The Whisky Barrel South Africa is not your average club. It’s a thriving virtual community where whisky lovers gather to taste, learn and connect from the comfort of their own homes. We spoke to founder Aveen Mahado to learn more about the club’s mission, how tastings are curated and what makes virtual whisky experiences so compelling.
A Pandemic Passion That Sparked a Whisky Community
The idea for virtual whisky tastings came during a unique time. As the alcohol ban was lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic and social gatherings were still restricted, Aveen saw an opportunity to connect people through a shared love of whisky.
“I wanted to combine my love for whisky with my passion for connecting with people. My mission is to introduce whisky to first-time tasters, long-time aficionados and curious drinkers across South Africa,” he says.
Virtual sessions allow members to explore different types of whisky, learn about their origins and flavours and engage in lively discussions from the comfort of home. For beginners, it’s a relaxed introduction to whisky. For seasoned drinkers, it’s a chance to share insights and enjoy rare expressions. Above all, Aveen’s goal is to create an inclusive, educational and enjoyable community built around a shared passion.
How the Whisky’s Are Chosen
Every virtual tasting is curated around a specific theme. These have ranged from Bomb’s Away – A Sherry Bomb Tasting to Around the World in Six Whiskies and To Peat or Not to Peat. Each session includes six samples: two off-the-shelf, two hard-to-find and two rare.
“I look at style and profile. These include cereal, fruity, floral, winey, feinty, sulphury, woody and peaty,” Aveen explains.
He also follows four criteria:
- Accessibility: A mix of rare and readily available bottles so anyone can try or purchase what they like.
- Quality: Only well-regarded whisky’s are chosen to highlight craftsmanship.
- Variety: Tastings feature a mix of regions and styles to showcase whisky’s diversity.
- Member Experience: Selections are designed to suit different palates and knowledge levels.
“My goal is to offer a memorable and enriching experience that broadens members’ knowledge, refines their palate and deepens their love for whisky.”
What Makes a Virtual Tasting Work
Fun, education and connection are the pillars of every session. Preparation is key. Aveen focuses on being an engaging host, building a clear agenda and using tools like tasting mats to guide members through the process.
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“I teach people how to nose, taste and evaluate a whisky. I keep it informal but informative. The mats help people jot down notes on flavour, aroma and mouthfeel,” he explains.
Live polls, Q&A sessions and clear instructions make the sessions feel personal and interactive. He also gathers feedback throughout to ensure participants are getting the most out of the experience.
Making Whisky Education Inclusive
At The Whisky Barrel, education is never intimidating. “We are not snobby or elitist about whisky. There is no one-size-fits-all,” Aveen says.
Beginners are taught the basics, including whisky types, production processes and how to use a flavour wheel. Members may even use aroma kits to train their nose on scents like vanilla, oak or spice. As the tasting progresses, participants are encouraged to share what they detect and describe their experience.
The goal is to create an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of experience, feels comfortable learning and sharing.
Why Virtual Tasting Is Here to Stay
Virtual tastings come with plenty of perks. They’re easy to join, require no travel and cost less than in-person events. “You can drink in your pyjamas, no need to drive or book an Uber and you’re free to enjoy yourself without judgment,” Aveen says.
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Beyond convenience, virtual sessions are also powerful learning tools.
- Accessibility means anyone around the country can join.
- Technology allows for live interaction, recordings and playback.
- Expert Access is easier online. The Whisky Barrel has hosted sessions with global ambassadors, distillers and CEOs from top whiskey brands.
“We provide educational materials, tasting mats and notes so people can really deepen their understanding,” he adds.
The Most Memorable Moment
In 2023, The Whisky Barrel bottled its first-ever single cask whisky in collaboration with Duncan Taylor. Only 68 bottles were produced. It was a milestone for South African whiskey lovers. “It was our proudest moment. The feedback was incredible. People still talk about it,” Aveen says.
Long-time member Rainesh Pillay summed it up best: “TWBSA is a space where whiskey lovers at every level can come together. The sessions are casual, well-researched and community-focused. We’ve had tastings with master distillers that went on for hours because everyone was enjoying themselves.”
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What’s Next for Virtual Whiskey
The future of virtual tasting is filled with exciting potential. From augmented reality distillery tours to robotic distillers and sustainable production, technology is reshaping how people engage with whisky. “We may soon see haptic devices that simulate the feel of whiskey or AR tours that let you walk through the distillery while sipping,” Aveen says. He also predicts a rise in hybrid events where members can choose to join in person or online, as well as personalised tasting experiences tailored to individual preferences. “There’s so much potential to build deeper and more immersive whisky experiences. As technology evolves, so will the way we taste, learn and connect.”
