A little Advent advice: order your whisky calendar now
As a kid, I enjoyed opening those little doors on the Advent calendar, quickly gobbling up the chocolate inside. Fast forward into adulthood, and that joy was rekindled when I got my first whisky Advent calendar. The ritual of finding the door, hauling out the whisky and seeing what expression I was about to pour, then savouring it. Getting the thing out of the cardboard was a job in itself, mind – fat fingers, small door. Repeated night after night until Christmas Eve, it’s a lot of fun. (I wrote about it back in 2015.)
And if you want to do the same this year, you had better get your order in now. We’re at the end of October, and between international shipping and customs (those pesky Port Health emails saying your shipment is being held), this is not something to leave until the last minute. You want a dram a day waiting for you on 1 December, not a parcel that turns up halfway through the month. Although, playing catch-up can be fun in its own right.
Where to find these calendars? Master of Malt (MoM) is the obvious place to start. Drinks by the Dram were doing spirits Advent calendars before most people knew they existed, and the range still covers more ground than anyone else: Scotch, world whisky, Japanese, bourbon and American whiskey, plus a range of other spirits. Take a look at the Drinks by the Dram range.
As for buying local, I went looking for a South African whisky Advent calendar for 2026 and came up empty. Not one I could verify, anyway. What you will find is the occasional imported calendar in stock on local shelves (Bottega, for example). If someone local is putting one together and I’ve missed it, tell me and I’ll happily correct the record.
And if buying one for yourself isn’t in the budget this year, you could always make your own with a bunch of friends, but it takes up a lot of time to source the bottles, do the splits and distribute them. It’s much easier to forward this to someone who might take the hint. Consider it a public service.
Sláinte,
Mark
Note: In case you’re wondering, this isn’t an advert, I just really like Advent calendars <grin>
What’s In Mark’s Glass This Week
The Macallan 30 Year Old Double Cask 2022 Release (43%)
You don’t often get the chance to taste a 30yo The Macallan, at least, not on my budget. So when you do, you savour it. Following a flight of the 12, 15 and 18 Year Olds (led by industry vets Thami Banda and Gareth Wainwright), it was the perfect end to a journey through time spent in the cask. But there was one more surprise. The brothers behind Decanter Liquor then brought out a Rare Cask, which they generously shared with us. And for me, that evening, the 2023 Rare Cask just pipped the 30yo, thanks to the deep, almost savoury, chocolate-coated raisins flavour profile.
The Fellowship Pour
Your whisky. Your glass. Your story. Send us a photo, share the moment, and add your pour to the growing Fellowship community. The submissions keep rolling in, I enjoy sharing them every week.
This week we’ve got a South African whisky being enjoyed on a South Pacific island, and a Scotch made in homage to a punk rock bar, being tasted in that very bar.
“The rum finish is perfectly matched for a sundowner whisky on the little paradise island of Rarotonga – Africa meets the South Pacific.” — Gary vE. | BoPlaas 10YO Rum Cask
“A bucket list visit to the legendary Delilah’s bar in Chicago. Amazing selection, knowledgeable staff – highly recommended!” — Hardy M. | Compass Box Delilah’s XXX
SA Whisky News
Whisky Live Festival SA is next week
If you’ve been meaning to go, it’s a good excuse to get a few friends together and make an evening of it. For Thursday, 5 November, you can get 6 tickets for the price of 5 with the code Buy5Get6 at checkout.
I’ll be there on Thursday night. Find me and let’s have a dram together.
Golden Dram at Whisky Live
Golden Dram will be there with independent bottlings from Bishop Greene & Fisher, Glaschu Spirits and Ever Curious, and they’re worth talking to if you’ve wondered what goes into owning a cask or bottling one yourself. The line-up includes a peated 5-year-old Ardnamurchan, two very different Glentauchers bottlings (11 and 15 years old) and a 27-year-old Invergordon single grain.
Byron Sullivan (WhiskyMadZA) will also be launching his own 12-year-old Deanston 1st fill Oloroso Solera Cask bottling. Between the two, it’s a chance to taste a few interesting drams and see what bottling your own cask could look like, whether for yourself, your whisky club or your business.
