Taj Cape Town’s Customised Whiskey-Tasting Experiences

Fine whiskies in crystal glasses, old black-and-white photos on exposed brick walls… Taj Cape Town’s whiskey lounge is an intimate enclave off the hotel’s Lobby Lounge and Bar that embues an air of old-world serenity.

The sophisticated space is dedicated to an extensive whiskey collection, including rare single malts bought from private collectors or purchased at auction, and offers a series of varied, customisable tastings that are the perfect way to learn more about this age-old spirit.

Whisky or whiskey?

Both the Scottish spelling “whisky” and Irish “whiskey” derive from the Gaelic uisce beatha meaning water of life, but spelling discrepancies fade to the background as you learn the differences between grain whiskey and malt, single-cask whiskies and blended malts. You’re invited to choose from a wide selection of themes for hour-long fun, informal and informative guided tastings with a dedicated whiskey guide.

Food for thought

Three food-and-whiskey pairings offer a pleasurable introduction to the rarefied world of spirits and reveal how well the various spirits go with sweet and savoury eats.

• Irish Whiskey Tasting Bushmills Original, Silkie and Sexton paired with chocolate truffles. Cost R395
• Scottish Whisky Tasting Glenkinchie, Glenfiddich and Caolila paired with mini desserts. Cost R395
• Around the World Five whiskies (Three Ships, Paul John, Jack Rye, Jameson Select, and Nikka) paired with savoury canapés. Cost R695

Customised whiskey tastings

Or customise your tasting experience with a selection of corresponding whiskies:

• Intro to Whiskey An overview of the world of whiskey.
• Intro to Scotch The history of Scotch and its characteristic flavours.
• Intro to Irish Whiskey A focus on the history and nuances of the Irish spirit.
• Intro to American Whiskey A focus on bourbon, rye and the history of the small American producers.
• Intro to Asian Whiskey The rich history of Japanese whiskey and newer producers Taiwan and India.
• Flavours of Whiskey Discover the wide array of flavours in whiskey and where they come from.
• Wood Influence The impact of wood ageing on flavour development, cask sizes, climates and wood finishes.
• Five Nations Five whiskies from different new-world whiskey-producing countries including South Africa.

Contemplate the finer things in life as you immerse yourself in the infinitely varied world of whiskey.
Opening times Daily, 3pm
Contact 021 819 2111, restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com
Where to find it Taj Cape Town, 1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town
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