Saturday 26 July 2008

The Durban Spar Whisky & Jazz Festival

The Durban leg of the "Spar Whisky & Jazz Festival" was held from Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th July 2008 at the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment world which in itself has become a landmark in Durban.

Once again all major whisky distributors were present and the paying whisky enthusiasts were spoilt with an exceptional array of the world's leading whiskies.

Jameson whiskey was as popular at this show as it turned out to be at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition where it was awarded a Double Gold. A real treat for visitors at the Durban "Spar Whisky & Jazz Festival" was the opportunity to sample a reserve Jameson Gold whiskey.

Chivas Brothers showcased the "Chivas Regal" 12 and 18 year old whiskies; the "The Glenlivet" single malt whisky range and the "Royal Salute" 21 year old and "100 Cask Selection".

As usual Chivas Regal 12 year old stole the show and surprised all that it cost no more than other 12 year old whiskies. The Prince of Whiskies will always be "the Chivas Regal of Scotch". The Chivas Regal 18 year old is in the style of the younger 12 year old but older and smoother with a richer and lightly peated silky palate.

The "The Glenlivet" stole hearts with the 15 year old French Oak Reserve and the 16 year old "Nadurra" gained many fans while the 12 year old was revisited by many fans familiar with its fame. The Glenlivet is the whisky that started it all - the first licensed distillery in Scotland, the first whisky to use the term "Single Malt" and the whisky to establish the "Speyside" region from where the top 10 selling single malt whiskies come from. As all world famous whisky writers proclaim: "The Glenlivet is the quintessential single malt against which all other single malts are measured".

The Royal Salute whiskies were admired and desired but not offered for tasting. The youngest offering in the Royal Salute range starts with 21 year old which is followed by the collectable limited release 100 Cask Selection. The 100 cask selection is followed by the 38 year old Stone of Destiny and finally the top of the range is capped with the solid gold and 'hallmarked' silver labelled 50 year old.


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