Driver Magazine - Issue 2 of 3 2025 - Magazine - Page 40
Then came the big one: the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa. That place has an
atmosphere like nowhere else — dramatic weather, legendary corners, and a
proper festival feel. We ran tastings across four VIP lodges, pouring drams for
everyone from long-time whisky fans to people trying their very first one. There
was even a moment sipping drams at the bottom of Eau Rouge, looking up at
one of the most iconic corners in racing, before later shaking cocktails at an afterparty perched on top of Raidillon.
The highlight, though, was Jenson going head-to-head with legendary whisky
writer Jim Murray in a side-by-side tasting. Let’s just say there was only ever going
to be one winner — and if you keep an eye on Murray’s next Whisky Bible, you
might just see Coachbuilt make an appearance.
And then, to cap it all off, a true pop culture experience: Oasis at Wembley. Loud, raw, unapologetic, and absolutely biblical,
mate. The perfect ending to a run of weeks that had a bit of everything — whisky, racing, music, and moments I won’t
forget anytime soon.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without Marie, who has been holding the fort at home, juggling the kids
and the chaos so I can go gallivanting around racetracks and cocktail bars. Let’s be honest — she deserves the real medal
here. Without her, I’d be swapping Eau Rouge for nappy duty and Oasis for Peppa Pig Live.
Looking back, it’s been a brilliant run. Yes, there’s been a lot of travel, a lot of late nights, and probably too many airport
lounges, but that’s part of the fun. What really makes it worthwhile is the people — from guests at the events to the
bartenders in Birmingham to old friends and new faces along the way. That’s what whisky is about: not just the liquid, but
the connections it sparks.
Coachbuilt’s tagline is