Industry News
Johnnie Walker signs BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ for an Asia-first Black Label campaign
The campaign spans design, culture and music, and starts in Seoul at Bar 81 in the Signiel hotel, where ROSÉ will unveil her “Twist of Something Highball”. It then tours major Asian cities before going global. Diageo hasn’t announced a special bottling, so for now this is a marketing push aimed at drawing a younger audience to Scotch.
— Whisky Monkeys
Diageo says it is “sincerely sorry” for the Cardhu spill that killed thousands of fish in the Spey catchment
In May, caustic soda from Diageo’s Cardhu distillery entered Knockando Burn, a tributary of the River Spey in Moray, badly damaging about 1.2 miles of the waterway. SEPA is still investigating and may refer the case to prosecutors; no fines or enforcement decision have been announced. Diageo says it has tightened its environmental controls and is discussing a long-term restoration plan, while a Spey Fishery Board director warns recovery could take years.
— The Daily Pour
Japan is importing less whisky, but paying more for it
Japanese customs data for 2025 shows whisky still leads imported spirits at ¥70.2bn, or 61.8% of the category’s value, even as shipment volumes fell. Tequila imports have more than doubled since 2021, and brandy’s 1.4% share of volume carries 5.6% of the value. In short, Japanese drinkers are trading up rather than drinking more.
— The Spirits Business
Scotch’s India trade deal halved the tariff — but bulk whisky still faces two checks at the border
India cut its duty on Scotch from 150% to 75% when the UK–India trade agreement took effect on 15 July, yet food-safety sampling and lab testing still apply, which the Scotch Whisky Association says they should not. Revenue intelligence officers have also searched Diageo’s and Pernod Ricard’s Indian offices over whether bulk Scotch concentrates qualify for the lower rate; no finding has been announced. Bulk made up about 80% of Scotch shipped to India in 2024, so it is the segment most exposed.
— The Whiskey Wash
IWSC 2026: Suntory takes three of five Japanese golds — and a rice whisky gets one too
Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve and Yamazaki 12 lead on 96 points, with Hakushu 12 on 95. The other two golds went to smaller producers: Kiuchi’s Hinomaru Silent Cask Port Finish No. 6004 and Kumesen Shuzo’s “The Shou”, a single grain distilled from rice.
— Whisky Monkeys
New Releases
Glenfiddich and Aston Martin F1 Team: a 16-year-old Release No. 2 — and a Formula One car in a 15-metre bottle
A 43% single malt matured in first-fill bourbon, Port, oloroso, wine and fino casks, £75 per 700ml at UK retailers including Selfridges. The launch was staged as a “Car in a Bottle” installation at London’s King’s Cross, built around a full-size F1 replica, running 22–24 October.
— The Spirits Business
Crolly brings Donegal its first licensed single pot still Irish whiskey — in ex-Cognac casks
The Croithlí Cognac Single Cask is made from malted and unmalted barley, double-distilled over direct fire in Cognac Charentais stills and matured in non-charred 300-litre French oak ex-Cognac casks. 53.9% ABV, 1,000 bottles in the first batch, €139. Pre-orders are open, with release on 1 November.
— The Whisky Wire
Killowen’s Contours KD#203: the first spirit from its “Columbanus” hybrid still is a rye, matured in Cabernet Sauvignon
The Co. Down distillery released this Irish rye fully matured in a Cab Sav cask on 21 October, at £65. It’s an early look at what Killowen’s new hybrid column still can do.
— WhiskyIntelligence
Maison Lineti’s first three single malts land — Bordeaux winemaking science, from £50
Founded in 2020, Lineti released Calibre N°01 (46%, ex-bourbon and new oak, 1,300 bottles, £50), Complication N°01: Fermentation (51.2%, 850 bottles, £70) and Complication N°02: Maturation & Blending (51.8%, 98% oloroso, 750 bottles, £70). All are non-chill-filtered, natural colour and exclusive to The Whisky Exchange in the UK.
— Whisky For Everyone
Three Ridings Inaugural Release: Ellers Farm’s first English single malt, 1,000 bottles at 57.9%
The North Yorkshire distillery’s debut is made from Yorkshire barley malted by Thomas Fawcett & Sons and brewed by T&R Theakston, then matured in selected ex-bourbon American oak. It’s £129.95, and the name nods to the East, North and West Ridings. Tasting notes promise banana, pear drops and white chocolate on the nose, with crème brûlée and pepper on the palate.
