Diverse range of tastes at whisky celebration

THIS year’s Whisky Live showcase in Durban, at Suncoast Casino from 12 to 14 May from 6pm to 10pm, will n bring the best of scotch to the city.

Expect an excitingly diverse range of tastes including single malt Bunnahabhain from Islay, recently announced Distillery of the Year at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and loved by connoisseurs for its balanced, gentle taste. Also on show will be layered Black Bottle blended Scotch, with its subtle smoky flavour, and Scottish Leader, that offers a whole new perspective.

Whisky experts Brian Glass and Tommy Larkan willshare the exclusive, award-winning tastes of Bunnahabhain single malts. The unpeated 12-year-old will be offered, as will the equally gentle, small batch 18- and 25-year-olds. All un-chillfiltered, the trio represents a return to a traditional technique that intensifies colour, aroma and flavour, expressed as naturally as when they come out of the cask.

Mixologists Owen O’Reilly and Rudi de Vos will conjure up some delicious cocktails at the Black Bottle stand, while whisky specialist Vincent Motau will delight festival-goers with the sweet, smoky, rich and smooth expressions offered by Scottish Leader. Only two bottles of the 12-year-old, not available in South Africa but a top seller in Taiwan, will be available for tasting in addition to the Scottish Leader Original and Signature blends sold locally.

Tickets cost R190 per person via www.ticketpros.co.za, while tickets at the door are offered at R200 (while tickets last). Each ticket includes a tasting glass, a 500ml bottle of Valpré spring water and 15 tasting vouchers. Download the Whizzky app, answer a few questions and get five additional tasting vouchers on the night. Return your voucher card on exit and receive a 2016 SA Whisky Handbook worth R75.

For more information visit www.whiskylive.co.za or send an e-mail to info@whiskylive.co.za.