Climate and its affects on maturation (Whisky Tasting) - 19 Feb 2026

Climate & Its Effects on Maturation — Guided Whisky Tasting at Solera

At Solera by Mothercity Liquor, we often talk about age statements.
But the truth every serious whisky drinker eventually learns is this:

Years don’t mature whisky — climate does.

Join us for an immersive, educational, and highly drinkable evening exploring how temperature, humidity, and geography shape flavour inside the cask. In this guided tasting, we’ll travel across continents and climates, tasting five distinctive whiskies from dramatically different maturation environments — from cool coastal Scotland to the intense heat of Taiwan and the Middle East.

What we’ll explore

You won’t just be tasting whisky — you’ll be understanding why they taste the way they do.

During the evening we’ll cover:

• How hot climates accelerate maturation

• The role of humidity in alcohol vs water evaporation (the Angel’s Share)

• Why coastal warehouses taste different to inland warehouses

• Why some 4-year-old whiskies can drink like 12-year-olds

• How cask activity changes across regions

The Line-Up

A carefully curated selection chosen specifically to demonstrate climate impact:

• Speyburn 10 Year Old – Classic cool-climate Speyside maturation

• Old Pulteney 12 Year Old – Maritime coastal ageing influence

• M&H Elements (Israel) – Hot, dry Middle Eastern maturation

• Penderyn (Wales) – Temperate warehouse conditions

• Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask (Taiwan) – Tropical accelerated ageing

You’ll taste them side-by-side while we break down what your palate is actually detecting — and once you learn this, you’ll never read a label the same way again.

What to expect

This is not a formal lecture.
It’s an intimate, conversational tasting designed for both collectors and curious drinkers.

Expect:

• A guided presentation by whisky specialist Matthew Cox

• Detailed tasting discussion and palate training

• Insights into buying, collecting, and understanding maturation

• Light snacks and water provided

• Plenty of opportunity for questions and whisky conversation

Whether you’re new to whisky or already deep into the hobby, this tasting will permanently change how you evaluate age statements, value, and flavour.

📅 Date: Thursday 19 February
🕒 Time: 6:30pm for 7:00pm
🎟️ Tickets: R295 per person
👥 Capacity: Limited to 20 seats
📍 Venue: Solera – Mothercity Liquor’s tasting room (Unit AG08 -The Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock)