Flaviar is a club for premium spirits lovers and enthusiasts who are looking to discover new drinks. When you get a subscription (£ 25 a month), you will receive a tasting pack each month, containing five samples (5 cl) and a leaflet with specific information about each drink. The website includes an online community which allows you to discuss drinks, upload photos and organise your collection of drinks (taking part will get you free shipping).
Whisky is a big part of Flaviar: over the last 12 months, about half of the tasting packs feature Scotch single malts or American whiskey. On the other hand it covers rum, gin, cognac, Schnapps, grappa… as well. Their latest pack features tequila.
My first tasting pack was nicknamed Peat it, Peat it! so you can guess the contents. I would have liked some mention or explanation of the fact that most of them are non-Islay (therefore atypical as a peated selection), but that wasn’t the case.
BenRiach Cusiositas 10 Year Old- Big Peat
- Compass Box Peat Monster
- Connemara Peated Cask Strength
- Millstone Peated
The value of these five 70cl bottles is around £ 200 so you’re paying £ 25 for around £ 15 worth of liquid. Seems rather fair considering the overall presentation. They’re not aiming for geeks so don’t expect exclusive single cask releases or anything – this also means you’ll probably be able to find the bottles in a local store. Flaviar is a nice way for enthusiasts to try different standard expressions and look beyond the world of whisky.
If you’re not inclined to get a monthly subscription right away, there’s a two month test flight or the option to buy one specific pack. Besides the tasting packs, they also offer bottle deals on drinks that were introduced in one of the packs. Signing up is free of charge, so feel free to look around.