Africa's First Johnnie Walker Whisky Bar Launched at The Saxon Hotel

‘Eighteen05' is the first authentic Johnnie Walker whisky bar in Africa and the first of its kind outside Scotland. The glamorous and intimate bar will bring an unprecedented luxury whisky experience to guests at The Saxon with a chance to try rare blends, take part in expert led tastings and learn more about the history of this iconic brand.

The name Eighteen05 draws its significance from the year 1805, when Scottish founder, John “Johnnie” Walker, was born. The name is also a homage to the 200 limited edition bottles created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Johnnie Walker in 2005. Made by master blender Jim Beverage, the 1805 is created with the best rare whiskies, predominantly selected from distilleries no longer in existence, making them extremely coveted.

Despite being worth an estimated £25,000 each, the bottles are not available for sale. However, The Saxon's is now the home of one of the bottles given by Johnnie Walker in celebration of the partnership. To mark this kind gesture at exactly 18:05 each day the bar pays tribute to founder Johnnie Walker with a toast.

With its warm and inviting atmosphere, the stylish Eighteen05 has been designed by South Africa's most celebrated and sought after interior designer, Stephen Falcke. Responsible for securing The Saxon's place on the design map, he was tasked with creating a bar that authentically embodied the Johnnie Walker brand, while staying true to the hotel's truly African sprit.

Sophisticated navy wallpaper is offset by light and dark wood panelled flooring, while unusual, eye-catching African wood chandeliers drop from the ceiling for an illuminated, inviting setting. The warm ambience inside Eighteen05 is contrasted by views onto the cooling waters of the hotel's main pool.

To further enhance the Eighteen05 experience, one of the bar's walls has been specially designed to showcase bottles of Jonnie Walker Blue, which sits behind a clear perspex panel for safekeeping. These bottles are available for guest's to purchase and each bottle sold will feature a special placard engraved with the buyer's name which is then personally available to them whenever they visit.

“We are honoured to launch South Africa's, Africa's, only authentic Johnnie Walker bar,” says George Cohen, Managing Director of the Saxon. “As part of our ongoing pursuit to meet and exceed evolving tastes, we wanted to create an exclusive, luxury experience for our guests to grow in their appreciation for whisky.”

“Johnnie Walker like The Saxon, is recognised as an icon of personal progress, as an international, high-status, sophisticated and dynamic brand. When two iconic brands such as these come together, the result can be nothing short of spectacular,” concluded Cohen.

Visit website: www.saxon.co.za