THE increasingly popular Whisky Live Festival, which took place last week, saw hordes of mainly middle-class people converge on the Sandton Convention Centre to sample the best whisky in the world.

People filled the venue to taste and learn about a variety of popular and rare whiskies, while mingling with the people behind the brands in The Tasting Hall, where 200 local and international brands were showcased .

"This is the good life," a satisfied colleague said with a glass in his hand.

This festival, which keeps on attracting more and more whisky drinkers and enthusiasts every year, educates about as well as demystifies whisky by providing an accessible forum for both the novice and the connoisseur. People come to sample and discover the mystery of whisky.

This year the festival offered many returning favourites and a whole host of new features. Theses included the Pick n Pay Food and Whisky Pairing Zone, where visitors could pair their favourite foods such as chocolate with their choice of tipple, plus three free and revamped educational initiatives - The Macallan Maturation Zone, the new Glen Grant Distillation Zone and an even bigger Schweppes Mixability Zone.

Led by industry experts, these zones gave visitors the opportunity to interact with the people behind the brands.

Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or a novice, this festival was definitely not to be missed, but if you did, make sure that you come along next year to learn about and enjoy the spirit that lifts spirits.