the case of the missing malt – printable whisky mystery tasting game

a cosy, story-driven whisky tasting where a legendary bottle does not quite taste like it should – and your guests have to figure out why. there is no murder, no heavy roleplay, just clues, drams and a slow-burn mystery at the distillery.

4–8 players · about 90 minutes · printable pdf · instant download · host plays along as a full character
the case of the missing malt a whisky tasting mystery game

what is “the case of the missing malt”?

glenloch distillery is finally ready to unveil its pride: a legendary single malt known as the spirit of the highlands. a hand-selected whisky, presented at an exclusive tasting for insiders, investors and old friends of the house.

but when the first dram is poured, something feels off. the colour is not quite right, the nose seems muted and the flavour does not live up to the name on the label. has the bottle been mishandled? is it the wrong batch? or has someone quietly interfered with the launch?

during this printable whisky mystery game, your guests step into that very evening at the distillery. they play characters with secrets, follow prompts, examine evidence and use their tasting notes to uncover what really happened to the bottle – and why it matters so much.

what you get and how it works

this is a complete “print and play” mystery built around a real whisky tasting.

  • host guide with a clear, step-by-step flow for the whole evening
  • 4 main character files that always play: sir angus, fiona, declan and nia
  • 4 optional guest roles so you can play with up to 8 people
  • printable tasting sheets that fit the story and drams
  • 12 themed evidence files that reveal what happened behind the scenes
  • printable covers for character envelopes
  • instructions for entering a secret code on a reveal page at the end

1 · download
after purchase you receive an instant download with all game files in pdf format.

2 · print and prepare
print the character cards, evidence and tasting sheets. place each main role in an envelope and set the table with three whiskies ready: a peaty dram, a classic highland and a honey-finished whisky.

3 · play, taste and connect the clues
the host follows the simple flow in the guide while playing along as a character. players share information, read their private notes, study evidence and use the tasting sheets to compare drams.

4 · guess and reveal
once everyone has a theory, you enter a secret code on a dedicated web page to reveal what really happened to the spirit of the highlands.

who you will meet at glenloch distillery

each player takes on a role for the evening – no acting skills needed, just a name, a goal and a few secrets.

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sir angus macduff

the proprietor

the face of glenloch and guardian of its legacy. proud, traditional and under pressure to impress investors one last time.

Fiona Campbell character card, ambitious guest hiding secrets in The Case of the Missing Malt game

fiona campbell

head of pr and events

the architect of the launch night. if anything feels off, it reflects on her and she knows exactly how much is at stake.

Declan Ross character from The Case of the Missing Malt, loyal friend with private knowledge

declan ross

quality control manager

the man who knows every barrel, batch and sample that ever passed through the distillery. if the whisky is wrong, he will be the first to feel it.

Nia character card, curious and sharp observer in The Case of the Missing Malt whiskey mystery

nia lennox

junior brand assistant

new to the team, eager to prove herself and closer to the everyday chaos of the launch than anyone realises.

the game also includes four optional guest roles, so you can expand the group to eight players without changing the core mystery

who this game is for

looking for something more immersive than a quiz, but gentler than a murder mystery dinner? this game is made for whisky lovers who want a story wrapped around their drams.

  • small groups of friends or colleagues who enjoy whisky
  • hosts who want a tasting night that feels like an experience
  • players who love story, secrets and a good reveal
  • people who prefer mystery without violence or gore
  • cosy evenings, cabin weekends or slow autumn nights in

The Complete Guide to Whiskey Tasting Sheets (How to Host a Structured Tasting at Home)

Learn how whiskey tasting sheets transform casual sipping into structured comparison. This guide explains aroma, palate, finish and how to host an intentional whiskey tasting at home.

why your guests will love this mystery tasting

  • everyone is involved from start to finish – there is always a clue to share or a detail to notice.
  • the whisky tasting and the mystery are woven together, so every dram matters to the story.
  • characters are easy to slip into, even for shy players.
  • the tone stays cosy, clever and atmospheric instead of dark or gruesome.
  • the reveal moment feels earned and satisfying, especially for the players who paid attention.
how to make wine night feel like an experience

game overview

  • players: 4 main roles, plus 4 optional guests (up to 8 players total)
  • duration: about 90 minutes, depending on group size and tasting pace
  • host: required and plays along as a full character
  • setting: launch evening at glenloch distillery
  • drinks: three whiskies (peaty, classic highland and honey-finished)
  • format: instant digital download (pdf)
  • reveal: via secret code on a dedicated web page

The Complete Guide to Whiskey Tasting Sheets (How to Host a Structured Tasting at Home)

Learn how whiskey tasting sheets transform casual sipping into structured comparison. This guide explains aroma, palate, finish and how to host an intentional whiskey tasting at home.

frequently asked questions

ready to host the case of the missing malt?

download the game, print the files and choose three whiskies. your guests will arrive for a simple tasting – and leave talking about the mystery at glenloch distillery.

already playing this case?

when you’re ready to uncover the truth, you can open the reveal page here. you’ll need the code letters from your character cards.

code word required. this page contains spoilers.