— WhiskyIntelligence
Indri’s Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026 lands in the US — a cask-strength Indian single malt from ruby Port casks
540 numbered bottles at 58.5% ABV from hand-selected ruby Port casks sourced in Portugal, on sale in the US from 15 October at $250.
— The Whiskey Wash
Big Peat 10yo Winter Edition: Islay blend finished 16 months in French red wine casks
Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts blend of Caol Ila, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Port Ellen takes a French red wine finish. ABV, price and availability weren’t stated at announcement.
— WhiskyIntelligence
Reviews Roundup
Whiskybase’s Archives trio: Williamson 11yo 2014 (Heads & Tails, 61.4%) leads at 88 — “very intense, deeply medicinal Laphroaig”
Bruichladdich 19yo 2006 “Fishes of Samoa” (57.1%) takes 86; the Benromach 18yo 2008 (59.1%, OB for Whiskybase) goes unscored.
— WhiskyNotes
Lowlands, lost and found: Kinclaith 40yo 1969 (Signatory, 47.3%) takes 87 — “incredibly fresh, very much on apple tart”
Serge’s Friday entry also has Glenkinchie 18yo 2008 (Old Particular, 48.4%) at 80 and Glenkinchie 12yo 2013 (Duncan Taylor, 53.5%, oloroso finish) at 79.
— Whisky Fun
Glenfarclas, three ways — the 1979/2014 bottled for Bow Bar and Shinanoya in Japan leads at 90
The official “190 Anniversary” scores 88 and a 1965/2005 Scott’s Selection 85. “Superb ‘secondary’ tension, dried flowers and dried fruits.”
— Whisky Fun
Scapa, old and new: the official 21yo (52.9%, American oak) scores 89 — “saline, coastal, admirably bitter”
A 24yo 1965/1990 Cadenhead (49.6%) follows at 85.
— Whisky Fun
Bowmore 10yo The Devil’s Cask 2026 (56.6%, first-fill oloroso then PX, £70) — 7/10, “the best official Bowmore I’ve had”
A Whisky Shop UK exclusive until December; the reviewer’s only caution is a heavy PX influence.
— Dramface
Glenlossie 13yo 2009 Infrequent Flyers Release 82 (re-charred hogshead #799, 58.1%, £50 at auction) — 8/10, “the best bottle of 2026” so far
Rich, oily and fruit-forward; 283 bottles.
— Dramface
Macallan Harmony Collection Edition 6, “Fresh Coconut” (46.3%, £140) — 5/10, and 4/10 once price is factored in
Easy-drinking, but the promised coconut doesn’t turn up, and the reviewer thinks it belongs nearer £60–70.
— Dramface
Fragrant Drops: Glentauchers 11yo 2014 (64.2%, first-fill red wine barrique, £74.95) — 7.5/10; Glen Moray 18yo 2007 (54.1%, £99.95) — 7/10
“This feels like a whisky that could divide opinion” on the wine-cask Glentauchers; the Glen Moray is “very approachable.”
— Two WhiskyBros
Three Ardmores from independents — the James Eadie 22yo 2000 (55.7%) tops out at 8.9
Bottle Dreams’ 2008 16yo (51.8%) scores 8.7 and Robbers & van den Hoogen’s 2009 16yo (56.9%) 8.6.
— Words of Whisky
House of Hazelwood’s The Lost Estate 43yo blended grain (American oak, 564 bottles) — 88/100
Grain from two long-closed distilleries: intensely sweet on the nose — chocolate, orchard fruit, caramel, tropical notes — fruit-led and spicier than expected on the palate, with a long, clean, gently herbal finish.
— Whisky Saga
Bourbon Corner
Little & Foster Marriage of Mashbills (107 proof, two MGP bourbons of at least nine years, $79.99)
A “full-flavored, complex pour” that should please fans of the Johns’ earlier MGP releases.
— Bourbon Obsessed (Mark: A new one for me – from the two Johns of Smooth Ambler fame.)
Heaven Hill Phoenix marries 18-year-old bourbon with 30-year-old whiskey made before the 1996 distillery fire
A one-time release at 107 proof and $325. The 18-year-old component was distilled in March 2008 and is blended with whiskey from the original Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. It ships to select markets from October and is also sold at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown.
