God dram! If you like it on The Rocks or with a splash of soda, then come on down this November to Sydney’s biggest whisky festival.

The Rocks in Sydney’s CBD will be pouring together one of Australia’s biggest whisky festivals yet, Whisk(e)y on The Rocks – a journey of the senses rich with discovery, tastings and more – from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November 2020.

More than just a taste-test, Whisk(e)y on The Rocks is set to boast an array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences from some of the world’s leading whisky makers including Johnnie Walker, Wild Turkey and Glenfiddich to name a few.

Over two hours ticket-holders will be able to explore Whisk(e)y on The Rocks’ four festival zones which are complete with mouthfuls of tastings and activations from an array of internationally recognised whisky brands before exploring a path of participating bars, pubs and restaurants all part of The Rocks’ Whisk(e)y Trail.

We recommend kicking off your four-zone whisky exploration at The Fever-Tree High Ball Bar located at Campbells Cove. The Fever-Tree will house whiskies from all festival partners and will seamlessly mix and match a range of whiskies with a compilation of the Fever-Tree range to create the iconic whisky highball. As well as that, zone one will also share a space with the Glenfiddich Whisky Wanderer – a vintage two-storey bus renovated with an in-house high-class premium bar and a hydraulic pop-up roof. Grab a sample or even order your own personalised Glenfiddich Whisky bottle that makes for the perfect Christmas gift.

Next, on the corner of 47 George Street and 6-8 Atherden Street, Sydney whisky lovers will be tantalised by zone two’s three-levelled home of whisky for the duration of Whisk(e)y on The Rocks. Firstly, visitors will be invited to sample and sip as they learn about the history and craftsmanship of Maker’s Mark before heading upstairs to experience Dead Rabbit’s Old Irish Whisky Bar. Then, be sure to make your way upstairs to the second-storey loft to the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Bar – you won’t regret it.

Next door on Playfair Street, zone three will be going bananas with the iconic orange Monkey Shoulder Mixer Truck – you can’t miss it – it’s a giant cocktail shaker on wheels! Enjoy the premium Monkey Shoulder’s blended malt Scotch Whisky neat, on the rocks or mixed into a range of delicious cocktails straight out of the giant mixer.

Finally, zone four will be taken over by internationally recognised whisky brand Johnnie Walker. To help celebrate 200 years of Johnnie Walker, the Argyle’s courtyard will be transformed into an all-inspired Johnnie Walker arena to pay tribute (and of course to enjoy) the brand’s renowned taste and style.

Here throughout the Whisk(e)y Trail guests will also be able to flick through the Fever-Tree flavour wheel to sample, learn about their palate and to trial their way through mixing with the best, Fever-Tree.

After you’ve completed your two-hour journey through the Whisk(e)y on The Rocks’ whisky trail, head on over to The Argyle, The Doss House, Mrs Jones at the Orient Hotel, the Copper Dog Courtyard at The Push, The Mercantile Hotel, Sergeant Lok, Tayim, Fortune of War or Maybe Sammy to indulge in a tailored Starward Whisky experience where you’ll be able to enjoy a bespoke Whisk(e)y on The Rocks menu offering customers a diverse range of food and whisky-inspired experiences.

And if you thought it stopped there, you’ll be tippled to know that it doesn’t. Throughout the duration of the four-day whisky festival, Sydney will also be hosting a range of 45-minute Master Classes in the heritage-listed Campbells Cove stores that overlook Sydney Harbour. With sessions ticketed separately, Sydney whisky lovers will be able to dive deep into the history, craftsmanship and journey of participating brands and portfolios of partnering whisky houses all led by the very best ambassadors and educators in the industry.

To comply with COVID-19 restrictions, limited tickets are now available for Whisk(e)y on The Rocks. Tickets include festival access, seven sample tokens redeemable for 15mL whisky nips and cocktails across the festival zones and partner experiences. And if you’re looking to take home a goodie bag, full bottles will be available to purchase via contactless payment and home delivery.

Whisk(e)y on The Rocks
When: Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 November 2020 (see website for time slots)
Where: around The Rocks, Sydney NSW
Cost: from $25.00pp
For more information: Whisk(e)y on The Rocks

Can’t make it to Sydney this November for Whisk(e)y on The Rocks? Don’t stress as you can have a whisky party of your own at home with these three easy Starward Whisky cocktails! And if you thought you had expensive taste, learn about this whisky lover who purchased a $150,000 Macallan bottle…