In a night that defined sophistication and style, Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, together with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team, hosted an exclusive celebration of craftsmanship and innovation at Club 1959, marking the launch of the new Glenfiddich 16 Year Old in South Africa.
Held at Daytona, Africa’s premier destination for luxury automobiles, Club 1959 brought to life the shared philosophy of Glenfiddich and Aston Martin, a meeting of minds that value precision, performance, and legacy. Guests were invited to immerse themselves in a space where the artistry of whisky making met the engineering brilliance of modern motoring.
An Immersive Paddock Experience
On arrival, guests entered through a Paddock Entrée, receiving bespoke Club 1959 paddock passes before stepping into a world that blended contemporary design, moody lighting, and curated sensory experiences. Behind the bar, Kurt Schlekter, world-renowned mixologist and visionary founder of CAUSE|EFFECT Cocktail Kitchen, served up signature cocktails inspired by the collaboration.
Examples included the 1959 Spritz, finished with a hand-torched branded orange peel, and a Whisky Old Fashioned theatrically presented with smoking wood chips in a luminous glass.
Tasting the Spirit of Progress
Gift Makoti, Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador, guided guests through an exclusive tasting of the newly launched Glenfiddich 16 Year Old. This bold expression pays tribute to the brand’s spirit of experimentation and mastery.
The tasting was perfectly complemented by a culinary journey curated by Chef Ramsay, whose canapé menu reimagined South African flavours with refined, international flair.
As the evening evolved, DJ Fistaz Mixwell brought the atmosphere to life with a soundscape that balanced sophistication and energy. Meanwhile, guests, dressed in F1-chic elegance, mingled among Aston Martin’s most iconic vehicles and Glenfiddich’s rarest drams.
A Shared Pursuit of Perfection
Lifa Bakana, Senior Brand Manager at Edward Snell & Co., summed up the evening’s ethos.
“Our partnership with Aston Martin is a celebration of artistry and ambition. Club 1959 was conceived as a living expression of that ethos, where performance and craft meet to create something extraordinary.” ~ Lifa Bakana, Senior Brand Manager at Edward Snell & Co..
Gift Makoti added to this, noting how the new release embodies their shared values.
“The Glenfiddich 16 Year Old embodies the spirit of progress that both brands share. From Dufftown’s stills to the sleek design of Aston Martin, every detail reflects a pursuit of perfection.” ~ Gift Makoti, Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador.
Captured through a lens of luxury, Club 1959 offered guests more than an evening of whisky and design; it was a statement of intent from two brands that continue to shape the world of excellence and innovation.
