Discover the mystery of whisky at the FNB Whisky Live Festival

Taking place at The Cape Town International Convention Centre from 4^th to 6^th November 2009 and at The Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 11^th to 14^th November 2009, the FNB Whisky Live Festival provides the perfect platform from which to ease yourself into the world of whisky. It will run from 18h00 to 22h00 daily. Tickets cost R180 per person and will be available from Webtickets from 15^th September 2009, including new multi-day passes and group bookings.

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 dedicated 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.

Part of the proceeds will continue to be donated to The Foundation of Alcohol Related Research.

For more information please visit the website – www.whiskylivefestival.co.za – or e-mail contact@whiskylivefestival.co.za .

A true whisky destination in SA

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.

When it comes to whisky, first impressions do count

Whisky, like many other alcoholic beverages, is an acquired taste and can be very overwhelming if you jump into the deep-end and start taking on the big, bold and full-bodied whiskies of the world.

But according to Steve Adams, one of the co-owners of Wild About Whisky in Dullstroom, when you become involved in the world of whisky, you enter a world of depth and complexity that will undoubtedly pave the way for never-to-be-forgotten flavour experiences.

“You see, many peoples’ first impressions of whisky generally create a negative misunderstanding of the drink in general because they, quite literally, took a sip of their friend’s Glen El-Cheapo and soda one day out of pure curiosity,” he explains.

“The truth is that not all whiskies are created equal and many [restaurants, bars and clubs] don’t take the time to truly explore the world of whisky. Inevitably, you’ll find the same three or four whiskies being offered at many of these establishments which exclude so many other delicious and exciting whiskies that are available.”

Although first impressions count, Adams says that sometimes you need a second try just to be sure and, generally, it’s the second time around – under the guidance of someone who knows that they’re talking about – that people develop a taste and even a passion for good whisky.

Says Karen Chaloner, co-organiser of the FNB Whisky Live Festival, the world’s largest and most exciting consumer whisky event: “Whisky is something to enjoy and savour. It’s something that has rules that can be bent to suit your individual preferences. That said; let nobody ever tell you that drinking cola or ginger ale with your whisky is heresy. If that’s the way you enjoy it, then that’s how you should drink it.”

“Let me just say that while it’s acceptable to add a mixer to your whisky, adding lemonade to your R380 tot of rare single malt whisky could seem a little strange to some,” Adams points out.

“I suppose there is a line between whisky appreciation and drinking whisky the way you like it,” he says. “The best way to appreciate a whisky is to pour a gram in a tumbler and add just a small splash of water to open up the flavours and aromas, and remove the harshness of the neat liquor.

“This is the best way to ease yourself into whisky, because you’ll appreciate all the flavour notes, you’ll be able to identify the types of whisky that truly make you smile. Then, by all means, add your mixer and enjoy it,” Adams says.

Whisky is a drink that is to be enjoyed for all its complexity and flavour. Drink it long, neat, over ice or even mixed into a cocktail. You won’t lose any of the characteristics that make it “whisky”.

“In fact,” says FNB Whisky Live Festival ambassador and worldwide whisky expert, Dave Broom, “many of the world’s finest single-malt whiskies were designed to be consumed long – with water or soda, for example.”

Whisky has also long been enjoyed in a number of variations; from being included in popular cocktails to being served as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.

Broom advises that the best way to ease into the world of whisky is to experiment. “There are hundreds of Scotch whiskies in the world – as well as whiskies from such places as Ireland, America and Japan – so you really are spoilt for choice.

“Chances are good that there is one out there that you will absolutely love. The point is not to be let down by first impressions,” he says.

Whatever your reason for moving to whisky – it’s a good start. Whether you’re in it for a status symbol or you’re just not enjoying other drinks as much as you used to, whisky is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying drinks in the world.

It’s adaptable, full of surprises and, most importantly, a drink that’s constantly growing in popularity the world over. Are you in?

Discover the mystery of whisky at the FNB Whisky Live Festival

Running from the 5^th to 7^th November in Cape Town and 12^th to 14^th November in Johannesburg, the annual FNB Whisky Live Festival in is set to be more thrilling than ever.

With the introduction of innovations designed to demystify one of South Africa’s most popular tipple – whisky – the 2008 FNB Whisky Live Festival aims to take both whisky connoisseurs and novices, alike, on an unforgettable journey through the allure, origins, flavours and history of whisky.

Building on its reputation as the world’s biggest and most exciting consumer whisky event, the sixth annual festival will once again attract one of the largest contingents of international whisky distillers and ambassadors to ever have visited South Africa.

More than 180 local and international whiskies – including Scottish, American, South African and Irish brands, as well as whiskies from far afield as Japan and India – will be showcased.

Sian Neubert, co-organiser of the FNB Whisky Live Festival says that whisky is fast becoming the drink of choice in South Africa.

“As such, the festival acts as a draw card to international distillers, many of which use it as a platform to launch new brands, ranges and collectors items to the South African market,” she says.  “The festival has become a date in the social calendar and a great night out for whisky lovers and newcomers to the category.”

New whiskies and whisky based liqueurs to be launched at this year’s festival include, amongst others, a liqueur and a range of Japanese whiskies as well as a fabulous collection of Independent Bottlings, presented by Whisky Magazine.  Picardi Rebel will once again be the on-site retailer.

Festival-goers can sample and learn about a variety of popular and rare whiskies while mingling with the people behind the brands in The Tasting Hall or attend one of the entertaining whisky workshops – hosted by international master distillers, global brand ambassadors, and whisky experts – tasting whiskies unavailable in the main Tasting Hall and possibly South Africa.

The Tasting Hall will also offer a choice of interactive whisky experiences including the Pyotts Sensory Zone, where visitors can learn how to pair whisky with foods like Portobello cheeses and Von Geusau chocolates.

LiquidChefs Whisky Cocktail Lounge is a must-visit if patrons want to taste some of their mouth-watering taste sensations or just want to enjoy live entertainment while indulging in exquisite up-market deli-style cuisine by catering company By Word of Mouth in the new Food and Entertainment Zone.

Master Scotch distiller, Dewars, will be introducing an interactive Blending Zone, inviting small groups to blend their own whiskies and whisky expert Dave Hughes will be hosting an interactive educational tour on how whisky is made in the Toshiba Back to Basics Zone. International whisky writer, Dave Broom is back by popular demand and will offering “whisky bush talks” live on the stage, as well as two exclusive Japanese workshops.

The popular Lexus Connoisseur’s Experience – The Ultimate Guided Tour, which was introduced and sold out at last year’s event, will be back, offering festival-goers the opportunity to be chauffeur driven to the festival and then savour exclusive and rare whiskies generally not available to the public while joining a personal guide on a tour of the distillery stands.

“From connoisseurs and people who enjoy an occasional dram or two, to whisky novices and even non-whisky drinkers, this year’s festival has a number of exciting whisky, liqueur, food and other lifestyle exhibitors that will serve to inform and entertain visitors. In keeping with the “drink & drive responsibly” initiative Valpre will once again be the official water supplier to the festival.  This is an event not to be missed,” added co-organiser, Karen Chaloner.

Part proceeds will continue to be donated to The Foundation of Alcohol Related Research.

Follow the FNB Whisky Live Festival on Twitter: http://twitter.com/whiskylive or join the FNB Whisky Live Festival group on Facebook.