THE SCOOP CHILLED POPS There are some drawbacks to adulting – and enjoying simple childhood pleasures is one of them. It’s still possible to enjoy water pistol fights without anyone getting hurt but slides, swings and merry-go-rounds are just not cool for grown ups! What is cool – uber-cool, in fact – are Frost Popsicles which come in a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic flavours. Nine in total: six boozy and three guiltfree flavours. Naturally the G&T (gin and tonic) is a hot favourite during the last warm days of summer
GLASS OF CHEER FOR ISLAY February saw work begin on the demolition of old warehouses and outbuildings at legendary Islay whisky distillery, Port Ellen, all part of the £35 million (R665 million) refurbishment and rejuvenation process announced by owners Diageo in 2017. This distillery last saw any work undertaken there around 40 years ago when the plant was mothballed in 1983 during the downturn in the global whisky industry. As a result of the distillery being out of production, bottles of Port Ellen were highly prized and changed hands on the secondary market for big money. 4 w w w .t o p s a t s p a r. c o . z a
in South Africa, but there is also a seriously refreshing passionfruit & peach margarita and blood orange screwdriver that is a citrus explosion in the mouth. The three non-alcoholic flavours include pomegranate, grapefruit & hibiscus; peach, strawberry & banana and finally, vanilla coffee. The entire range is made from all-natural ingredients – no artificial flavourings, colourants or sweeteners. And they’re also low in calories, dairy-free and vegan-friendly. How’s that for being able to chill with a tasty popsicle and a clear conscience?
With the spirit becoming increasingly rare as the supply of hoarded stock dwindled, prices soared and it was not uncommon for collectors and whisky enthusiasts to pay £1 000 (R20 000) for a bottle from the 70s or early 80s. The first “fresh” whisky to flow from the new stills at Port Ellen is likely to hit the market in 2032 after a full 12 years of maturation. Only then will fans of this spirit know whether the new Port Ellen whisky is as good as the old. Some experts have their doubts because when the plant was mothballed Diageo repurposed some of the equipment at other distilleries, but more importantly, they destroyed the original stills! Only time will tell if this Islay treasure will be able to live up to its esteemed billing.
REALLY GENUINE, HEY! Rugged Scots actor Gerard Butler is recognisable for some of the mega successful movies he’s starred in, such as 300 (“I AM SPARTA!”), Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen, Hunter Killer and even the comedies, Bounty Hunter and The Ugly Truth. But he’s now starring in a beer commercial on local television screens – for Windhoek Lager, urging beer lovers to Keep It Real. “I loved the (Windhoek) script, I found it very funny, and the humour was right up my alley,” Butler said. Maggie Wang, senior brand manager for Windhoek beer explains: “Windhoek champions those who stay true to themselves. Those who show up, in their most authentic self. Those who know what’s important. Those who keep it real. We found these qualities in Gerard Butler, and we were thrilled that he felt an immediate synergy with what our brand stands for.” The TV commercial opens in a bar – much like any other traditional beer advert – but everything is stopped in its tracks when a friend (Joe) asks the waiter for a piece of lime to add to his beer (Gasp! Shock! Horror!). The tense silence amongst the friends combined with an eloquently delivered line by Butler, lands the message in the most endearing and engaging way possible. In true Butler fashion, reminiscent of the many iconic characters played by him over the years, that’s the start and the end of that entire conversation. “It was an absolute pleasure working with Gerard, a professional in every sense of the word,” Wang said. “He’s a great performer, charming, entertaining and generous. Much like our brand philosophy, he kept it real throughout the production process.” Windhoek has stayed true to its 100-year-old brewing philosophy of only brewing 100% pure beer for consumers, with only three ingredients; malted barley, hops and water. This ad speaks directly to the core brand message of authenticity.
