On Saturday, October 11th, 2025, The Glenlivet Nigeria hosted an exclusive and intimate evening titled “A Taste of Original Heritage” in honour of Farooq Oreagba, a renowned cultural icon, whisky enthusiast, and one of The Glenlivet Originals. This private dinner brought together 19 of Farooq’s closest friends, creating a deeply personal yet effortlessly luxurious atmosphere at a serene Ikoyi residence enveloped in lush greenery. The event was a profound celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality, values that are central to The Glenlivet’s overarching philosophy to “Live Original.” The understated setting thoughtfully echoed The Glenlivet’s balance of refinement and authenticity, with every detail meticulously crafted to mirror the brand’s timeless character, effectively merging Speyside sophistication with Nigerian soul.

Farooq Oreagba, serving as both the evening’s host and muse, perfectly embodied the theme of “A Taste of Original Heritage.” His distinctive style spoke volumes, reflecting The Glenlivet’s inherent confidence. He made a striking appearance in a white outfit adorned with dry lace detailing at the shoulders and sides, announcing his presence with quiet opulence. Later, he showcased a white-and-brown coordinated set, stylishly flamboyant yet effortlessly cool, featuring seams that lent a sculpted refinement to his look, complemented by a cap that softened its boldness with playful restraint. His final ensemble was a dark, velvety outfit that enhanced his fair complexion, as he adeptly held The Glenlivet 21, posing with intricate grace for the camera. Each carefully chosen look represented The Glenlivet’s celebration of originality expressed through mastery and intention.

Guests were welcomed with an array of bespoke whisky cocktails, including The Glenlivet Ginger, The Glenlivet Hot Chocolate, The Glenlivet Steeze (a playful nod to Farooq’s popular moniker), and The Glenlivet Grapefruit Paloma. Each cocktail was thoughtfully crafted to reinterpret the whisky’s signature smoothness through a contemporary lens. The evening then transitioned into a rich sensorial journey, expertly guided by The Glenlivet’s Brand Education Ambassador, Cameron Piper. Piper led guests through an exploration of the brand’s finest expressions: the 12, 15, 18, and 21-Year-Old single malts. During the session, he emphasized, “When George Smith founded The Glenlivet in 1824, he didn’t just make whisky, he defined what single malt could be. Every smooth, fruity note you taste tonight is a reminder that this is the whisky that started it all,” as guests savoured the distinct layers of each expression.

The culinary experience further deepened this exploration, commencing with artfully presented canapés and culminating in a refined three-course meal. Each course was meticulously paired with The Glenlivet’s signature whisky expressions, transforming dining into a form of storytelling, flavour into culture, and taste into heritage. Engaging moments punctuated the night, including a cue-card storytelling session that sparked laughter, reflection, and meaningful conversation, all rooted in The Glenlivet’s celebration of individuality. Farooq’s toast was particularly heartfelt, grounded in gratitude: “I’ve got 19 of my best and closest friends here tonight, and I want to thank you all for being part of this. We’ve enjoyed the 12, the 15, the 18, and now the 21, each one distinct, each one remarkable. What makes The Glenlivet special isn’t rank; it’s heritage, craft, and the courage to be original.” The night’s highlight, The Glenlivet 21 Toast, led by Farooq himself, served as a symbolic moment of unity and appreciation, elegantly concluding an evening that beautifully intertwined tradition, taste, and originality.

Nkaepe Ette, Brand Activation Manager for The Glenlivet, brought the night to a close with a powerful message: “At The Glenlivet, we celebrate those who choose their own path and live with intention. From George Smith’s first bold act in 1824 to icons like Farooq today, we continue to set the standard, not just in whisky, but in originality, craft, and culture. That’s what it means to be made to follow no one.” “A Taste of Original Heritage” was truly a visual and sensory declaration of what it means to live original – a night where culture, style, and craftsmanship converged, leaving everyone present with the reminder that true refinement will always set the standard, just like The Glenlivet.

Pernod Ricard Nigeria is the local affiliate of Pernod Ricard, a global leader in wines and spirits. The company boasts a comprehensive portfolio of premium and luxury brands, including 16 out of the top 100 spirit brands worldwide. Its distinguished offerings include Jameson Irish Whiskey, Beefeater Gin, Martell Cognac, Seagram’s Imperial Blue Whisky, Imperial Black Whisky, Absolut Vodka, Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet Scotch Whisky, Inverroche Gin, Olmeca Tequila, Malibu Liqueur, and GH Mumm Champagne.

Founded in 1824 by George Smith, The Glenlivet holds the distinction of being the first licensed distillery in the Livet Valley. It is celebrated as the original single malt whisky and serves as the benchmark against which all others are measured. Renowned for its smooth, fruit-forward character and unwavering commitment to refined craft, The Glenlivet established the standard for Speyside single malts from its inception. Today, it continues to inspire progressive minds to “Live Original” by embracing both its storied heritage and modern expression. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in an innovative cocktail, every dram carries a legacy of bold beginnings and a promise of genuine quality. For more information, visit theglenlivet.com or follow @TheGlenlivetNG using #TheGlenlivetNG #LiveOriginal #MadeToFollowNoOne.