This Friday, 35 of the country’s biggest names in business, entertainment, and media gathered for an exclusive three-hour whisky tasting as renowned whisky brand, The Macallan, introduced its time-honoured Sherry Oak 25 Years Old and 30 Years Old.
This exclusive group of Nigerian whisky enthusiasts is the first in West Africa to experience the whisky.
The event, which took place at the upscale Mantra restaurant in Victoria Island on September 8, 2023, saw guests treated to an evening of tasty canapes and cocktails before an exciting brand immersion session hosted by the brand Ambassadors, Adeyinka Adepetun and Daniel Atteh, a former BBNaija housemate.
Famed for its commitment to crafting a lifetime experience for whisky lovers, The Macallan spared no effort in ensuring every moment was expertly curated to give each attendee a unique experience.
As the guests filled the arena, soft piano music created a perfect backdrop for an atmosphere of sophistication that reflected the prestige of the occasion.
Attendees were then ushered into the exquisite pan-Asian restaurant that had been transformed into a coliseum-like arena, where guests were serenaded by the popular singer and songwriter, Waje.
The vocalist was fresh from her win at the 2023 Headies, where she scooped up a nod in the vocalist of the year category.
The event continued with an introduction to the stars of the evening, the Macallan Sherry Oak 25 and 30-year-olds.
The room of people was taken through the powerful history of the whisky pair and the Sherry Oak range that lies at the heart of The Macallan’s portfolio.
The Sherry Oak 25 Years Old, which underwent over two decades of maturation in seasoned sherry oak casks from Spain, delivered its moment of awe with its natural, rich mahogany colour.
Its distinctive aroma of cinnamon, sherry, and wood smoke was richly complemented by the flavours of vanilla, dried fruits, and ginger spice that lingered on the guests’ palates.
Its counterpart, the Sherry Oak 30-Year-Old, also delivered a lasting finish on whisky enthusiasts’ taste buds.
The expression’s three decades of maturation in European oak casks were evident in its deliciously smooth flavours of dried fruits, orange, and spice.
Amid spirited conversations and connections as the business elites and celebrities clinked glasses, singer Waje delivered a captivating encore performance. The powerful singer delighted the guests with smooth renditions of her hit songs, further enriching the magical evening.
Sharing his delight at the unveiling of the Sherry Oak pair, Commissioner, Investment, Trade, and Industry, Ekiti State, Akin Oyebode, said, “It’s truly a privilege to be here tonight, experiencing these exceptional expressions from The Macallan.
The Sherry Oak 25 Years Old and 30 Years Old have certainly lived up to their reputation.
The complexity of flavours and the smoothness of the whisky are nothing short of extraordinary. It’s moments like these that make you appreciate the artistry behind a great single malt.”
Other guests also noted that the Sherry Oak 25 Years Old and 30 Years Old showcased The Macallan as a master whisky distillery.
Mai Atafo praised both single malt whiskies as evidence of the brand’s enduring legacy in the world of whisky while describing the event as a unique opportunity to deepen whisky lovers’ appreciation of the finest whiskies and promote Nigeria’s whisky culture.
The fashion expert and whisky connoisseur said, “It is a joy to witness The Macallan’s attention to detail in putting this event together and making sure the guests enjoyed a truly remarkable time.
As we savoured the taste of these exceptional whiskies, I couldn’t help but feel that this exclusive unveiling had marked a turning point for the whisky culture in Nigeria.
The Macallan has undoubtedly set a precedent for what a great whisky experience should be in a country where the people are constantly seeking the finer things in life.”
The launch of the Sherry Oak 25 Years Old and 30 Years Old marks a new era in the appreciation of life’s finer pleasures by whisky lovers in Nigeria.
As the night came to an end and the distinguished guests departed the exquisite venue, they shared their profound admiration for The Macallan’s ability to constantly deliver exceptional experiences for whisky enthusiasts in the country.
See some photos below:
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