WATCH: Whisky, art, and flavour: Inside The Balvenie Makers Project launch

The Balvenie recently hosted an exclusive media tasting of its three signature single malt Scotch whiskies at SINN Restaurant in Sandhurst, Sandton. I had the pleasure of attending, and it was a memorable afternoon of flavour, artistry, and craftsmanship.

Before we even lifted a glass, I was struck by the brand’s heritage. The Balvenie has been made in Speyside, Scotland, since 1892 and still holds onto its traditional craftsmanship. We tasted the 12-, 14-, and 21-year-old single malts, and more importantly, we learned how to drink whisky properly. Let’s just say… I’ll never look at a glass of single malt the same way again.

Introducing The Makers Project

The tasting also doubled as the official South African launch of The Makers Project, a global collaboration that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.

For its local debut, the iconic whisky brand partnered with two visionary South African creators: Cassandra Davis, the culinary chef behind SINN and Maia Lehr-Sacks, an innovative paper artist whose sculptural window displays will soon transform Norman Goodfellows stores into immersive works of art.

It’s all about taking the brand’s ethos, Made by Heart. Crafted by Patience, and seeing how South African makers interpret it in their own way.

Casandra Davis head chef at SINN, Gift Mako Balvenie SA Brand Ambassador & Maia Lehr-Sack artist

Table layout of the dishes at SINN during The Balvenie Makers Project event. Photo: Supplied

The Balvenie menu at SINN Johannesburg. Photo: Supplied

Whisky with wisdom

Having attended whisky tastings before, I was struck by the knowledge and passion of Gift Makoti, The Balvenie’s South Africa Brand Ambassador. He guided us through the elements that make a great whisky, from the wood and cask to the barrel and explained how the world transitioned from blended whiskies to single malts. His storytelling left us not just sipping whisky but understanding it.

We also got a preview of Maia's work: her Five Pillars of the Perfect Scene, a sculptural reflection of her upcoming paper installations. Delicate and detailed, her work gave us a glimpse of the immersive experience soon to come.

WATCH: Inside The Makers Project launch

On the food side, Chef Davis curated a whisky-pairing menu from SINN that hit all the right flavour notes. My highlight was the kingklip risotto (creamy, rich, and just right). I also stole a bite of the steak from another guest, worth it. Dessert was a choice between a decadent dark chocolate torta silk and a divine tiramisu; the latter was my favourite indulgence of the day.

The Makers Project is more than a campaign; it’s a celebration of craft, creativity, and character. With fine whisky, inspired artistry, delicious food, and the warmth of Joburg’s spring air, the event was the perfect toast to makers everywhere.