Coffee – the magic beans that get me going in the morning. I love coffee. What smells nicer than opening a bag of freshly ground coffee beans and inhaling deeply? No wonder it is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Coffee has been the magic bean getting people going for a long, long time. There is evidence of coffee drinking around the middle of the 15th century in Yemen.
Whiskey is a spirit that brings people together. It gets people talking and having fun. It is an experience to be shared, to learn about, and to enjoy. However, exploring new whisky can be difficult in today’s economic climate. With rising food prices and fuel costs, whisky has become a luxury item. But there’s a solution: start a whiskey club!
One of my favourite events of the year is the annual Whisky and Spirit live festival in Sandton. Not only do I get to taste a variety of whisky, but I get to meet up with many whisky friends. And over the years, traditions have formed.
During December, Segan, a whisky friend tagged me on a post on Instagram. He tried a new Checkers Private Barrel Co release and loved it. He described it as ‘… the best tasting Irish whiskey for the sub R300 range that I’ve had this year and has a nose like a hummingbird cake.”
Today I look at a bottle I opened for to celebrate a special event; the Balvenie Triple Cask 16 year old single malt Scotch whisky. One of the best things for me about whisky is the opportunity to open it celebrate something special.
A while ago, I spotted the Speyburn Bradan Orach single malt Scotch whisky and added it to my collection. It was in the affordable category and retailed for around R 450.