Spicy & Smokey — A Secret Christmas Whisky & Rum Tasting

A blind whisky and rum tasting held at MAP Maison in London, built around a Christmas theme and led by Paul Flatts. Guests taste six spirits without knowing their names until the reveal.

Each glass is poured without its label being shown, and the spirits are identified only after the tasting. Before every reveal, a clue is given about the spice, the smoke or the place a bottle comes from, so that the group works through the six pours as a puzzle rather than a conventional flight.

The selection runs from a peat-heavy whisky to rums spiced for the festive season. Festive bites are served alongside the pours to bring out the warmth of the spirits, and the reveal includes bottle origins that many tasters would not expect, as well as the tropical and botanical notes the guide points to.

Paul Flatts leads the session, which suits adults who enjoy spirits and a guessing game, whether they are friends out together or colleagues marking the season. Entry is limited to guests aged 18 and over, with valid photo ID required. The tasting takes place at MAP Maison on Kingsland Road.