The Otago Whisky Society has been recently formed to highlight the wonder of whisky.
Founder and president Alex Foulkes said he started the society to fill a gap in the local scene, where whisky-tasting events were scarce.
Mr Foulkes hails from Scotland and arrived in Dunedin last October.
He aims to share his passion for Scotch whisky with local enthusiasts.
"Scots would claim to have invented whisky, but, of course, there was whisky in many countries."
Scotland was seen as the home of whisky, with hundreds of distilleries, some dating back as far as the 15th century.
Mr Foulkes said he had visited distilleries all over Scotland, and each area contributed local characteristics to the taste.
Even the water in different regions could contribute to the taste.
Whiskies from the island of Islay, for example, had a peaty flavour "because the water’s got peat in it and it is the flavour of the water".
By way of contrast whisky from the Highlands region such as the Tomatin Distillery had a smoother taste, he said.
"The thing about whisky, and especially with single malt whisky, is it takes a long time."
Whisky ageing in barrels was a key component for influencing flavour, colour and character.
"The flavour comes from the barrels and the flavour comes from the time it is in the barrels."
Premium whiskies aged for periods such as 10, 12 or 15 years were all very distinctive.
While Scotland was perhaps the best-known home of whisky production there were other countries producing the golden liquid, including New Zealand.
Mr Foulkes recently toured Cardrona Distillery, and was hoping to organise a trip to the New Zealand Whisky Company in Oamaru.
He was also planning a New Zealand whisky night for the society at a later date.
The inaugural meeting will be a whisky tasting event at the Commerce Club in Bond St on March 23, and all who attend will be offered free membership in the society.
The event will start with the sound of bagpipes to set the scene before a meal and tasting five whiskies from different parts of Scotland.
Mr Foulkes said he chose the Commerce Club as the venue for the first event for the society because of its "incredible history".
The club is 140 years old this year and has an old-world charm with some unique features.
"I think it’s lovely, and it has got some very quirky pieces.
"I think people who like whisky appreciate an interesting setting."
Mr Foulkes said he did not encourage excess alcohol consumption and whisky was something to be savoured in moderation.
With good whisky came good conversation.
"We are going to bring like-minded people together to talk about whisky, but also to have a chat about other things that matter to them.
"A certain type of person likes whisky and generally you have a very interesting, intelligent, intellectual conversation."
