On Monday i was invited to the exclusive Johnnie Walker Master Class that was conducted by the brands global ambassador Tom Jones at the flamboyant Prime Grill & Butchery in Fourways. Tom, who flew in from Scotland, took us through the history of this smooth, rich, textured blended scotch whisky and mentored us on how best to enjoy its flavour.
"I'm gonna put on the strong Scottish accent to make this more authentic," joked Tom to a hubbub of laughter from invited guests as he got the evening under way.
He revealed the amazing 200 Year old history of the Johnnie Walker brand, founded by 14 year old John Walker in a grocery store to its period of growth driven by his grandson Alexander Walker.
Tom then shared an insight into the blending process of this well loved whisky before our taste palates were spoilt with some of Johnnie Walkers best whisky's - Platinum, Blue Label and the limited edition King George V.
Johnnie Walker itself is quite pungent, smooth on the tongue and palate with a rich spicy after taste that follows the warmth from the whisky.
The highlight of the evening was the process of 'nosing' the whisky were guests were taught about the technique of unleashing the aroma.
"Concentrate, close your eyes and build a smell memory. Our noses can taste different flavours in the whisky. The art of blending is finding those distinctive flavours," said Tom.
Johnnie Walker has been on sale in South Africa for like forever. Of course its not the cheapest drink to buy at a bar but there is fulfilment in every sip.
"I love my whisky on rocks, but dilution all depends on the preference of the drinker. In my first job i used to work in a kitchen because i was too young to work in the bar. The company i worked for had thousands of whiskies," he divulged.
Meeting Tom was the epitome of the evening. This guy knows his whisky. The hugely knowledgeable and credible Scotch whisky expert travels the world in his role as the Johnnie Walker Global Ambassador providing intimate knowledge of Johnnie Walker to whisky connoisseurs and helping them discover more about the magic and mystery of the world’s number one selling blended Scotch whisky brand.
"I have had a wonderful time in South Africa. The reception has been great. its my first time in South Africa, i went on a safari, rode elephants. Its just been amazing," he declared his love for the country.
As Global Brand Ambassador, he is the face and voice of Johnnie Walker around the world. He participates in media interviews and events, hosts mentored tastings and master classes and inspires whisky lovers around the world about the amazing history and heritage of the Johnnie Walker brand.
A special thanks to Jacqui Von Loggenburg from Shake The Tree for the invite and to Prime Grill for the warm hospitality and amazing meal.
"I'm gonna put on the strong Scottish accent to make this more authentic," joked Tom to a hubbub of laughter from invited guests as he got the evening under way.
He revealed the amazing 200 Year old history of the Johnnie Walker brand, founded by 14 year old John Walker in a grocery store to its period of growth driven by his grandson Alexander Walker.
Tom then shared an insight into the blending process of this well loved whisky before our taste palates were spoilt with some of Johnnie Walkers best whisky's - Platinum, Blue Label and the limited edition King George V.
Johnnie Walker itself is quite pungent, smooth on the tongue and palate with a rich spicy after taste that follows the warmth from the whisky.
The highlight of the evening was the process of 'nosing' the whisky were guests were taught about the technique of unleashing the aroma.
"Concentrate, close your eyes and build a smell memory. Our noses can taste different flavours in the whisky. The art of blending is finding those distinctive flavours," said Tom.
Johnnie Walker has been on sale in South Africa for like forever. Of course its not the cheapest drink to buy at a bar but there is fulfilment in every sip.
"I love my whisky on rocks, but dilution all depends on the preference of the drinker. In my first job i used to work in a kitchen because i was too young to work in the bar. The company i worked for had thousands of whiskies," he divulged.
Meeting Tom was the epitome of the evening. This guy knows his whisky. The hugely knowledgeable and credible Scotch whisky expert travels the world in his role as the Johnnie Walker Global Ambassador providing intimate knowledge of Johnnie Walker to whisky connoisseurs and helping them discover more about the magic and mystery of the world’s number one selling blended Scotch whisky brand.
"I have had a wonderful time in South Africa. The reception has been great. its my first time in South Africa, i went on a safari, rode elephants. Its just been amazing," he declared his love for the country.
As Global Brand Ambassador, he is the face and voice of Johnnie Walker around the world. He participates in media interviews and events, hosts mentored tastings and master classes and inspires whisky lovers around the world about the amazing history and heritage of the Johnnie Walker brand.
A special thanks to Jacqui Von Loggenburg from Shake The Tree for the invite and to Prime Grill for the warm hospitality and amazing meal.
