Wild about Whisky — Restaurant in Emakhazeni Local Municipality

RATING should be ZERO (0) - due to no service and rude and abrasive manner of the host, Dave towards us.

We had a very disappointing experience at Wild about Whisky on Sunday 16.6.2019 @15h00:

Despite paying the requested deposit of R750 (for random tasting - confirmed by e-mail, and not pre-selection) to secure an inside table, it was clear on arrival, slightly before the arranged time, that a table was not reserved and no inside seating available.

While at the entrance, the host, Dave, advised in a very rude manner that a table cannot be secured unless a pre-selection was made - we would not have paid the deposit if that was the condition.

We were then seated at an outside table, received menus and literally left out in the cold. I had to call over an assistant to request service after approximately 15 min, at which stage we decided to leave and claimed our deposit.

On leaving I wanted to speak to Dave about the situation and on expressing my disappointment he again started ranting, in a very abrasive manner, about pre-selection although they aware from the beginning that we were not interested in that and accepted our deposit for a reservation for 'random' tasting. This might have been an opportunity for Dave to apologize for poor service rather than attack.

Although we received apologies from Eve, nothing can make up for spoiling a carefully arranged special treat for my husband celebrating Father's Day with his children.

We were all so disappointed in the lack of service and Dave's rude and abrasive manner towards us as customers, that we will

NOT return to Wild about Whisky for any reason whatsoever

not even to collect the gift offered by Eve 'as a token of apologies'...

Whisky!!!

Now that I have your attention, St Paddy's day is coming up. Why not take a drive to Dullstroom and stay a night or two and check out Wild About Whisky, Dullstroom and have a wee dram.

If you love Whisky then you will be in absolutely heaven with the vast array of Whiskys available for tastings and pairings. Don't despair if you not into Whisky, they also cater for Gin, Brandy, Tequila, Liquers, Wine, Rum and rare collectibles if you want to make an investment to add to your bar. Juliette was such a pleasure to chat to, she is passionate about what she does and has such a broad knowledge of these drinks, and believe me there is a sh*tload of alcohol in that premises if you see my photos. I don't think I could remember them all. She does. #TequilaCollectionEnvy

So I decided to have a Tequila and Chocolate pairing, and was blown away by the smooth taste of the Sierra Tequila she chose for me. The added chocolate completely changed the taste and made it more potent in your mouth. I actually preferred the Extra-Añejo without the Chocolate. Strange but true lol. It's definitely a Tequila I need to explore ie. Añejo, Reposado and Fumado.

I followed that up with a classic "Old Fashioned cocktail" Bourbon, Bitters, Sugar and an Italian Amareno cherry. Great way to end the day.

They don't really have food, so if you need to line your tummy before going there are plenty of food places to try. It's a great place to explore and learn something new. These places can use all the support now that the ban has been lifted. Please remember to drink...

Seldom allocate 5 stars in a review, unless it is exceptional, that is my view on Wild About Whisky. Fair enough, some bias may be applicable considering a certain affinity for whisky. Dave, Chris, Juliette & Co. certainly know their subject matter, having travelled extensively after the whisky allure, they entwine you with their stories hunting after the flavours of the multitude whiskies out there in the wide world. Joining them for a whisk(e)y tasting is a treat not to be missed, quite a selection to pick from, if unsure, let their expertise guide you down the right path to sensory bliss on the palate. For those with a sweeter tooth, or something different, you must try the chocolate pairing. Fear not, there is a match made in heaven. If you dare, venture into the bar, but steer clear of the whisky menu, DO NOT OPEN. Once you open it, you will be at a loss for choice, there is a myriad of whiskies which will leave you drooling for days to come. There are whiskies one would invariably have never heard of. If undecided, never mind, there is expertise on hand. Venturing in the whisky shop itself is akin to stepping into Aladdin’s Cave. Competitively priced, you will leave with a gem or two in-hand for sure. On the up side, if others in your party are not whisky aficionados (yet), fear not, there are a variety of other liquid refreshments on hand, some delightful (so I am lead to believe) gin and brandies on the shelves as well. Yes, wine and malt as well. Do recommend you spend some time there, otherwise you may well have another regret to add to your...