The Casual Dram:17 - Sunday 1 June, 2.30pm, Mean Doses Taproom

Level 1, 66 Tory St (above Apache), Te Aro, Wellington | $55

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It’s time for another casual dram and this time we’ll be pitting dark against light as first-fill bourbon goes head to head with first-fill sherry cask-matured whisky, in an epic battle of good against evil (I'll let you pick which your side on).

Let’s be honest, we’d probably expect the sherry casks to win this contest… but is it just possible that the fruited charm and malt-forward magic of a decent bourbon cask can win us over on the day?

There's whisky from Scotland's micro farm distillery Daftmill, a dark and devious looking Inchfad (Loch Lomond), the promise of complexing sulphur from Craigellachie - and an exotic offering from the SMWS (another Loch Lomond). Of course, don’t forget the mystery… is that a first fill too, or is there something different going on there??

There’s only one way to find out. Here’s the lineup…

• Daftmill 'New Zealand Exclusive' Cask 055/2011 60.2% (first fill bourbon)

• SMWS Loch Lomond 112.107 'Exotic probiotic!' 10 years 60.9% (first fill bourbon)

• Craigellachie Signatory Vintage 11 Year Old 2012-2023 68.2% (first fill sherry)

• Inchfad (Loch Lomond) 'Adelphi' 2016 / 8 years old 57% (first fill PX sherry)

• Mystery whisky

Join John Shearlock from Regional Wines and Drinks Creative for some single malt magic and a decent dose of whisky banter at the Mean Doses bar.