HAVING run a live music venue for the last ten years Catherine Jackson naturally explored her customers’ drinking habits.

And it was through a burgeoning interest in the rock star’s favourite tipple that she decided to put together an event celebrating everything from single malts to whiskey cocktails.

Following a successful launch event in London’s Conway Hall last November, The Whiskey Affair is making its Brighton debut on Saturday, February 20.

“I had stuck to gin for a long time as a personal thing,” says Jackson looking back over the last decade running The Lounge Bar, in Alton, Hampshire.

“But there were so many touring bands and US bands who were fans of bourbon and whiskey.

“It was something I wanted to find out more about. It was just where to start.”

The Whiskey Affair is designed to be a departure from the £100-a-ticket tasting sessions held across the country, where there is a sucking of teeth if anything other than a splash of water is added to a glass of spirits.

Instead Jackson is booking live music from Brighton’s own Josh Bevan, and alongside the trade stalls and whiskey bars will have a cocktail bar run by Brighton’s own Sam Sidgwick from city-based ABV Media.

She is hoping to set up regular events across the south to build the brand.

“It’s for people who want a night out and discover more about whiskey,” she says.

“It’s interesting to see how different countries have their own takes on whiskey, and talk to people who are knowledgeable about it – to try something new.”

Jackson herself has become a fan of bourbons – which cater towards her sweet tooth.

“It was an entry point,” she says. “Every night at the bar we would get lots of orders for Jack Daniels and coke – not that there’s anything wrong with that – but it’s nicer to have bourbon with something like ginger ale as a long drink.

“One of the reason we have the cocktail bar is so that it isn’t one of those shows with only men drinking and the odd girlfriend or wife dragged along.

“I wanted it so you could have a group of friends and something that all of them want to drink.”

The event, which takes over Otherplace At The Basement in Kensington Street, Brighton, from 7pm to 11pm, will feature 60 different brands of malts, bourbons and whiskeys, all available through buying tokens – which cost £20 for five.

Entry to the festival costs £10, which includes a special glass, a brochure, entry to the live music and access to the festival app.

For more information visit thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk/

Duncan Hall