A little bit about us

The Tasting Society was established in 2011 in the tropics of Kampala, Uganda, which Sir Winston Churchill described as the Pearl of Africa. Some might remember Winston for helping save many in perilous times but also as a terrific painter and his oratory skills. What we most remember of him, wherever he went, his cigars and whisky were never far away.

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It all started when a few good friends decided to get together, united by their passion for good whisky. After the first dram or three, they realised they were on to something. 

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Serious drum beating and many environmentally-friendly smoke signals across the African plains ensued, and lo and behold, the call was answered. Before long, a multitude of amateurs and otherwise indisposed idlers were introduced to this version of Bon Vivant-ness. They tasted some exquisite whiskies, broke bread, and made the long-lost friends they never knew they had.

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120 Tastings over ten delightfully liquid years later, the Kampala Tasting Society managed to sip its way through over 500 bottles of some of the finest (and perhaps a few questionable) whiskies they could lay their hands on. We have tasted whiskies distilled in just about every known country. 

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The friends soon realised they needed to familiarise themselves with the idea of getting organised. A committee of volunteers was formed, each more than willing to serve to better the cause of the Tasting Society. These brave women and men put their spare time on the line and grew the Tasting Society. Its wings spread further and further afield. New Chapters were born worldwide, and new members willingly signed their palates away in Cairo, Breda, Port Moresby, and even developing cities such as Washington, DC.

Sadly, in 2022 Covid showed up, and this changed everything for everyone. The chapters did not survive and had closed down due to gathering restrictions, people moving away, and new norms in place. 
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Today, the Tasting Society has returned and is opening its first Post pandemic chapter in Nairobi, Kenya. It will again introduce its members to various carefully selected spirits ranging from mainstream hidden gems to the hard-to-find lost Distilleries. The chapter strives to be gender-neutral and open-minded and share the joys of well-crafted spirits with everyone.

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As with so many of the Pre covid chapters, a few original members from the Tasting Society in Kampala came together and founded this Nairobi Chapter. We take great pride in this movement and look forward to sharing our passion with you.