Unlocking the secrets of whisky at FNB festival

Taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5 - 7 November 2008 and at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 12 - 14 November 2008, the festival will run from 6pm - 10pm daily.

The attraction

Building on its reputation as one of the world's biggest consumer whisky events, the sixth annual festival is expected to attract one of the largest contingents of international whisky distillers and ambassadors to ever visit 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, India and Wales - 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.”

On show

New whiskies and whisky based liqueurs to be launched at this year's festival include, amongst others, a liqueur by BenRiach, a pink whiskey 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 12 workshops (hosted by international master distillers, global brand ambassadors, and whisky experts) featuring whiskies unavailable in the main Tasting Hall.

In the zone

The 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.

Patrons will be able to wander into the Liquidchefs Whisky Cocktail Zone and learn how to whip up an exotic mix or enjoy live entertainment while indulging in exquisite up-market deli-style cuisine 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 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 ultimate experience

The 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 and drive responsibly' initiative, Valpre will once again be the official water supplier to the festival,” added co-organiser, Karen Chaloner.

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

Entry

Tickets cost R150 per person and will be available at Computicket from 1 September 2008. The FNB Whisky Live Festival encourages responsible drinking. No persons under the age of 18 years old will be allowed into the Tasting Hall, and dedicated driver tickets are available.

For further information please visit www.whiskylivefestival.co.za.