— The Bourbon Flight
Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill Single Barrel Rye, 10 years old ($90) — A-
Selected by Chris Fletcher from the distillery’s highest-elevation rickhouses, with barrels running from roughly 129 to 149 proof. Tasted at 133.1 proof, it’s a cask-strength rye that stays recognisably Jack: “a very mellow sipper,” mild and minty on the finish.
— The Whiskey Reviewer
Booker’s Southern Thunder Batch: 127.3 proof, youngest barrels about 7 years 8 months, $99.99
The latest Booker’s batch is named after Booker Noe’s voice. A limited release; distribution details weren’t given.
— The Daily Pour
Town Branch Imperium MMXXVI (115.1 proof, 6–9+ years, $119.99)
Cask-strength and non-chill-filtered; “a rich, complex, and beautifully balanced experience from start to finish,” and, the editor adds, among the best Town Branch bourbons he’s tried.
— Bourbon Obsessed
15 STARS’ First West Cigar Blend: 11- and 15-year-old bourbons finished in Cognac, PX and tawny port casks (106 proof, $79.99)
Direct-to-consumer from 15stars.com from 20 October, while supplies last.
— The Bourbon Flight
The Maven (94 proof, 7+ years, $199.99) — B
A new sourced-bourbon brand blending stocks aged in toasted and charred new oak, including Chinkapin, Garryana and Mizunara. Light and mellow — apricot, cinnamon, cocoa — and the review doesn’t say it justifies the price.
— The Whiskey Reviewer
Chris Morris, Brown-Forman’s master distiller emeritus, is made a lifetime honorary member of the KDA board
He’s the eighth person to receive the distinction, marking 50 years in the industry as he steps off the board after two decades. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has also created the KDA Chris Morris Distillation Excellence Scholarship at the University of Kentucky, for a student in its Distillation, Wine and Brewing programme.
— The Bourbon Flight
MB Roland, one of Kentucky’s first craft distilleries, is up for auction
After 18 years the founders are retiring. The sale covers the 26-acre Pembroke site, two tasting rooms, the brands (MB Roland, Dark Fired, Barker’s Mill), the recipes and the barrel inventory. Online bidding runs from 7 to 14 December.
— Fred Minnick
Auction & Market Watch
Kentucky’s MB Roland Distillery goes to auction after 18 years
Founders Paul Tomaszewski and Mary Beth Roland are retiring. The sale covers the business, a 26-acre Pembroke site, a Cave City tasting room, all spirits brands and aging inventory, with online bidding from 7 to 14 December — one more small craft distillery changing hands in a soft market.
— Whisky Advocate
Whisky Hammer’s October auction closed on Sunday — a Karuizawa 33yo Golden Geisha led the catalogue
Bidding ended at 7pm GMT on 25 October. The featured lots were Karuizawa 33yo Golden Geisha (cask #3579), a Macallan 20yo Carta Nautica, a Cadenhead’s Ladyburn 20yo 1966 and a Hibiki 21yo Arita Decanter (2005). Hammer prices weren’t yet published at the time of writing.
— WhiskyIntelligence
Available Now — Local Online Retailers
What’s new on the shelves at South Africa’s online whisky stores, store by store.
Whisky Twins
Our newest store on the list, Whisky Twins, leads with a Glenlivet Fusion Cask and Hibiki’s 2026 Chiso limited edition. Behind them are Highland Park’s new-label core range, two older Old Pulteneys and a Japanese and Taiwanese pair.
- The Glenlivet Fusion Cask — R1,799.99
- Hibiki Harmony 2026 Chiso Collaboration Limited Edition — R5,999.99
- Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow Blend — R999.99
- Arran Machrie Moor Peated Lochranza — R1,999.99
- Kavalan Lán Single Malt — R1,499.99
- Highland Park 18yo (New Label) — R2,699.99
- Old Pulteney 25yo — R9,999.99
- Old Pulteney 18yo — R3,049.99
- Mars Kasei Japanese Blended Whisky — R1,199.99
Browse Whisky Twins’ new arrivals
Navigate World Whisky
Navigate’s new-in list now opens with an Arran, two Kanosuke bottlings from Japan, ahead of Penderyn 12, a Jura 15 finished in Manzanilla casks and an Isle of Harris single malt. A Bruichladdich single cask and an Octomore Sauternes finish are also there.
