THE EXPERIENCE
Designed for the Curious Palate
Whether you are taking your first sip of single malt or refining an existing passion, this course transforms casual drinkers into informed enthusiasts — through touch, smell, taste, and storytelling.
The Curriculum
A Journey in Three Phases
Each phase builds upon the last — from raw ingredients to refined palate. By the final dram, you will taste whisky with entirely new eyes.
1. Foundations, Distillation & Production Regions
Begin your journey at the source. Handle raw malted barley, inhale the sweet grain aromas, and trace the path from field to copper pot still.
- Raw Ingredients: Touch and smell active malts
- Production Process: Demystify copper pot distillation
- Regional Contrast: Sample sweet Speyside against Smoky Islay
- The New-Make Trial — taste unaged clear spirit
2. Casks & The Alchemy of Wood
Discover why the cask contributes up to 70% of a whisky's final flavour. Explore the science of oak, char levels, and seasonal breathing.
- Maturation Science: Explore oak wood chemistry
- Atmospheric Interaction: Understand how seasons drive the angel's share
- Cask Comparison: Compare Sherry versus Bourbon barrel profiles
- Sensory Stave Kit — Handle actual charred barrel wood
3. Nosing, Tasting & Pairing
Put your new knowledge into practice. Master professional nosing techniques, map flavour compounds, and challenge your palate in a blind tasting.
- Nosing Techniques: Practise professional sensory analysis
- Aroma Wheels: Map specific flavour compounds
- Gourmet Flavour Match — Pair drams with chocolates
- The Blind Challenge — Test your skills
What You Receive
The Premium Package
Every seat includes a carefully assembled collection of tools, credentials, and privileges — designed to extend the experience well beyond the classroom.
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1. Six Premium Curated Drams
A hand-selected flight spanning regions, ages, and cask types
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2: Official Certificate
A personalised certificate of completion from Mizunara
FAQs
Not at all. This masterclass is designed for complete beginners and curious enthusiasts alike. Our specialists guide you from the very basics — raw ingredients and production — through to advanced tasting techniques. You will leave with a confident, informed palate regardless of your starting point.
Everything is covered: six premium curated drams, a handmade tasting glass to take home, chocolate pairings, a personalised certificate of completion from Mizunara, and VIP allocation access for future rare bottle releases. There are no hidden costs.
Contact us directly to arrange a private reservation for your group. We require at least two weeks' advance notice to secure your preferred date and time slot.
All bookings are final and non-refundable — no cancellations once confirmed.
You may book for any group size from 6 to 15 guests. If you are an individual or a pair, we can occasionally place you with another small group — please enquire and we will do our best to accommodate.
We recommend arriving having eaten a light meal. The course includes snack, chocolate pairings during the tasting phase, but it is not a full dining experience. Water and palate cleansers are provided throughout the session to keep your senses sharp between drams.
Mizunara: The Shop is located on the 17/F of Sun Hing Industrial Building in Wong Chuk Hang. The building is a short walk from Wong Chuk Hang MTR station (South Island Line, Exit A). Nearby car parks are available at Southside Shopping Centre or One Island South for those driving.
How to Reserve
Classes are available by private reservation for groups of six. Book at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time slot.
Mizunara: The Academy
Mizunara: The Academy delivers expert-led educational and training sessions on spirits, cocktails, and hospitality, including masterclasses for enthusiasts and professionals.
The Academy also provides targeted consulting for Food & Beverage businesses, optimizing bar operations, crafting bespoke beverage menus, and enhancing overall outlet performance.
Nestled in the creative hub of Wong Chuk Hang, Mizunara: The Academy is Hong Kong's destination for rare and independent whisky. The intimate tasting room provides the perfect setting for focused learning — away from the noise of the city.
