Whisky Networking events are the foundation to the Nine Rivers Distillery project. As we have mentioned before, the original idea was born out of these events. Most of the investors funding our project (both micro-investors and even some of the main investors) are pretty much part of the furniture at these events.
When you think of a whisky tasting night, maybe you picture a scene like the one above: an eclectic group of people who clink glasses, swap amusing anecdotes, and sometimes network and talk shop. We had all of that, and more.
Whisky Networking events also give us all a fantastic opportunity to interact with other whisky lovers and gain valuable feedback on ideas and concepts that we have been considering. We want Nine Rivers Distillery to be modern, original, creative and appealing to whisky lovers, without sacrificing anything that a real whisky lover would expect from a world class distillery.
Whisky Networking in Shenzhen
The first events in Shenzhen go back to late 2016. Through various whisky themed groups on WeChat, where whisky lovers shared reviews and opinions, the idea of a regular meet up was voiced enough time for us to want to make it happen.
We brokered a deal with the newly-opened Maker Hotel (pictured above) in Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei sub-district of Futian. We secured competitive fixed prices on whiskies for one night each month – ¥50 for 50ml – across 100 different whiskies including premium single malts and bourbons. At a time when most bars would charge at least double that for house pour blends, it was a magnet for whisky lovers all over Shenzhen.
All was well for about 3 years before Tino moved on to a new location. We followed him to a place not too dissmilar to Narnia; it was a location hidden behind a door at the back of a convenience store. As it turned out, hiding a bar didn’t work out too well, and after a few months that location closed. Tino accepted a new job in a new city in a new industry, and Shenzhen Whisky Night seemed officially over.
In our greatest hour of need, two heroes emerged. Danny and Pinki, two regular event members, not only found a new venue but also elevated it to what it is today.
Whisky Networking Shenzhen Version 2.0
Danny and Pinki made a list of all the things that they thought would improve on what was usually a last-minute and bare-bones event. The important parts all stayed: a wide selections of top-shelf whiskies, a welcoming environment for both local and international whisky veterans and novices, and an encouragement to network, mingle, and discuss whatever fascinating topics the diverse group brought. One of the most welcome additions was food; a meal encouraged people to arrive earlier and have more time to socialise. Finally, Danny and Pinki made the event not-for-profit, thus ensuring the whisky on offer ascended into the ultra-premium category.
In Danny’s Words
“Pinki and I attended our first whisky night in Shenzhen back in 2017 after some friends recommended it to us. A 10 minute walk down a few back alleys and we found our way to a group of people lurking around the door of what looked like a bar, with more people inside. Everyone, of course, with whisky glasses in hand and conversations going on in all directions.
A scruffy looking scoundrel introduced himself, welcomed us both to the event, explained how the event worked and asked us if we needed any guidance in choosing our first whisky. “Sweet, dry, or smokey?” was the three word question that started our adventure into this new, pocket friendly, world of whisky, and the rest as we say, is history.
The scruff was of course Jay Robertson, who wasted no time in introducing Pinki and I to some of the regulars. That was the first of many whisky nights that Pinki and I attended and it became a regular monthly event for us both to attend.
Shenzhen Whisky Networking nights were exactly the thing that Pinki and I loved. Meeting people from all walks of life, involved in diverse careers, from all corners of the globe. While some other social events can become a bit clicky (making it difficult for new comers to “fit in”), the whisky nights were the complete opposite. A really interesting crowd of regulars who welcomed all newcomers and made everyone feel as if they has always been a part of the event.
When the Whisky Networking events ended, it was enough of a loss to us personally, that Pinki and I decided we were going to do whatever it takes to bring this event back to Shenzhen. We approached one of our oldest friends in Shenzhen, Mr Singh, (who also happens to own an amazing Indian restaurant called Dawat) and worked out a deal where we pay him for an Indian buffet and he lets us host our whisky night at his restaurant. It’s a win-win as they say.”
A Typical Event
Whisky Networking Shenzhen is typically the first or second Friday of the month (the last one was Friday 3rd June 2022) at Dawat Indian Restaurant in Huaqiangbei, in Futian district. It’s within a few hundred meters of 4 different metro stations so it’s really easy to get to.
Events are announced in a WeChat group run by Danny a couple of weeks before the date. Tickets are sold to include an Indian buffet and either 5 whiskies (5 x 35ml measures) or 10 whiskies (for those that can handle the equivalent of half a bottle of whisky!). As a bonus, those buying a ticket for 10 whiskies also get to choose one of the bottles that will be available. [Editor’s note: as an attendee myself, nominating a bottle and watching people enjoy it is a rather great feeling.]
Upon arrival, Danny gives each ticket holder a number of tokens (5 or 10) which can be redeemed for measures of whisky. Ticket holders measure and pour their own whisky, keeping the honor system alive and well.
Because the event is run nonprofit, any remaining whisky from the previous event is offered as a free first and last drink; therefore, guests usually are allowed up to 7 or 12 whiskies. If someone didn’t get through all of their tokens, they are allowed to “bid” them on an unfinished bottle to take home. It’s a well-thought out system that fosters trust and community, leading to every event being memorable.
Would You Like To Attend?
If you’re in or near Shenzhen and your interest is piqued, you are welcome to reach out to Danny to sign up for the next one!
There is a fixed number of tickets available for each event so they normally sell out within a couple of days. The July meetup has yet to be announced, so feel free to use the QR code below to add Danny on WeChat. He’ll add you to the group so you can know when events are taking place and how to get a ticket. See you there!
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