Welcome to our Muse of the Month series! This series is celebrating women in the industry who are changing the conversation around whisk(e)y. From Master Distillers to Podcasters to Brand Ambassadors stay tuned as we feature the best and brightest females.
For the month of March/April, I am featuring Melissa McKinney, Owner of Victoria Whisky Tastings.
Harkening from a wine & events background, Melissa found her true love in the form of whisky. Whether tasting new drams, chatting with distillers, judging for the Canadian Whisky Awards or teaching tasting classes, you’ll find this quirky lady doing something whisky related. She is her happiest when speaking to a crowd and sharing her passion & knowledge on the topic. A researcher at heart, she thoroughly enjoys looking into the historical side of whisky, distillery stories, and current & upcoming trends in whisky
Check out the interview with Melissa below as she talks about life as an entrepreneur, tips on how to become a better taster, and her favourite trends in the industry.
Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl: Nightest of the Night Owls
Pro-Peat or Anti-Peat: MORE PEAT!
The Best Whisk(e)y + Snack Combination/Pairing: Meat & cheese + whisky is my happy place.
Favourite Cocktail: Whisky sour! FOAM OR BUST! I actually order a whisky sour everywhere when I travel so I can see them made every different way. I live a risky life!
Favourite Hobby Outside of Whisk(e)y: I guess drinking whisky doesn’t count here… I’ve read tarot for about 15 years and I’m into all sorts of other witchy stuff.
Secret Talent: I sing opera when I’m driving alone and no one has ever complained!
Never Have I Ever: Played this game. Am I supposed to say something that I’ve done? Or not done? I’ve pretty much done it all though.
Drinking Song of Choice:Danke Schoen – Wayne Newton
What mantra do you live by/drink by: Life is long and very strange, so drink whisky!
1) Describe yourself in the form of a haiku.
2) Tell us about your first (memorable) experience with whisk(e)y?
I have memories of my Grandfather teaching me about whisky when I was quite young, but the biggest memorable experience occurred at a Dalmore tasting led by Richard Paterson. Getting to experience this is quite the event and I was blown away by his exuberance and passion. Before that class I had been trying to figure out how to enter the whisky industry, but by the end of that class I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to do.
3) How did you start running Whisky Tastings and teaching about whisk(e)y in Victoria?
Once I knew I wanted to lead tastings I went to work learning anything I could about whisky, I became a “Whisky Ambassador” & took part in every whisky tasting and education session that I could. Before I even had the chance to create my business people started asking me to do private events. I started Victoria Whisky Tastings & Experiences in January 2018, exactly 3 years after attending Richard Paterson’s masterclass.
Since then I have enjoyed doing private tastings, restaurant whisky dinners, working with private chefs to create pairings, when Covid hit I was doing public classes and running a whisky school program at a local liquor store. Since then, I’ve created a private whisky club (currently at 200 members) and have been offering regular Zoom classes for a full year now.
4) In your opinion, what makes the perfect whisk(e)y?
Passion from the distiller. If the distiller doesn’t have their heart in it, it won’t taste as good. Ken Winchester is a great example of this. His passion and knowledge for whisky, spirits, and the craft industry have propelled him to create award winning whiskies & spirits, like Glen Saanich & Ancient Grains from deVine Distillery.It’s that connection that comes through.
5) What’s the latest trend you’re excited about the industry at the moment?
I’m really pleased with the Irish whiskey industry right now! They are growing so fast and for the first time, in a very long time and maybe ever, Irish whiskey has a greater range of variety and is becoming much more exciting and accessible. For example look at Hinch Distillery, they just laid down 11 different casks and intend on fully maturing the whisky in them instead of just a finish. This is a longer term trend, but I am so here for it.
6) What is your advice for someone who is just starting to get into drinking whisk(e)y?
Don’t feel intimidated!! Have fun! And don’t ever let anyone tell you that what you’re tasting or nosing is wrong, because you’re basically smelling memories and everyone will always have notes just for them.
7) What are you doing to ensure you’re continuing to grow and develop your palate?
I am an avid researcher and love learning so I’m often taking online spirits classes or have plans for an in-person training. I love getting to learn things through the lens of a teacher and bringing it back to my clients. I’m constantly looking for new and interesting whisky expressions that challenge my palate and put me outside my comfort zone. Currently I’m practicing writing reviews on whiskies, which is not something I’m naturally inclined towards but is an important way to connect with people.
8) What are 3 whiskies (choose any category) under $60 that you would recommend?
Lot 40 Dark Oak ($60) 750 ml – Boom onto the scene this one came!! What a beaut, the rye gets the royal treatment here and calms down to an interesting place for such a spicy grain. My current fave for a Manhattan too!
Odd Society Spirits Blenders Release – ($40) 375 ml – I’ll say Blenders Release but I really mean ANY of their whisky releases! Commodore is their OG single malt. Maple (seasonal release) is sweetened not only by the maple syrup cask finish, but the grains are smoked with maple wood giving it this perfect blend of sweet/smoky. Blenders Release was their first go blending barrels are they nailed it. They also did a few releases with local brewers seasoning the barrels. If you haven’t tried their whiskies, make it a priority.
Shelter Point Smoke Point ($50) 375 ml – Ok this is kinda cheating because most of Shelter Point’s whiskies are in only full size bottles, BUT wow are they worth it! They created this Smoke Point whisky by finishing their unpeated whisky in ex-Laphroaig casks! The result is a completely different kind of peat experience. You’ve gotta try it to get it. They won an award at the Canadian Whisky Awards for innovation from this process.
9) What are you looking forward to in 2021?
Eventually having IN PERSON CLASSES hopefully!! I’m looking forward to the current hope of being able to spend time with our loved ones in person. I’m so grateful for the technology we have that has helped sustain us all year, but I can’t wait to be able to see people without a screen!
