Sydney is hosting ‘Whisk(e)y on The Rocks’ this week, a festival catering to first-timers through to sophisticated whisky lovers.

Running from Thursday, November 19, to Sunday, November 22, Sydneysiders can enjoy exploring Australia’s oldest precinct as it transforms to host experiences from the world’s best whiskies.

Inspired by festivals from around the world including Dark Mofo in Tasmania and Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, Whisk(e)y on The Rocks is a roaming festival held throughout The Rocks precinct, where Sydneysiders can immerse themselves in the diverse world of whisk(e)y.

Consumers start with a two-hour journey through The Rocks Festival Zones, complete with tastings and activations from leading whisky brands, before exploring The Rocks Whisk(e)y Trail, a path of participating bars, pubs and restaurants to enjoy.

Gilles Merry, Managing Director of Yakusan, which organised the festival, said: “Guests will be led by their own palette, interests and curiosity throughout the festival sites and venues. This will be a ‘journey of the senses’, rich with discovery, tastings, places, venues and experiences throughout the iconic Rocks precinct.”

The festival consists of four key Whisk(e)y on The Rocks ‘Festival Zones’ – positioned in walking distance throughout The Rocks. The zones include Campbell’s Cove, 47 George Street, Playfair St and The Argyle Courtyard, each of which features a range of unique pop-up activations from the festival whisk(e)y brand partners, allowing visitors to trial and immerse themselves in the worlds of each brand.

The Fever-Tree High Ball Bar in Campbell’s Cove features stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The bar house whiskies from all festival partners, mixed and matched with the Fever-Tree range.

Drinks Digest attended the festival as the guest of Fever-Tree and spent a gorgeous hour sipping cocktails, before exploring the Maker’s Mark, Dead Rabbit and Wild Turkey bars at The House of Whiskey. We finished our session at the Argyle Courtyard with a Johnnie Walker highball.

Here are some images from our visit:

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Here’s a video The Thirsty Travellers took at the event: