The 2025 Nedbank International Polo was a thrilling blend of sport and style, with Equestrian Avant-Garde setting the tone for a truly transformative year in polo fashion. No brand captured this daring new spirit quite like Glenfiddich. Within the lush Equus Lounge, the single malt icon delivered a masterclass in elevated detail, creative expression, and contemporary elegance.
From the instant guests entered the Glenfiddich lounge, the vibe was unmistakable: luxury with unapologetic personality and purpose. Plush velvets, perfectly cut tailoring, and vibrant greenery came together in a space that reimagined the brand’s iconic refinement with a progressive edge, echoing the avant-garde undercurrents of the event itself.
Where Whisky Meets Wardrobe
The Nedbank Polo is always a magnet for trendsetters, but in 2025, every guest leaned into boldness. The Equestrian Avant-Garde theme inspired attendees to mix classic cuts with wild details—oversized accessories, relaxed linens, Cuban collars, and earthy hues. It wasn’t about dressing up, but dressing thoughtfully and intentionally.
Glenfiddich echoed this fashionable energy, with glasses of their 12-, 15-, 18-, and 21-Year-Old single malts poured alongside inventive reinterpretations of classic cocktails. The standout? The Popcorn Old-Fashioned—a smoky, buttery, and delightfully nostalgic twist that delighted every guest’s palate.
A Lounge Built for Storytelling
The Glenfiddich experience went beyond just whisky. Every aspect of the lounge felt like a page from a high-end fashion magazine. Artistic florals, sculptural botanicals, and an interplay of textures set the scene—an environment crafted for conversation and aesthetic impact. Glenfiddich nailed the brief: modern luxury is about narrative, not just status symbols.
Graceful small plates made rounds throughout the event, each one carefully matched to showcase the complex palette of the whiskies. The whole experience—visually captivating, tastefully curated, and ever on-theme—embodied the very essence of Equestrian Avant-Garde in the most authentic way.
Style on the Sidelines, Power on the Pitch
The polo—the very heart of the event—did not disappoint. In an adrenaline-charged match, Argentina edged out South Africa 14–12 with dazzling teamwork, crisp strategy, and unrelenting drive. The crowd was captivated till the final whistle.
“The Nedbank International Polo is a true highlight on the local sporting calendar, and this year’s match lived up to every expectation,” said Guy Slater, President of the South African Polo Association. “Both teams showcased the best of international polo, and we’re immensely proud of the sportsmanship, precision, and passion they brought to the field.”
Glenfiddich saluted the international players by presenting each a bottle of Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old, a whisky as bold, balanced, and purposeful as their performance on the pitch.
