The Experience of Whisky

Tasting Method & Log Books

A companion that is always with you.
Dive into the ultimate whisky exploration with JourneyM8.
Connect, taste, and journal.

Discover the Depths of Flavor in
Single Malt

Embark on a sensory exploration with 'The Experience of Whisky,' a unique guide that delves into the world of whisky. The books stand apart by enabling readers to connect personally with whisky flavours and aromas, using memory and emotion to deepen the tasting experience.

--British Spelling

Uncover the Nuanced Aromas in Scotch Whisky

Offering practical advice on interpreting visual clues and employing mental imagery to enhance flavor recognition. Filled with storytelling, it advocates a thoughtful approach to whiskky tasting, encouraging readers to form a deep, emotional bond with each sip.

- American Spelling

Explore the History of
Bourbon Whiskey

Offering practical advice on interpreting visual clues and employing mental imagery to enhance flavor recognition. Filled with storytelling, it advocates a thoughtful approach to whiskky tasting, encouraging readers to form a deep, emotional bond with each sip.

- American Spelling

Low Tech That Be Can High Tech

The Experience of Whisky Logbook was developed to be a stand alone journal, but it was also developed with an eye towards the future.

Once you've made your entry in the logbook, you don't also have to re-enter into the JourneyM8 App. Just scan the QR code in the front of the logbook, the app will do the rest.

It will import your markings on the spider graph and transfer your notes, provided you don't write like a chicken.

All your reviews are safely stored on the cloud and be kept with all the other information in your profile.

Compare Your Spider Graph Flavor and Aroma Scores

The logbooks contain over 100 pages for you to chart and journal your whisky adventures in. Our spider graphs and tasting note entries are waiting for you to gather your thoughts and scribble them into reality having a record to look back on to see how your skills are developing and evolving.

About every 10 pages, we've reviewed a whisky that we think is a pretty good pour, and worth adding to your collection. And when you do, you can see what we thought right along side you.

Book Synopsis

"The Experience of Whisky: Discovering the Maps to Their Stories" offers a transformative journey through the world of whisky. Unlike typical whisky literature, this book invites readers directly into being able to connect and identify the flavors and aromas in the glass through their own experience, delving deep into memory, emotion, and sensory perception.

What distinguishes this book is its emphasis on forging a personal and emotional bond with whisky. Readers are inspired to associate their own memories and feelings, presenting an introspective method to whisky tasting that heightens the overall experience.

Practical tasting advice graces the pages, on understanding the nuanced visual clues the glass offers up before it is even smelled or tasted, then how to use rich tapestries of mental imagery, called up from one’s own experiences to better recall and identify flavors and aromas present in the glass. Such insights educate and beckon readers to interact with whisky at a more mindful and personal level.

The book is infused with storytelling, advocating the belief that every whisky tells a tale. It encourages a leisurely, contemplative approach to tasting, echoing the nature of whisky itself.

Enhancing the book's utility, the integrated journaling sections are a treasure for every whisky enthusiast. These structured pages provide a clear framework for recording individual tasting experiences. Spider graphs help visually capture flavor intensity, while dedicated spaces allow for personal aroma and flavor reflections. Valuable facts regarding oak influence, flavor origins, and a glossary further enrich this section, guiding and involving the reader in their unique whisky journey.

"The Experience of Whisky" is an essential read for both novices and seasoned whisky lovers. It promises not just knowledge, but a place to record one’s own tasting journey, providing a renewed, deeper connection with the cherished spirit, a ‘Journey Mate’.

Reviews From a Few of Our Friends

We asked several of our friends what they thought about "The Experience of Whisky"
- and here's what they had to say.

While I have only known Ott for about a year, it feels like our friendship goes back decades. Our whiskey explorations have been filled with exciting discoveries and the joy of shared experiences. Whenever we get together, we dive deep into bourbon, transforming simple tastings into conversations about life, lessons on appreciation, and the beauty of the journey.

Ott has a unique way of explaining bourbon's complexities, teaching me to explore beyond traditional tastes. His innovative take on the flavor wheel has opened up a new spectrum for me, allowing me to experience a wide range from low-proof blends to cask-strength ryes. With Ott’s influence, each sip now has me looking for a memory and not just a flavor note, trying to match my palate with an experience that I've had (or would like to have).

When Ott shared his dream of spreading his whiskey wisdom, I was thrilled. There’s no one better to lead others through the world of bourbon, scotch, and whiskey. Seeing this book come to life, chapter by chapter, has been incredible. It's deepened our friendship and my love for bourbon.

"The Experience of Whiskey" is more than just words on a page; it's his way of sharing his passion with the bourbon community. Being part of this journey, watching his dream become a reality, has been an amazing experience. Ott's work isn’t just a book; it’s a legacy that lights the way for personal discovery in the world of whiskey.

Dalton H

Bourbon Enthusiast / Dallas, Texas

Looking at The Journey M8 log book you can see an inviting light blue cover with a soft texture which is warm to the touch and to the eye. The letters on the pages are housed on quality thick paper with watermarks to add a touch of class. A lot of detail and thought went into the appearance, from the graphics to the gold lettering on the jacket.

The book is more than a log book. It is a book on philosophy, human nature and reality folded into an instructional manual full of insights. You find yourself riding through the pages instead of reading them.  It is written with a spiritual tone so free floating it is to be envied  by anyone that has ever given a sermon.

The insights into the human senses as they relate to the whiskey experience are fascinating.  The art of tasting and the overall approach to learning gives the reader a foundation to build on. Thank you and Joey for taking the time and effort to write this book and for sharing it.

Phil G

Whisky Enthusiast / Scotland

As a fairly newcomer to the world of whisky, 'The Experience of Whisky' has been nothing short of transformative for me. The book's approach to connecting tasting notes with personal memories has opened up a whole new dimension of enjoyment.

Its practical advice is delivered in a way that's both accessible and deeply engaging, making the complex world of whisky much more approachable for someone like me.

The journaling sections are incredibly useful, allowing me to track my discoveries and see my own growth as a whisky enthusiast.

For anyone young or new to whisky looking to deepen their appreciation, this book is the perfect guide and companion on a journey of flavor and self-discovery.

Anna R

Consultant / Oklahoma City, OK

Having read many guides on whisky over the years, 'The Experience of Whisky' stands out with its profound approach to tasting and understanding whisky. It's more than just another guide—it's a personal tutor that teaches you to see, smell, and taste whisky through the lens of your own experiences.

The sections on visual clues and aroma identification are particularly enlightening, enhancing my ability to appreciate whisky's complexity. The book's narrative weaves together practical advice with philosophical insights, making each page both informative and inspirational.

It's clear that a lot of passion and knowledge has been poured into this book, making it an essential companion for both novices and connoisseurs alike.

James F

Bourbon Enthusiast / Dallas, TX