At The Macallan’s Sherry Oak Launch, Music, Legacy, Whisky Harmonise
Vanessa Obioha
On a recent Friday evening, the crème de la crème of whisky enthusiasts and distinguished personalities converged on the elegant Mantra Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos, to partake in a soirée that celebrated heritage, artistry, and sheer sophistication.
This distinguished gathering marked the unveiling of The Macallan’s Sherry Oak 25 and 30 Years Old, two remarkable additions to The Macallan’s Sherry Oak range renowned for its distinct craftsmanship and the meticulous ageing process in seasoned sherry oak casks sourced from Europe.
Known for its time-honoured tradition of creating exquisite and timeless experiences, the Mantra was transformed into an intimate setting that exuded opulence and refinement.
The room was bathed in a soft, amber glow, courtesy of the whisky’s radiance.
As guests congregated in clusters, which allowed for fluid interaction and mingling, a talented cellist played sweet melodies that were reminiscent of the finest notes of a single malt, filling the air and adding an extra layer of elegance to the ambience.
The focal point of the room was an elevated stage, bathed in a kaleidoscope of colourful lights that danced and flickered from every conceivable angle. However, it was not the lights that captured every eye; it was the Sherry Oak whiskies, each ensconced in a glass vessel, resting regally upon an ornate stool, like a precious gem on display.
Setting the tone of the night, guests were treated to a masterful bartending display, blending the aged single malt whisky with carefully chosen flavours.
The launch then transitioned into an informative journey through the crafting of The Macallan’s Sherry Oak 25 Years Old, a process that, as the Lagos brand ambassador, Daniel Atteh, articulated, spanned a staggering 125 years from the growth of the oak trees to their transformation at the distillery. Equally impressive was the story of the Sherry Oak 30 Years Old, which took three decades to attain its zenith of maturity.
Taking the experience further, the brand ambassador for Abuja Adeyinka Adepetun, took guests through a sensory tasting extravaganza. Commencing with the Sherry Oak 25 Years Old, Adepetun highlighted the colour, a mahogany hue and proceeded to distinguish the aromas which are a blend of citrus, balanced with cinnamon, sherry and wood smoke. With each sip, guests were transported on a journey through a symphony of flavours reminiscent of rich dried fruits, black cherries, and indulgent chocolate, punctuated by crystallized ginger and toasted almonds.
This captivating ritual repeated itself with the Sherry Oak 30 Years Old, distinguished by its dark natural mahogany hue and its rich tapestry of flavours, evoking sensations of indulgent fruitcake, succulent prunes, and the warm embrace of stem ginger, cinnamon, and sun-kissed oranges. Adepetun poetically described this aged single malt as an “ode to excellence and mastery.”
As the evening unfolded, famed Nigerian singer Waje elevated the experience to new heights. Draped in a resplendent gown that added to the opulent ambience, she serenaded the guests with soulful melodies, even inviting them to join in a harmonious rendition of Bob Marley’s ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low.’
The evening drew to a sublime conclusion as esteemed guests, including style icon Mai Atafo; award-winning Nigerian photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi; venture capitalist and tech entrepreneur Olumide Soyombo, and Big Cabal Media’s CEO, Tomiwa Aladekomo, unwound and savoured the rich ambience of a whisky brand whose storied tradition of unparalleled craftsmanship and peerless flavours remains unmatched in the whisky industry.
