MAGIC, MUSIC & MEMORIES: THE EXTRA SMOOTH EXPRESS DELIVERS AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY
Presented by Castle Double Malt, the first-ever Extra Smooth Express blended vintage rail luxury, world-
class performances, and breathtaking scenery.
This past weekend, the Extra Smooth Express rolled out of Cape
Town, taking guests on a one-of-a-kind journey inspired by the unmatched smoothness of Castle Double
Malt beer. The experience brought together vintage rail travel, world-class entertainment, and
unforgettable moments – a celebration of craftsmanship and connection that ended with a spectacular
finale at the historic Elgin Railway Market.
The Extra Smooth Express was created to bring Castle Double Malt’s brand story to life in an
unexpected, immersive way. Just as the beer seamlessly blends two malts to deliver a rich, smooth
flavour, the event combined timeless style and modern artistry to create something truly unique. Every
detail – from the perfectly poured pints to the slow, scenic journey through the Cape Floral Kingdom –
reflected the essence of the brand: a commitment to quality, balance, and shared moments worth
savouring.
From the moment guests boarded, the journey felt like stepping into another era. A roaming conductor,
live saxophonist, and magician moved between the carriages, while live DJ sets and captivating vocal
performances brought each carriage to life, setting the tone for a day of discovery and delight. Guests
sipped perfectly poured Castle Double Malt while watching sweeping mountain ranges and pristine
valleys unfold outside their windows, the train bathed in golden afternoon light – a smooth and stylish
start to an extraordinary experience.
Adding depth to the journey was The Brew Master’s Experience, an intimate guided tasting that invited
guests to explore the artistry behind Castle Double Malt’s unique flavour. Here, they discovered the
meticulous process behind blending two premium local malts to create the beer’s perfectly balanced
character – a rich golden pour with full-bodied taste and creamy foam. It was a rare opportunity to
experience the craftsmanship behind the beer firsthand, making the day’s celebration even more
memorable.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted on the platform by a jazz band playing timeless favourites, setting a
nostalgic and vibrant tone for the evening ahead. The Elgin Railway Market, an Art Deco-inspired
architectural gem, had been transformed into a lively hub of sound and connection.
Kyeezi brought his signature charisma as host, guiding the night’s world-class performances. Jay Sax
kicked off the show with his exhilarating jazz, followed by Ami Faku, who captivated the crowd with her
soulful vocals. The evening reached a euphoric crescendo as legendary kwaito pioneers TKZee ignited
pure nostalgia with era-defining hits like Fella Kae and Dlala Mapantsula, before DJ Loyd closed the
night with a high-energy set.
“Performing for such an intimate yet electric crowd, in such a beautiful setting, was unforgettable,” said
Zwai Bala of TKZee. “There’s something magical about everyone arriving on that train together – the
energy just builds, and by the time we hit the stage, the crowd was ready for a night they’ll never
forget.”
For Castle Double Malt, the experience was about more than music and travel – it was about connection
and shared moments.
“This was a celebration of craftsmanship and community,” said Thomas Lawrence, Brand Director for
Castle Double Malt. “The Extra Smooth Express is where timeless style meets modern artistry, and
where people come together to create memories that last long after the journey ends.”
The Extra Smooth Express proved that it’s more than an event; it’s the beginning of a new tradition in
unforgettable travel, taste, and live entertainment. Look out for more Castle Double Malt updates to
catch the next Extra Smooth Express experience – a journey you won’t want to miss.
