It's the FNB Whisky Live Festival's 10th birthday this year! Ten years on and 2012 promises to be the best one yet! And now, if you thought you were the only one who enjoyed whisky, you’re wrong. Some rather big celebrities agree with you. Read on for the top 10 whisky-loving celebs from today and yesterday…
Winston Churchill
When confronted with a comment from Bessie Braddock who said that the then prime minister had “overindulged”, Winston Churchill famously replied, “Madam, you are ugly. In the morning I will be sober.” Winston was very fond of putting people in their place; he was also fond of a dram or two of Johnnie Walker Black Label.
Keith Richards
The famous rock-battered guitarist of The Rolling Stones is partial to a bit of Jack Daniels Tennessee Whisky and who can blame him?
Frank Sinatra
Members of the Vegas Rat Pack were known for their love of performing, gambling and Chivas Regal - the blended Scotch that comes in a purple, velvet bag. As Sinatra's favourite backstage drink, Chivas' mellow flavour complemented his smooth voice.
Michael Jordan
It is said that Michael Jordan, world-renowned basketball player and entrepreneur, is very partial to a Glenlivet 12-year-old.
Oliver Stone
Controversial film director of movies such as Platoon, Wall Street, Natural Born Killers and Nixon, Oliver Stone is a fan and collector of Single Malt whiskies.
Ernest Hemingway
American author and journalist, Ernest Hemingway was famous for his novels, The Old Man and the Sea, A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls; he was also famous for drinking his Scotch with a squeeze of lime juice…
Lady Gaga
The meat-wearing performance artist and singer is said to tinkle on the ivories with a glass of Jameson's Irish Whisky close at hand.
Sean Connery
Sean Connery is one of the most famous actors to play James Bond in the 1960's and 70's. His fame grew to giddying heights at this time and he was offered many endorsements, one of which was for Jim Beam Bourbon! His family and friends back in his home country of Scotland couldn't have been too happy about that one!
Hunter S. Thompson
The Gonzo journalist and author behind the novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, was partial to drinking Chivas Regal Scotch with soda.
Johnnie Depp
The famous actor is said to enjoy a Bourbon Sour cocktail. Incidentally, Depp has played Hunter S. Thompson in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and been in The Rum Diary, based on a novel by Hunter S. Thompson .
* The FNB Whisky Live Festival launches in Cape Town from 3 to 5 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, then make its way to Durban from 1 to 2 November at the Durban International Convention Centre and ends in Johannesburg from 7 to 9 November 2012 at the Sandton Convention Centre. The festival will be open between 18h00 - 22h00 daily.
* Visit www.whiskylivefestival.co.za for more information
* Please follow us on Twitter @WhiskyLiveSA and on Facebook /FNBWhiskyLiveFestival
* + The FNB Whisky Live Festival promotes responsible drinking. No persons under the age of 18 years old will be allowed into the Tasting Hall, and designated driver tickets are available. Discounted food vouchers and a bottle of Valpre mineral water are included in the ticket price, and taxis will be on hand to ensure that everyone in your party is able to have a good time.