I attended a "Whisk(e)ys of the World" tasting a few weeks ago, and as a result have added to the collection... Picked up some Bushmill's Black Bush and a bottle of Bulleit Rye...
The tasting included Chivas Regal Reserve, Bulleit Rye, Dickel Bourbon, Johnny Walker Platinum, Oban 14, Black Bush, and Lagavulin. It was quite the evening - the JW Platinum was evidently from the first batch shipped to the U.S., and had been express shipped from New York just in time for the event. The MC (or "Whiskey Ambassador") went through the various types of grains used in specific brands (barley, rye, corn, wheat) and had everyone try a sip neat first, then add a few drops of water - which he referred to as "awakening the dragon", based both on the appearance of the glass as the water mixes with the spirit, and to the opening of the nose that results. All in all, a very educational evening. I was astounded by the number of folks, however, who left partially full glasses on the table when they left - on the other hand, we'd already arranged with our friends to walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner afterwards, so we had no compunctions about finishing our own, and then 'helping' a gentleman behind us finish off a place setting that had been unoccupied... 8O :D