OK, many of us have done a wine tasting – perhaps quite often! But whisky tasting? Doesn’t it all taste the same? Well, actually, no. There is just as much expertise and mystique in making whisky as there is in making wine.
And you don’t have to be an expert to tell the difference between a smoky, peaty malt whisky from the Hebridean island of Islay (3500 people and 9 distilleries!) and the classic flavours of honey, vanilla, and ripe green fruits in the Speyside whiskies from the north east of Scotland.
Now there is the opportunity to experience the joys of whisky tasting at the McGregor Whisky Weekend from 16th-18th September.
With its strong Scottish connections, stunning mountain scenery, often described as “Scotland with sun”, and the expertise of eight of South Africa’s leading whisky distributors, this new event in the historic and beautiful village of McGregor has something for everybody.
The main event, at the Lords Winery overlooking the village, will feature at least 40 Scottish whiskies and more than a few others. You can taste as many as you dare!
In addition, there will be Masterclasses on the Friday and Saturday nights, where experts will explain the subtleties of producing the malt, distilling the spirit and storing the whisky in carefully chosen casks, which can account for up to 60% of the flavour – with more samples to taste, of course!
And if that’s not enough for you, there will be wine and MCC tasting at Lords, and some of the other 50 wineries in the Breede Valley; a masterclass on making whisky cocktails; the chance to get to know Shanky’s Whip, the newcomer on the scene, and other attractions such as Allendale farm close to Lords, where sheep are milked to produce cheese.
And after all that tasting, there are the many and varied eateries in McGregor, where you can relax and enjoy outstanding food.
More about the McGregor Whisky Weekend can be found on the website www.mcgregorwhiskyweekend.co.za, where you can also buy tickets for the main event and masterclasses.
There are also some stunning places to stay in McGregor but space is limited, so don’t delay if you want to enjoy this unique experience.

Slainte Mhath