Whisky and gin masterclasses not to miss in Joburg

Posted on 17 October 2018

Whisky and spirits aficionados are in for a treat and will have a difficult task to choose between the masterclasses on offer at Whisky & Spirits Live runs from 31 October – 2 November at the Sandton Convention Centre and gives visitors the opportunity to sample new whiskies and a selection of other premium spirits (including gin, rum, vodka and more).

Photography sourced from Whisky Live SA.

According to the Scotch Whisky Association, Scotch Whisky continues to be one of the most popular spirits across the globe and demand is driven from a diverse range of markets. South Africa was ranked the 9th largest export market in the world for Scotch whisky, importing £114-million (over R2-billion) in 2017, equating to 52 million bottles!

Arguably, whisky has been seen as a traditional man’s drink, however women are certainly changing this perception and have been influential in pioneering the alcohol industry as early as the 1900s.

Shauna Jennens, the distillery ambassador from The Dalmore will transport you to the Scotish Highlands as she presents her masterclass, “Stand Apart and Make a Difference”. Discover the pure new make spirit, the deep rich sherry casks and expertise in the maturation journey, with five variants to try as part of the class.

Travelling all the way from Taiwan to present at ‘Whisky & Spirits Live’ is one of Kavalan’s brand ambassadors Kaitlyn Tsai. The Kavalan Distillery has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005. It is now recognised as one of the world’s finest distilleries and was crowned global “Distiller of the Year” at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) last year. For this year’s masterclass, Kaitlyn will be presenting a whopping eight of Kavalan’s finest whiskies to taste.

Uncover the Secrets of Speyside with global malts ambassador for Bacardi, Georgie Bell. Aultmore and Craigellachie have, for long, been secrets in the whisky world. Fully immersing herself within the whisky industry, Georgie’s commitment and dedication to Scotch whisky shine through. Georgie will present, as part of the five variants covered, Aultmore 21 and Craigellachie 13 in this masterclass as well as one special bottling.

The masterclasses also offer an opportunity to peruse different blends and malts. Discover Paul John Indian Single Malt – From Goa with Love – Presented by master distiller Michael D’Souza. Michael has been associated with John Distilleries for the last 23 years. He also is the master blender. Explore six variants of Paul John, including a 2018 Christmas Edition.

Photograph by Whisky Live SA.

Independent Scotch whisky maker R&B Distillers will be presenting its brand new Isle of Raasay Distillery and The Tweeddale heritage for the first time in South Africa. Opened in 2017, this is the first distillery on Raasay, a remote island in the Inner Hebrides with just 160 residents. Raasay Distillery is scheduled to release its first single malt in October 2020. In the meantime, you will be able to sample Raasay While We Wait, an aptly-named single malt crafted by R&B Distillers with another Highland distillery, which showcases the future peaty and fruity style of Raasay whisky. Kevin Liu, Head of Sales at the Isle of Raasay will also showcase another whisky, The Tweeddale, making its debut in South Africa.

If life is a fairy tale, why can’t whisky be too? Robert Gray will present Beauty and the Beast – Ardbeg vs Glenmorangie. Like the fair maiden, Glenmorangie’s single malts are acclaimed for their incredible smoothness, richness and intriguing complexity. On the other hand, Ardbeg is heavily peated (the brute), with a turfy smoke and sea spray character predominant in most bottlings. Explore three Glenmorangie variants, two Ardbeg’s and one ‘new make spirit’ from Glenmorangie.

Enter the Spirits Revolution

There is a story behind every craft and the people who create these fine spirits. Gin distillation with Ginologist Gin, will be presented by master distiller, Pieter Carter and distillery manager Albert Van Wyk. Discover countless little secrets and tricks of the trade, many of which will be revealed by means of a systematic tasting process that will set out to show how gin is crafted. Explore their three recipes, floral, citrus and spice; as well as several unique, once-off distillations to showcase the art and science behind the gin distillation process.

Master distiller of Mhoba Rum, Robert Greaves and Andy Kiloh, the self-appointed rum ambassador of South Africa will be presenting an introduction to rum by taking you on an experience of two completely different styles of rum. They will guide you in what sets the two styles apart by including four variants in the presentation.

Cost: Masterclass tickets cost R160 each from ticketpros.co.za, R170 at the door and classes are limited to 40 people making these sessions very intimate. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis so book online to avoid disappointment at the door. You will still require a festival ticket to visit the Whisky & Spirit stands in the Tasting Hall. These tickets are purchased in addition to the tickets to attend the festival.

The Whisky Live Festival at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg runs from 31 October – 2 November this year. Tickets start at R260 each from ticketpros.co.za and includes a bottle of Consol Still Water, 16 tasting vouchers and a tasting glass.






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