- Arran 15yo Rare Batch 2025 Grand Cru (52.5%) — R3,380
- Kanosuke Limited Edition 2026 (57%) — R2,840
- Kanosuke Sherry Casks Vatted (48%) — R1,890
- Penderyn 12yo (46%) — R1,295
- Jura 15yo Sherry Cask Manzanilla (46%) — R1,240
- Isle of Harris Single Malt (46%) — R1,145
- Benromach Peat Smoke (46%) — R1,295
- Bruichladdich 14yo Micro-Provenance Single Cask #0808 (58.8%) — R3,410
- Octomore 6yo Sauternes Finish (63%) — R5,980
Decanter
Decanter’s newest listings are led by a Royal Brackla 24yo Exceptional Cask Series, with Glenglassaugh 15 and Laphroaig 15 behind it. A GlenDronach 14 Boynsmill edition and Diageo’s 2025 Special Releases follow.
- Royal Brackla 24yo Exceptional Cask Series — R12,499.99
- Glenglassaugh 15yo — R2,299.99
- Laphroaig 15yo — R2,399.99
- GlenDronach 14yo Boynsmill House 200th Anniversary — R3,199.99
- Singleton 15yo — R1,049.99
- Four Roses Single Barrel 100 Proof — R1,199.99
- Lagavulin 12yo Special Release — R1,999.99
- Oban 12yo Special Release — R2,999.99
Browse Decanter’s newest whiskies
WhiskyShop
Diageo’s 2025 Special Releases (Oban 12 and Talisker 14) still top the newest listings, joined by a Singleton of Glen Ord 17 and a Bladnoch blend. Metanoia’s Friends Cask, two new Macallan Harmony editions, Johnnie Walker’s Year of the Horse Blue Label and a Balvenie Curious Cask follow.
- Oban 12yo Special Release 2025 — R3,090
- Talisker 14yo Special Release 2025 — R3,599
- The Singleton of Glen Ord 17yo — R4,099
- Bladnoch Pure Scotch Blend — R950
- Metanoia Friends Cask — R1,215
- Macallan Harmony Smooth Arabica — R10,000
- Macallan Harmony Jing Cherrywood — R10,000
- Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Horse — R8,499
- Balvenie 12yo Montilla Wine Curious Cask — R2,699
Browse WhiskyShop’s newest whisky arrivals
Norman Goodfellows
NGF’s newest whisky listings are heavy on Ardbeg (a four-bottle Collectors Combo and Dolce on sale), with Kilkerran, Glen Scotia, a Loch Lomond Open edition and a new Macallan Harmony alongside.
- Ardbeg Collectors Combo (4 × 750ml) — R8,499 (was R9,995)
- Ardbeg Anthology 14yo and 15yo Combo (2 × 750ml) — R4,699 (was R5,499)
- Ardbeg Dolce — R1,749 (was R1,999)
- Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 13 — R1,159
- Glen Scotia 12yo Double Glass Pack — R1,015
- Loch Lomond The 154th Open Special Edition Argentinian Malbec Finish — R749 (was R909)
- Macallan Harmony Collection Jing Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea — R3,999
- The Irishman Single Malt — R959
- Hinch Single Malt Irish Whiskey — R799
Bottega
Four Roses single barrels (OBSK and OBSO) and a Japanese whisky tasting set are the newest arrivals at Bottega, ahead of a GlenAllachie trio headed by a 35-year-old 1990 cask strength. A Knob Creek 7yo rye and a Glenturret Triple Wood follow, with Diageo’s 2025 Special Releases further down.
- Four Roses Single Barrel OBSO (50%) — R2,045
- Four Roses Single Barrel OBSK (50%) — R2,045
- Japanese Whisky Tasting Set (5 × 30ml) — R945
- GlenAllachie 35yo Cask Strength 1990 (50.2%) — R29,995
- GlenAllachie 21yo Cask Strength Batch 7 (51.9%) — R5,245
- Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Rye 7yo, 100 Proof (50%) — R1,145
- Glenturret Triple Wood (2023 Release, 43%) — R1,495
- Talisker 14yo Special Release 2025 (53.9%) — R3,395
- Singleton of Glen Ord 17yo Special Release 2025 (55.5%) — R3,995
Whisky Emporium
The newest listings are island-heavy: Tobermory 18, an Arran 18 Limited Edition, Talisker Neist Point, Jura’s Winter Edition and a Highland Park 15 Fire Edition. Alongside them are a Tamdhu Year of the Snake, Metanoia’s Signature Single Malt and Rye, and Glenfiddich’s 19-year-old Aston Martin F1 edition.
