A true whisky destination in SA
Posted by nicolascallegari on September 28, 2009
When you hear people speaking about Dullstroom, you generally think about quaint little bed & breakfasts and trout.
But Steve Adams, co-owner of Wild About Whisky in Dullstroom’s Auldstone House, says that Dullstroom is quickly becoming South Africa’s own whisky destination – a “Scottish Highlands away from Scotland”.
At Auldstone House, Steve and his partners, Eve and Dave have created a little whisky oasis in the picturesque town, which is regularly frequented by fishermen, passer-by spending a night on their way to a destination in the Limpopo Province, to day visitors and bikers.
With a comprehensive collection of whiskies behind the bar and regular whisky tastings on the go, it’s very easy to forget that you’re a mere three hours drive from the rat race that is Johannesburg and you would be forgiven for thinking that you were in the Scottish Highlands somewhere.
“The area surrounding Dullstroom is very similar to the Scottish Highlands,” Adams says. “From the rolling hills and the intense shade of green that the grass has, to the numerous trout lakes and small streams that surround the area.
“Not to mention,” he adds, “the intense mist and mild weather that we get here, which really makes a picture-perfect representation of Scotland.
“I can think of nothing better than settling in for the night in front of a roaring wood fire, sipping on a dram of fine single malt Scotch, or an Irish Coffee. It’s the closest many of us will get to experience the Scottish Highlands.”
Wild About Whisky has undoubtedly made a name for itself as one of SA’s top whisky destinations, and is growing in popularity, particularly with younger affluent crowds that view whisky as lifestyle to aspire to.
And Adams says that the owners of Auldstone House are only too happy to oblige. Starting off with just a few Scotch single malts and blends in 2006 when Wild About Whisky opened its doors for the first time, the bar now boasts a growing collection, which numbers well over 400 bottles.
He’s quick to point out, however, that many of them are considered an investment. But a good 280 of the bottles are opened and on offer for tasting and enjoying at the bar. “We’ve got something to satisfy any palate and every pocket here,” Adams points out.
Tastings, (or “Tours”) at Wild About Whisky are an experience on their own, and add to the illusion that you could very well be in Scotland when you’re staying at Auldstone House.
“Whisky Tours generally include a selection of six whiskies, either from a particular region, based on specific preferences, or a combination of whiskies from different parts of the world. Exploration and appreciation is what it’s all about,” Adams says.
So, next time you’re passing through Dullstroom or planning a fishing trip there, and you’re feeling adventurous, look up Wild About Whisky and escape to Steve, Eve and Dave’s little slice of Heaven – their very own Scottish Highlands away from Scotland.
