The Glenlivet Honours Farooq Oreagba in “A Taste of Original Heritage”: A Cultural Dialogue Between Heritage and Modern Refinement

In an era where luxury is often loud, The Glenlivet Nigeria took a more deliberate approach, curating A Taste of Original Heritage, an intimate dinner with Farooq Oreagba, The Glenlivet Original, as host and embodiment of cultural pride. 

Farooq’s presence carries the essence of what The Glenlivet calls “The Original”,  a rare blend of authenticity and refinement. A man whose agbada and aso-oke are not mere garments, but symbols of history and personal artistry. A figure who bridges the worlds of indigenous tradition and global sophistication, much like The Glenlivet itself. Farooq Oregba who is more than a fashion icon, is a financial leader, cultural custodian, ardent horse rider, polo player, whisky connoisseur, and a survivor, a modern Original who defies convention and lives with strength. His story is one of resilience, discipline, and depth, a journey that seamlessly bridges the worlds of heritage and modern sophistication.

The evening was curated as both a literal and figurative tasting, an immersive experience designed to give guests a glimpse into Farooq’s world, with The Glenlivet serving as the perfect anchor. It was a journey into his personal and cultural space, an exploration of how heritage, resilience, and sophistication can coexist beautifully. Every detail, from the setting to the flavours, reflected his philosophy of life: refined, grounded, and confident.

Set in a lush private space in Ikoyi, surrounded by greenery and warm light, the dinner welcomed 19 of Farooq’s closest friends to an evening of quiet elegance and meaningful storytelling. 

Guests began the evening with four cocktails that reimagined The Glenlivet’s signature notes for the Nigerian Palate, The Glenlivet Ginger, The Glenlivet Hot Chocolate, The Glenlivet Steeze, and The Glenlivet Grapefruit Paloma, each one a conversation between Speyside and Lagos, tradition and experimentation.

As the evening unfolded, The Glenlivet’s Brand Education Ambassador, Cameron Piper, led a tasting of The Glenlivet 12, 15, 18, and 21-Year-Olds, connecting the dots between heritage, craft, and innovation. He stated during the session: “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, the one that set the standard for every Speyside that came after.”  The evening’s menu deepened that exploration, beginning with artfully presented canapés and culminating in a refined three-course meal, each course paired with The Glenlivet’s signature expressions. It was dining as storytelling, flavour as culture, taste as heritage.

The night featured engaging moments, including a cue-card storytelling session that inspired laughter, reflection, and meaningful conversation, all anchored in The Glenlivet’s celebration of individuality.

Farooq’s toast was as charismatic as it was grounded: “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, each one special, each one distinct, and now, we raise our glasses to the 21. As they say, we save the best till last. But what makes this journey special isn’t hierarchy; it’s heritage, craft, and the courage to be original. That’s what The Glenlivet represents.”

To close the evening, The Glenlivet Nigeria’s Brand Activation Manager, Nkaepe Ette, raised a final toast to Live Original: “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.”

For The Glenlivet, A Taste of Original Heritage was a cultural statement. A reminder that mastery, heritage, and individuality still matter. And that those made to follow no one will always set the standard.