- Tobermory 18yo — R3,899.99
- Arran 18yo Limited Edition — R3,799.99
- Talisker Neist Point — R2,999.99
- Jura Winter Edition — R999.99
- Highland Park 15yo Fire Edition — R6,499.99
- Tamdhu Year of the Snake 2025 Limited Edition — R5,999.99
- Glenfiddich 19yo Aston Martin Formula One Team Limited Edition — R7,499.99
- Metanoia Klein Karoo Signature Single Malt — R924.99
- Metanoia Klein Karoo Signature Rye — R924.99
Browse Whisky Emporium’s newest whiskies
Wild About Whisky
The Dullstroom store’s new-arrivals page adds an Indian three-wood single malt, three Waterford editions and a new-label Glenlivet range to the new Speyside core.
- Indri Trini The Three Wood — R869
- Tamdhu 12yo Double Glass Gift Pack — R1,095
- Aberlour Double Cask Matured 12yo (New) — R1,089
- The Glenlivet French Oak Reserve 15yo (New) — R1,169
- The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve (New) — R655
- Waterford Organic Cuvée Gaia — R1,295
- Waterford Peated Cuvée Fumo — R1,295
- Waterford Biodynamic Luna 1.1 Arcadian Series — R1,295
- GlenAllachie 18yo — R2,695
Browse Wild About Whisky’s new arrivals
Mother City Liquor
A Bushmills 12yo landed on Friday, ahead of the Lagavulin special release and a Macallan Time : Space 20yo from earlier in the week, and a run of That Boutique-y Whisky Company batches.
- Bushmills 12yo Single Malt Irish Whiskey — R699.99
- Lagavulin 12yo Special Release 2025 — Grain & Embers — R1,999.99
- The Macallan TIME : SPACE Sherry Cask 20yo — R39,999.99
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company Heaven Hill 9yo Straight Corn Whiskey — Batch 1 — R1,099.99
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company Glen Elgin 16yo — Batch 7 — R1,499.99
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company Invergordon 25yo — Batch 22 — R1,899.99
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company North British 30yo — Batch 9 — R1,999.99
Browse Mother City Liquor’s new arrivals
Whisky Library
A big batch of older and rare bottlings went up on 14 October, with Bowmore and blended Scotch to the fore.
- Bowmore Voyage Port Cask — R10,999
- Bowmore Cask Strength Vaults — R7,999
- Bowmore 15 Mariner — R3,500
- Jameson Gold Reserve Special Reserve — R7,999
- Grant’s 25yo Rare and Distinctive — R6,999
- Whyte & Mackay 18yo Founders Reserve — R2,599
Browse Whisky Library’s new arrivals
WhiskyBrother & Co
A Lochlea trio leads the shelf alongside two Diageo specials, a Bruichladdich and an Ardnahoe.
- Lochlea Sowing Edition (3rd Crop, 46%) — R1,295
- Lochlea Orchard & Oak (46%) — R1,295
- Oban 12yo Heart of the Harbour — R2,895
- Lagavulin 12yo Grain & Embers — R1,995
- Ardnahoe Bholsa — R1,395
- Bruichladdich 14yo Single & Single — R2,650
Browse WhiskyBrother’s new arrivals
Upcoming Events
Be sure to bookmark the Whisky Events page, and check back regularly for new events, dinners and festivals happening in your area.
The Only Spirits Show 2026
Friday, 30 October 2026 | Hyde Park Corner Mall, Joburg | R250pp
A celebration of spirits beyond whisky, featuring tequila, mezcal, cognac, brandy, gin, rum and liqueurs, with more than 50 products available to sample. Each exhibitor will offer complimentary tastings, with selected products also available by the glass.
