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Imagine date night with lots of whisky then throw in the competitiveness of a Chopped episode, mix in the little culinary tips of a MasterChef class, and you’ve got the launch of Grant’s Triple Wood Whisky. Held in honour of Grant’s global whisky ambassador Danny Dyer’s first visit to Johannesburg, the event was also styled as a prototype for the “Triple Good Sessions”.

The evening started with a short cooking class by Master Chef G who explained how to smoke snoek like a pro at home. Did you know you should sprinkle your signature herb or spice on the wood chips rather than the fish? He also explained how to pair whisky with your meals at home, a handy tip considering that majority of Grant’s consumer base often drinks it at home. In the words of the Grant’s team “We are what you drink in the comfort of your home when you want to relax.”

Although the evening is a great date night idea, be warned. It is guaranteed to bring out the rivalry. Armed with aprons and chef hats, couples are split up into opposing teams and then the madness begins. You are presented with two mystery ingredient boxes, one and a half hours and you have to create three dishes! Luckily there are recipes to guide you, which you are also able to take home, but one unlucky group gets no recipes and has to wing it. Local flavours were the star of the menu with favourites like pork trotters, curry and even steamed dumplings making an appearance.

The whisky tasting happens while you are cooking, offering more time to savour the whiskies as you sip and cook. It also allows you to see how each whisky will pair with the dish you are preparing. In the midst of mishaps, laughter and jokes, the competitiveness quickly fades away. Instead, the evening becomes more like a dinner party where your friends chip in with the preparation. After cooking, a long table is set up and you get to taste the fruits of your labours. Overly spiced foods are teased but eaten with relish, and kitchen mishaps are recounted from each group.

Highlights of the evening include a wacky storytelling circle, which began with one mandate; your contribution has to be as insane and goofy as possible. The resulting story would have made an amazing ad for Grant’s or a really insane Netflix movie. Despite Grant’s established customer base however, they have turned their sights towards a new market. Taking the saying “whisky is best shared with people” very seriously, Grant’s is seeking to take the whisky out of home with curated fun date night events and the Triple Good Sessions. If the launch was anything to go by…we can’t wait.