EVENTS

DISCOVER THE BRANDHOUSE WHISKY SENSORIUM

Brandhouse Whisky Sensorium

The Brandhouse Whisky Sensorium was introduced at the 2013 FNB Whisky Live Festivals held in Sandton and Soweto, affording more than 5,000 whisky enthusiasts an unparalleled sensory journey through fine whisky. The conceptually unique stand was the festival’s definitive success. Featuring four “worlds” of flavour: ‘Fresh’, ‘Rich’, ‘Vibrant’ and ‘Bold’, the Whisky Sensorium created a novel tasting experience of Brandhouse’s distinguished portfolio of whiskies. J&B Jet was found to be the most popular whisky in the ‘Fresh’ world, while ‘Rich’ saw a great interest in the exclusive Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Visitors to the ‘Vibrant’ world favoured Talisker and Lagavulin was the whisky of choice in the ‘Bold’ flavour world. Guests to the Brandhouse Whisky Sensorium were guided through tastings by Whisky Presenters, who amplified this multi-sensory experience by imparting expert knowledge to guests about the various whiskies’ histories and flavour notes. “The Sensorium’s visitors appreciated the attention to detail and wealth of sensory engagement within the tasting journey. The Brandhouse Whisky Sensorium provided an unmatched experience by activating all five senses and immersing guests into each flavour world,” said Triya Govender, Johnnie Walker Brand Manager. Novel tasting techniques were used by presenters, such as a “blind tasting” of White Horse and Lagavulin in the ‘Bold’ world. Guests were pleasantly surprised by the quality of White Horse upon its reveal, especially when compared to the single malt, Lagavulin. Techniques such as this gave guests a deeper appreciation of the liquid being tasted as the brand become a secondary factor.

By utilising textural elements, soundscapes, visuals and scentgenerators to parallel the dominant flavours in each flavour world, the Brandhouse Whisky Sensorium was a unique tasting experience, which proved to be immensely popular with experienced and novice tasters alike.

HUGH MASEKELA AND LARRY WILLIS GRACE THE GLENLIVET LEGACY LIVE

Edgar, Matume Mbatha and Mzi at Soweto Wine Festival

Bra Hugh Masekela performs at Glenlivent Legacy Live concert in Sandton

The Glenlivet Single Malt Whisky recently hosted an unforgettable, intimate, music experience in Rivonia with the African father of jazz, the incomparable Bra Hugh Masekela and the internationally acclaimed American pianist, Larry Willis. Guests received an insight into Masekela, a global icon who has had a journey within the industry that has given him a wealth of experience and wisdom. Part of his journey includes collaborating with American pianist and equally celebrated musician, Larry Willis. “A legend is described as having single-minded determination and an irrepressible spirit. As a brand, we believe in the importance of showing our consumers what the brand and legends are about, and Hugh Masekela and Larry Willis embody everything we celebrate. Both artists have been nominated for, and won, a variety of awards, and even with more than seventy years of age behind both of them, their signature sounds are still traversing the globe – leaving a legacy behind for generations to come, much like George Smith who created The Glenlivet, the Single Malt Whisky, which has left a legacy as the first licensed distillery in the world,” remarked Mandla Holomisa, the Glenlivet Brand Manager.

Johann Vanzyl - Glenlivet Marketing Manager & Mandla Holomisa - Glenlivet Brand Manager

AMARULA AND KLÛK CGDT CELEBRATING AFRICAN ORIGINALITY

Amarula, one of South Africa’s favourite exports with a global following, has teamed up with Klûk CGDT, the newly crowned African Fashion International (AFI) Designer of the Year 2013.

The two top local brands that both proudly affirm their African origins, are working together to bring luxury and taste to more South Africans, while raising awareness and support for the not-for-profit Amarula Trust that invests in sustaining communities and promoting conservation.

“We are celebrating two forwardlooking African original brands while supporting job creation and research into elephant behaviour to create conservation programmes,” said Amarula spokesperson, Christelle Bester.

In the first step of their collaboration, Klûk CGDT has created an Amarulainspired cream-coloured silk satin dress with a back covered in soft tulle, “that reflects the texture, presence and drama of the spirit of Africa,” explains Malcolm Klûk. “You will even find a reference to the hallmark golden tassel that adorns the neck of the bottle. The neck of the dress is edged with gold bugle beads and features a gold metal tassel on the shoulder. We wanted to highlight the tassel not only because it is a distinctive element of the Amarula packaging but because it is produced in a job-creation project that provides a valuable source of income for women with families to support.” The tassels tied around the neck of every bottle are threaded, knotted and brushed out by women in Sir Lowry Village, Macassar and Nomzamo before being delivered to Amarula. Klûk says the bias-cut, draped shoulder gown that forms part of Klûk CGDT’s Afro-Future collection was exhibited in Cape Town at the Lookout Marquee at the V&A Waterfront in the finale of the Red Carpet Fashion Show. It was also featured in the grand finale of the Mercedes-Benz Africa Fashion Week, staged at Freedom Park in Pretoria. As it gears up for its 25th birthday this year, Amarula is planning the launch of a new, very versatile spirit called Amarula Gold. The non-cream product goes to the very essence of the exotic African marula taste. It will be released into key global markets from the first quarter of this year, following extensive global research and testing. It was very positively received at the recent 2013 Tax Free World Association Exhibition in Cannes, where it was unveiled to key partners. Like Amarula Cream, it is also made from marula fruit that is fermented into a marula wine and then double-distilled and aged in oak for 24 months.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE TAKES POP-UP GALLERY TO SOWETO

The Bombay Imagination Room, curated by visionary arts group Mashumi Art Projects (MAP), hosted a popup gallery in Soweto for three weeks in December. With the aim of showcasing Soweto as an artistic and cultural hub, the Bombay Imagination Room gave Sowetans the opportunity to interact with art in an emotive setting.

During the exhibition, visitors could appreciate internationally acclaimed works from some of the finest home-grown artists, and also enjoy a Bombay Sapphire Gin, which uses only the finest botanicals created through its special Vapour Infusion process.

“Bombay Sapphire is proud to be associated with such a great concept which is infused with imagination, highlighting the finest South African art,” says Leigh Hofmeyr, marketing manager for Bombay Sapphire. Each week, a different art medium, from print and performance to photography and painters, were showcased at the gallery in a curated exhibition – with artists of the ilk of Soweto-based and Mpumalanga-born fine artist Kenny Nkosi, internationally award-winning photographer, Jodi Bieber, and pioneering painter, David Koloane, whose works are part of a number of collections worldwide, all part of the roster.