How to Use a Stave Flight Tray for Whiskey Tastings
By Buy Stranahan's | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up and use a Stave Flight Tray for a memorable whiskey tasting at home, with tips on glass placement, pour order, and cleanup.
Quick answer
Use the Stave Flight Tray to present three whiskey samples side by side, pour in order of increasing intensity, and clean the tray with a damp cloth to preserve the wood.
Why a dedicated flight tray matters
A flight tray keeps your samples organized and stable, so you can focus on aroma and flavor instead of juggling glasses. The Stave Flight Tray is made from repurposed whiskey barrel staves, which adds a rustic, distillery-inspired feel to your home tasting.
Choosing your whiskeys
Pick three whiskeys that vary in style, proof, or age to create a meaningful comparison. For example, try a light rye, a standard bourbon, and a cask-strength single barrel. Avoid pouring more than 1–2 ounces per glass to keep the tasting focused.
How to use your Stave Flight Tray for a tasting
- 1. Set up the tray: Place the Stave Flight Tray on a flat, stable surface. Insert the three taster glasses into the cutouts. Make sure the tray is level so no whiskey spills during the tasting. Check that the glasses sit evenly before pouring.
- 2. Pour in the right order: Pour 1–2 ounces of each whiskey into the glasses. Arrange them from lowest to highest proof or from lightest to boldest flavor. This prevents the stronger whiskey from overwhelming your palate early. Label the glasses or the tray positions so you remember which is which.
- 3. Sip and compare: Start with the lightest whiskey. Smell, sip, and note the flavor. Move to the next, and finally the boldest. Use the tray to keep the glasses together while you pass them around or compare aromas. Rinse your palate with water between samples for a fair comparison.
- 4. Clean the tray after use: Wipe the Stave Flight Tray with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Do not soak the wood or put it in the dishwasher. Hand-wash the taster glasses with mild soap and dry them thoroughly. Regular care keeps the barrel stave from cracking or warping.
Product spotlight
- Stave Flight Tray: Crafted from Stranahan's Whiskey barrel staves with an etched Stranahan’s logo and includes 3 taster glasses. The barrel-stave construction gives each tray a unique grain and a genuine distillery connection, while the included glasses let you start tasting immediately.
Stave Flight Tray
