a fixture. It’s the home of Guinness, you learn how it’s made and poured, and it finishes with a pint. Book ahead, it’s no secret.

It’s sociable. You’re sat round a table chatting, comparing notes and arguing over which one was best, which is ideal for a group where not everyone knows each other. It suits the lads who have no interest in running about in mud, and it’s a strong pick for a more grown-up stag where the guest list runs from 25 to 65.

It also makes a great afternoon session before dinner, or a slower start on day two when everyone needs a gentler pace. A tasting is a civilised way of getting back on the horse without anyone needing a lie-down.

• Eat first. A tasting is a lot of small drinks, and small drinks add up quickly. Line your stomach with a proper lunch beforehand.
• Use the spittoon if there is one. Nobody will judge you. All right, the lads will, but on a whisky tasting it’s the smart move.
• Drink water. Between every sample. Your Sunday self will thank you.
• Do the active stuff first. A brewery tour followed by go karting is a terrible plan, and most activity providers won’t let you on anyway. Karts in the morning, beer in the afternoon.
• Check what’s included. Some packages are just the tasting, some add a tour or food. The details are in the packages below.