When Reuben “The Matrix” Malema became a citizen journalist for Represent, one of his first requests was to channel any events involving whisky or beer tasting towards him. And patiently did he wait for this years FNB Whisky Live Festival for his chance to taste and tell. He’s certainly got the whisky parlance down pat, see his photo’s here – ladies and gentlemen we present to you…. The Matrix:
The annual FNB Whisky Live Festival in Sandton City last week had Johannesburg’s connoisseurs of the gentlemen’s fine drink well seduced. The pleasant weather combined with a captivating atmosphere were indeed perfectly suited elements for such a prestigious event.
And if the surroundings were not enough to hotwire my interest and admittedly over-the-top expectations, hey presto, right in front of the entrance hall to the convention centre was non other than our Nation’s Rugby World cup Hero – Percy Montgomery; in Springbok formal attire and all!
So, with my notepad, pencil and sharp taste buds ready for a great evening; Mr. Malemela Hiine and yours truly charged into the convention centre; on a quest for superbly distilled and flawless Whiskey kegs.
“There is no such thing as bad whiskey. Some whiskeys just happen to be better than others. But a man should not fool with booze until he’s fifty, then he’s a damn fool if he doesn’t” – Samuel Johnson (true whiskey connoisseur)
We started off at the stable of the Famous Grouse. This brand made it’s rigorous South African mainstream market debut less than three years ago. They took the expo opportunity to launch their premier brand: The Black Grouse (the application of the “Black” in the name appeared kind of familiar. Could this be a piggy-back brand? Time will tell…). Longing for more, we trotted off to the Bushmills Irish Whisky stand where we got treated to their Original Brand which has a light gold and somewhat bright colour. Scents of “fresh and light apricot with a cut of grass, honey and light vanilla tones” filled our nostrils. The”light to medium silky feel coats the tongue with sweet and buttery moisuret, while the dried grass, malt and chocolate aftertaste remains on the nose” – splendid indeed!
By this time, the alcohol effect had already started knocking hard on my taste buds, so we dashed off for a helping of a more familiar taste: Jack Daniels Old No. 7 Sour Mash Tennessee Whisky. Good old Uncle Jack took us back in time on an authentic tour of how his finest brand is distilled. The Facts: Jack Daniels is only distilled in Tennessee – USA, the original spring water is still being made use of even today. Only whole grain (Maize – Mealie Pips) “word gevrot” in a process called Sour Mash. The Maple tree roasted casks give it the dark golden glow we’ve all come to love and appreciate so much. Soooo much!
Of the array of distilleries represented at the festival; two were constantly on my radar (more like keeping the best for last!): Chivas Regal and Johnnie Walker. No wonder then, that immediately following the Jack Daniels tour and heavy “gesuip”, we jaunted off to the Scottish distillery of Middleton for a savor of the finely blended liquid of long morn, single malt and a host of differently aged whiskies from the Highlands of Scotland: Chivas Regal.
Scottish Whisky Facts:
– Scotch Whisky can only be produced in Scotland (as if…)
– A minimum of 3 years for maturity for any Scotch blend
– The Charcoal roasted casks help to remove impurities in whisky
– Scotch Whiskey accounts for more than 20% of the United Kingdom’s Food & Drink exports
– The production of Scotch whiskey makes use of 390, 000 Tones of barley and 486,000 Tones of other cereals each year
– More Scotch is sold per month in France than Cognac in a year
– More than 1.8 million casks lie maturing in Scottish warehouses
THE HOUSE OF WALKER
Undoubtedly the Johnnie Walker stand was the most popular, populous and most coveted of them all. The sheer numbers that swarmed the stand the entire evening and the numerous emptied bottles and boxes, were clear evidence of the high demand for the doyen of all Scottish whisky’s. The stable must have anticipated the demand as a separate VIP lounge for connoisseurs of their prestigious Blue Label was ever teeming with suits, tuxedoes and glittering evening dresses. On the main stand their popular brands were outlandishly served, these included: the red, green, gold and black labels and the enigmatic Johnnie Walker Swing.
“No married man is genuinely happy if he has to drink worse (cheap) whiskey than he used to drink when he was single.” – Henry Louis Mencken
Finally, but most certainly not the least, I believe the annual FNB Whiskey Live Festival is an event to feature prominently on annual event calenders of all current and aspiring great whiskey connoisseurs. Go Go Go!
Reuben-the Matrix-Malema
