Durban - Luxury whiskies will be the order of the day for whisky aficionados at this year’s “The Whisky Live Celebration”, which will take place at Sibaya Casino’s Sun Park from June 21-23.
In association with East Coast Radio, the event will showcase a wide range of whiskies, from Scottish single malt to blends, American or Irish whiskey, Speyside - or even perhaps something local and proudly South African - all to tempt whisky fans, whether a connoisseur or novice.
The Independent on Saturday took a peek at the huge variety from The Macallan, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, Paul John, Dewar’s, Bunnahabhain, Jack Daniel’s and many more.
Newcomers include the international award-winning single malt Paul John, crafted from the foothills of the Himalayas, combined with indigenous Indian ingredients from the bays of Goa, while the Douglas Laing specialises in craft Scotch whiskies, including the Timorous Beastie from the Highlands, Scallywag from Speyside, Rock Oyster from the Islands and Big Peat from Islay.
Speyside, which is the most densely populated whisky region in the world, is also the whisky centre in Scotland. Using water straight from the river Spey, this Scotch is considered to be Scotland’s most complex and is known for its sweetness, elegant flavours and aromas.
The rich notes of The Macallan or the light and fruity flavour of Aultmore and Glen Grant may be the perfect way to start your whisky celebration.
Patrons looking for smoky, sweet and floral flavoured blends can enjoy smooth operators such as Scottish Leader, which combines smoke and honey, while the Highland Park, with its strong Viking roots, provides a smoky dram for those with discerning taste.
The subtly peated whisky, Bunnhabhain Islay Single Malt, will not disappoint and will be presented by the legendary Master of the Quaich, Pierre Meintjes, renowned for his world-class storytelling and whisky-tasting advice.
For those after a heavily peated whisky, Ardbeg has a turfy smoke and sea-spray character, while providing a dash of the Irish will be The Pogues.
This whiskey was named after the Irish Celtic rock band and rebels against the norm, with a blend of 50% Irish Grain Whiskey and 50% Irish Single Malt Whiskey.
The award-winning
triple-distilled West Cork will also be showcased, while a visit to the Irish Pot Stills of Middleton stand is a must to sample the likes of Green Spot, Yellow Spot Power’s John Lane and Redbreast.
The Jameson Caskmates, finished in stout-seasoned whiskey casks with notes of cocoa, coffee and butterscotch, will also be available to taste.
The American whiskies will see that favourite Jack Daniel’s up for tasting, including Old No.7, Single Barrel and Gentleman Jack, while another US hit is Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, with hints of sweet vanilla and notes of cinnamon and almond.
Of course local is always lekker and SA’s own award-winning whiskies will be up for tasting, including Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky and Three Ships Whisky, along with the company of Master Distiller, Andy Watts. Watts was awarded as the Global Icons of Whisky Master Distiller Master Blender at the 2018 Whisky Magazine icons of Whisky awards, held in London in March.
Tickets can be bought online at Ticketpro or at the door. Your General Access Ticket includes a whisky tasting glass, 16 tasting vouchers and a bottle of Console Still Water.
Vouchers are based on the retail value of the whisky and 1-4 vouchers are exchanged for a tasting. More vouchers can be bought at the event.