Absa Bank Kenya curates a whiskey pairing evening at Magical Kenya Open 2023

It is often said that there’s nothing quite like enjoying a nice glass of whiskey at the end of a long day (or week!). It feels so good. There’s something about its smooth, warming flavor that just makes you feel relaxed and at ease. Whether it’s Irish whiskey, scotch, bourbon, or Canadian whiskey, it’s the most popular liquor in the world and it’s used in numerous cocktail and shot recipes.

Yesterday evening, Absa Bank Kenya Plc hosted a Whiskey Tasting event for its Premier, Corporate Investment Banking & Markets customers coupled with great conversations and networking at its VIP Pavilion by the 13th Hole of the Muthaiga Golf Club. The exclusive event was on the sidelines of the ongoing 2023 Magical Kenya Open taking place between the 9th – 12th of March.  The pavilion was decked out in bold, beautiful African decor beautifully curated by Ciiru Waweru and her amazing team at FunKidz Limited and Fun Homes.

The event was graced by Absa Bank’s interim Managing Director Yusuf Omari , Managing Principal, Corporate and Investment Banking James Agin, Chief Marketing Officer Carolyne Kendi, EABL’s Group MD Jane Karuku among other dignitaries, and invited guests.

Absa Bank Kenya is the official Presenting Partner of the 2023 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) tournament. This is the 13th consecutive year that Absa is partnering with the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) to sponsor the international tournament, now firmly part of the prestigious DP World Tour.

While making his remarks at the event, Absa Bank’s interim Managing Director, Yusuf Omari reiterated the bank’s commitment to connecting their customers’ dreams and aspirations with the resources and expertise they need to actualize them. Furthermore, the bank looks to go beyond transactional relationships with customers by building authentic connections through events such as the Whiskey tasting event. 

Absa has over the past 13 years partnered with the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) to grow the profile and stature of the Kenya Open tournament, transforming it into a great asset, not just for the golfing fraternity but also for the country. Two weeks ago, Absa Bank Kenya announced an overall investment of KES70 million as the Official Presenting Partner for the 2023 MKO in line with the Bank’s long-term commitment to sports such as golf and athletics.

Whiskey tasking is simple yet fun. Here’s 3 steps on how to do it, without too much fuss.

1. First, observe and just look at the whisky in your glass, preferably against a white background. Experts will advise you to have a look at the colors: they tell the story of what kind of cask the whiskey was matured in, where it was made, and how long it aged.

2. Take your time, and slowly smell the whisky. Try to focus on certain aromas, and what they remind you of.

3. Sip it. Take a small sip for a few seconds moving the whiskey around your mouth and looking for flavors.

Simple right?

Whiskey can be enjoyed in all kinds of different ways. Neat, on the rocks, with water or soda—it’s entirely up to you. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use it in cooking. It is also the perfect drink for a special occasion or a night out.

Magical Kenya Open 2023 edition is expected to attract an estimated 156 elite golfers from across the world, including 8 Kenyan professionals (Pros) and 6 amateurs who will take a shot at the high stakes $2 million prize purse. Over 15,000 spectators are expected to visit Muthaiga Golf Club over the four days of the tournament.

(pictures courtesy of Justus Kisava )

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