What Is a Horizontal Whisky Tasting?
Aug 12, 2026
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore whisky is to put different whiskies side by side and compare them. That’s the basic idea behind a horizontal tasting.
Unlike a vertical tasting, which explores different expressions from the same distillery, a horizontal tasting looks at whiskies from different distilleries or producers at a similar stage of development.
The result? A chance to discover what makes each whisky unique.
We asked some of our teachers and contributing experts how to get the most out of a horizontal tasting.
Discover What Makes Each Whisky Different
For EWA Approved Course Provider, Joe Cabassa, the value of a horizontal tasting comes from comparison.
“The horizontal tasting gives you the opportunity to see different styles of whiskies at the same level.”
When whiskies are tasted side by side at a similar age, it becomes easier to notice the differences between them.
Why does one feel lighter? Why does another have more spice, sweetness or smoke? What characteristics make one distillery stand out from another?
A horizontal tasting helps answer those questions.
Explore Whisky Beyond Age Statements
Age is often one of the first things people look at when choosing a whisky. But a horizontal tasting encourages you to look beyond the number on the bottle and focus on the whisky itself.
By comparing whiskies at a similar stage of maturation, you can begin to appreciate the influence of ingredients, production methods and distillery style.
It becomes less about which whisky is "better" and more about understanding what makes each one different.
Think About the Order of Your Tasting
A good tasting isn't just about which whiskies you choose, it's also about how you experience them.
EWA Teacher Vic Cameron shares his approach to presenting a horizontal tasting:
“Don't start with the strongest. Don't end with the peat, quite often people do that. Put the smoky one in the middle just in case people don't like it. And try and end with something that everybody's going to enjoy.”
The order matters because stronger flavours can influence what comes afterwards.
A carefully planned tasting allows each whisky to have its moment and helps everyone enjoy the journey.
Why Try a Horizontal Tasting?
A horizontal tasting is a great reminder that there is no single "whisky flavour". Every distillery has its own approach, traditions and character and comparing whiskies side by side helps those differences come to life.
And remember, you don't need to be an expert to enjoy a whisky tasting. All you need is curiosity and an open mind. Pour a few different whiskies, compare what you notice and enjoy discovering what makes each one unique.
