VOLUME 31
THE WHISKY ISSUE
Hot news REVEL IN WINTER One of Stellenbosch’s most historic wine cellars is hosting a winter festival on Saturday 29 July. Muratie, a quaint old
We give you the lates t on what to
buy, do, eat and dri nk.
winery which defiantly refuses to dust away any cobwebs spun by resident cellar spiders, is the place to be for what the Melck family have dubbed “a mellow fireside celebration of Cape Port-style wines” at their Flavours of Winter festival. Port lovers are invited to cosy up in one of the Cape’s oldest wineries, appreciating the rich and luscious flavours of Cape Port-style wines and nosh on delicious winter warmer treats prepared by the Muratie Farm Kitchen. All the wines on show will be available for purchase at cellar door prices. In addition, von Geusau will be tempting taste buds with their decadently delicious hand crafted chocolates.
Biblical proportions Jim Murray publishes the Whisky Bible annually – and when it hits the shelves, whisky lovers globally fall over themselves to see what he has selected as his top whisky of the year. Murray is an authority and commands respect among distillers and connoisseurs worldwide.
The cost per person is R100 which includes a tasting glass. It kicks off at 10h30 and will end at 16h00. Due to limited space, visitors are advised to book in advance by either phoning Muratie at 021-865 2330 or emailing: taste@muratie.co.za.
ROLL UP FOR THE WINE CARNIVAL! If wine pourformance is your thing, then Port Elizabeth is the place to be from 27 – 29 July. It’s the venue for the ever popular annual TOPS at SPAR wine show. Life is a Cabernet, the
organisers believe; and have exhorted keen wine consumers: “Come one, come all … it’s time for The Greatest Show on Earth!” Family favourites such as Boschendal, Beyerskloof and Bellingham will be present – as will JC Le Roux
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adding a bubbly vibrancy, along with Franschhoek’s La Bri and the KWV. Almost every letter of the alphabet is covered, right down to Van Loveren and Zandvliet! White, red, pink, sparkling and sweet. There truly is something for everyone. The fun then heads to the The Boardwalk in Pretoria the following month where it will be staged from 24 – 26 August. For ticket prices and info visit: www.wineshow.co.za
In his estimation, Glen Grant’s 18 year old deserved the 2017 title of Best Scotch Whisky of the Year. Murray also rated this rare, special-edition Speyside spirit his 2017 Single Malt of the Year, as well as his Best Single Malt in the 16 - 21 year age category, calling it “the best new offering from the motherland in a few years; a sensational return to form.” Rich and spicy on the nose and the palate, its smooth floral and caramel notes make it hard to resist, and interestingly, it’s the first Scotch to make Murray’s top three list since 2014. The good news for local aficionados is that the spirit hits South African shores this month.
