Mark Reynier is something of a maverick. Certainly a visionary. A man with the gift of the gab and a deep-love for single malt whisky. He is, if you know your malts, the man who revived the mothballed Scottish distillery of Bruichladdich, transforming it into one of the most celebrated distilleries on the island of Islay.
But when Bruichladdich was sold (against his wishes) for £58 million in 2012, Reynier went in search of a new project. He turned his gaze south, to the Irish city of Waterford, and transformed an old Guinness Brewery on the banks of the River Suir into a state-of-the-art distillery named for the city.
As you’d expect from Reynier, he didn’t want to make just any old malt. Rather, he tore up the playbook with a philosophy built on the terroir expression of barley, working with dozens of farmers to create malts that could stand on their own (in the Single Farm Origin Series), but also come together in a Waterford Cuvée to create, in typically Reynier understatement, 'the most profound whisky possible'.
Local whisky lovers will have the rare opportunity to enjoy a dram or three of Waterford whiskies with Mark Reynier himself this month, with a series of hosted dinners and guided tastings on offer.
Longridge Wine Farm: Biodynamic Whisky meets Biodynamic Wine | Friday, August 9, 2024. From 5.30 pm
In the Stellenbosch Winelands Reynier – who also produces a handful of organic single malts under the Waterford label – teams up with biodynamic wine pioneer Jasper Raats for a dinner that explores, explains and pairs biodynamic whisky and wine over dinner. Tickets (R850pp) include a three-course dinner, three wines and three whiskies. An extra 80 tickets have been made available due to popular demand. Tickets can be booked via Longridge.
Paternoster Wine Lounge Bar | Saturday, August 10, 2024. 1 pm – 3 pm
With a home on Islay Reynier is no stranger to wild and windy coastlines and will be taking over the Paternoster Wine Lounge to host a ‘Meet the Founder’ tasting session. Tickets (R200) include a tasting of three Waterford whiskies and the chance to hear the story of Waterford from Reynier himself.
Tommy’s Chop Shop | Tuesday, August 13, 2024
**SOLD OUT** Head to the East City where Reynier will be propping up the bar at Tommy’s Chop Shop. This informal event will see whisky fans enjoying a few drams with Mark Reynier, while enjoying tapas-styled plates by Frankie Fenner. The focus will be on the Single Farm Origin series and the Cuvées, with Waterford bottles available to purchase. Tickets are R350, and available on the Tommy’s Chop Shop website.
The Drinkery | Wednesday, August 14, 2024. From 6 pm.
This intimate cocktail bar is set in the heart of Heritage Square on Bree Street, and dishes up some of the best mixology in Cape Town. There will be Waterford cocktails available for purchase on the night, specially crafted by The Drinkery mixologists, and the chance to taste three drams with Mark Reynier. Entrance is free, and the tasting is on the house, but cocktails are for your own tab.
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