I will always be the first one at a free event. You name it, I’ll attend. Call it the eternal student mindset.

So when Donnelly had their “Whisky Den” tasting night, I was intrigued. Scotch and scotch-based cocktails for free? This must be too good to be true.

It’s not. Consider it a gift for your inner cheapskate. The Donnelly Group offers this special night a couple times a year for those of us that like classy booze at bargain prices. By bargain, of course, I mean free.

Tonight was my first venture into Donnelly’s newest bar, The New Oxford. Hype and personal observations made me excited to check this place out regardless of the sweet whisky deal. Donnelly seems to have a magic formula that makes venues succeed, so I had high expectations.

The venue itself was cozy and warm, with plenty of wood accents. Modern British with touches of old world charm, the bar was well-designed and comfortable. The staff was Donnelly standard: friendly, good looking, and capable.

The event was well planned and well attended. Patrons were taken to an area that was slightly removed but still part of the scene, creating an intimate yet exclusive environment. A rep explained (in detail) our vice of the day: Glenmorangie. We learned about the history, distilling techniques, and general elements of the four scotches we sampled.

I won’t mince words: it was pretty awesome. The event is a good idea in general, and with the addition of a high quality scotch like Glenmorangie, it ventured into the absurdly good deal category. I was happy to be a part of it.