Running from the 5th to 7th November in Cape Town and 12th to 14th November in Johannesburg, the annual FNB Whisky Live Festival in is set to be more thrilling than ever.

With the introduction of innovations designed to demystify one of South Africa's most popular tipple — whisky — the 2008 FNB Whisky Live Festival aims to take both whisky connoisseurs and novices, alike, on an unforgettable journey through the allure, origins, flavours and history of whisky.

Building on its reputation as the world's biggest and most exciting consumer whisky event, the sixth annual festival will once again attract one of the largest contingents of international whisky distillers and ambassadors to ever have visited South Africa.

More than 180 local and international whiskies, including Scottish, American, South African and Irish brands, as well as whiskies from far afield as Japan, India and Wales, will be showcased.

Sian Neubert, co-organiser of the FNB Whisky Live Festival says that whisky is fast becoming the drink of choice in South Africa.

"As such, the festival acts as a draw card to international distillers, many of which use it as a platform to launch new brands, ranges and collectors items to the South African market," she says.

"The festival has become a date in the social calendar and a great night out for whisky lovers and newcomers to the category."

New whiskies and whisky-based liqueurs to be launched at this year's festival include, amongst others, a liqueur by BenRiach, a pink whiskey and a range of Japanese whiskies as well as a fabulous collection of Independent Bottlings, presented by Whisky Magazine.

Festival-goers can sample and learn about a variety of popular and rare whiskies while mingling with the people behind the brands in The Tasting Hall or attend one of the entertaining 12 workshops — hosted by international master distillers, global brand ambassadors, and whisky experts — tasting whiskies unavailable in the main Tasting Hall and possibly South Africa.

The Tasting Hall will also offer a choice of interactive whisky experiences including the Pyotts Sensory Zone, where visitors can learn how to pair whisky with foods like Portobello cheeses and Von Geusau chocolates.

Patrons will be able to wander into the Liquidchefs Whisky Cocktail Zone and learn how to whip up an exotic mix or enjoy live entertainment while indulging in exquisite up-market deli-style cuisine by By Word of Mouth in the new Food and Entertainment Zone.

Master Scotch distiller, Dewars, will be introducing an interactive Blending Zone, inviting small groups to blend their own whiskies and whisky expert Dave Hughes will be hosting an interactive educational tour on how whisky is made in the Back to Basics Zone.

International whisky writer, Dave Broom is back by popular demand and will offering "whisky bush talks" live on the stage, as well as two exclusive Japanese workshops.

The popular Lexus Connoisseur's Experience — The Ultimate Guided Tour, which was introduced and sold out at last year's event, will be back, offering festival-goers the opportunity to be chauffeur driven to the festival and then savour exclusive and rare whiskies generally not available to the public while joining a personal guide on a tour of the distillery stands.

"From connoisseurs and people who enjoy an occasional dram or two, to whisky novices and even non-whisky drinkers, this year's festival has a number of exciting whisky, liqueur, food and other lifestyle exhibitors that will serve to inform and entertain visitors," added co-organiser, Karen Chaloner.

It will run from 18h00 to 22h00 daily. Tickets cost R150 per person and will be available at Computicket from 16 September 2008. Group discounts (10 or more) are available.

The FNB Whisky Live Festival encourages responsible drinking. No persons under the age of 18 years old will be allowed into the Tasting Hall and dedicated driver tickets are available.

For further information please visit www.whiskylivefestival.co.zaor e-mail info@whiskylivefestival.co.za.