The Underground Whisky Club x Velvet Rose: A Burlesque Experience
Friday, 30 October 2026 | The Premium Liquor Company, Cape Town | R1,000pp
For one night, The Premium Liquor Company takes on a darker, more theatrical character as The Underground Whisky Club hosts an intimate evening with Velvet Rose. Burlesque performances run throughout a curated dinner, paired with bubbles, exceptional whisky pours and old-world glamour, in a setting closer to a private salon than a traditional show. Starts at 18:30. Dress code: formal. Places are deliberately limited; RSVP to Steven by 23 October.
Book via WhatsApp or call 079 173 7368
Woodford Reserve Whisky Dinner Experience @ Beluga
Friday, 30 October 2026 | Beluga, Cape Town | R895pp
An evening of food and bourbon pairing at Beluga, featuring Woodford Reserve. The night opens with a hand-crafted welcome cocktail, followed by a guided pairing experience where each dish and pour has been chosen to highlight the craft behind both the cuisine and the bourbon. Seating is limited and reservations are essential; full prepayment secures your seat. Bookings also by phone on +27 21 418 2948.
Whisky Live Festival South Africa
Thursday, 5 – Saturday, 7 November 2026 | The Galleria | From R695pp
South Africa’s largest whisky festival, with General Access (R695) for the tasting hall, Combo (R1,095) for tasting hall + Master Class + 18 tokens, or VIP (R2,495) for the VIP Lounge, tasting hall, dinner, private bar and 20 tokens.
Book via Ticketpro
Spirit of Ireland: An Evening of Irish Whiskey
Thursday, 12 November 2026 | The Whisky Shop, The Gantry Shopping Centre, Fourways | R750pp
Whiskyshop hosts an evening celebrating the spirit of Ireland, presented by Kiera & Ese. The line-up features Clonakilty, JJ Corry, Sailors Home, Dingle, Redbreast and Whistler Cream, making it an evening of Irish whiskey, good company and discovery.
Runs from 17:00 to 21:00. Food, snacks and light refreshments are included.
Book via Whiskyshop Events
The Spirit of Ireland Tasting Experience
Saturday, 14 November 2026 | The Premium Liquor Company, Woodstock | R1,000pp
The Underground Whisky Club presents an evening of Irish whiskey at The Premium Liquor Company in Woodstock, presented by Kieran & Ese. Six pours from one island, each with the story behind the glass.
The line-up features Clonakilty, JJ Corry, Sailor’s Home, Dingle, Redbreast 15 and Whistler Cream.
Starts at 18:30. The ticket includes dinner with a whisky pairing, plus an Ajabu Cocktail Festival pass. Dress code is smart casual. Limited to 40 guests, so RSVP by 6 November.
Book via WhatsApp or call 079 173 7368
Worth Reading
“It’s the people most of all”: Martin Markvardsen, the Danish boxer who became Highland Park’s storyteller
A roughly 1,500-word interview tracing a whisky passion back to a 1987 visit to Glenkinchie during military service, through Danish boxing titles and years as a Copenhagen nightclub bouncer, to two decades of championing Highland Park. He credits Orkney’s Hobbister moor peat for the distillery’s sweet, floral character.
— Whisky Monkeys
How North Uist Distillery is building its first whisky one cask at a time
A ~1,700-word visit to the Benbecula-based distillery, filling about 400 casks a year since late 2024. Distiller Olivia Gibson walks through choices on bere barley, the cask mix and a short peated trial, and why the team wants more second-fill wood. The first release is pencilled in for about three and a half years of maturation — “if the whisky is ready.”
— The Whiskey Wash
Maison Lineti: the Bordeaux distillery bringing winemaking science to whisky
How a distillery nearly lost its backer and was rescued by a French luxury entrepreneur — and how it borrows from wine: concrete-egg fermentation, malolactic fermentation, lees ageing and cold soaking. A profile that pairs with this week’s first-release news.
— The Whiskey Wash
The Scotch Whisky Association: a century of industry influence
Two business historians, Julie Bower and David Higgins, trace the SWA from its London founding in 1917 through decades of litigation abroad, lobbying in Washington and Brussels, and its role in shaping the legal definition of Scotch. Their argument is that “the industry has been shaped by controversy and litigation”. It’s a useful counterpoint to this week’s SWA news from India.
— Institute of Alcohol Studies
And That’s a Wrap!
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