By Bryle B. Suralta
Back for its third run in the Philippines, Whisky Live Live Manila, the biggest international whisky event in the world, treated Filipinos and various nationalities from the world over to 131 varieties of top-notch whiskies, scotch, bourbons and blends during a two-day event recently.
Representatives from distilleries across the globe gathered at the Shangri-La at the Fort in Bonifacio Global City to provide whisky enthusiasts from the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia the chance to drink different samples.
Reserved for the rare
Distilleries such as Hennessy, Singleton, Angus Dundee, Camus, Don Papa, Auchentoshan and Chivas, among others, were present at the event, offering attendees some of their best spirits.
Joining them was Johnnie Walker. The brand, known for its scotch whiskies, introduced guests to some of the rarest blends in their arsenal. Specifically, the White Walker, which is set to debut in the Philippines on November 29, and the Johnnie Walker Masters’ Edition.
“We opened the first ever bottle in the Philippines tonight,” said Johnnie Walker Southeast Asia marketing director Neil Skinner, as he points to the White Walker. “We created it in collaboration with Game of Thrones. Obviously, the next season is all about winter, so we created a blend that is designed to be served frozen.”
As for its flavor, it’s a far cry from the usual smoky and spicy Johnnie Walker taste.
“It gives this sweet, beautiful, slightly lighter-tasting whisky from the usual Johnnie Walker style,” says Neil Skinner.”The whisky is going to blend with some of our sweeter and more honey-flavored malt.”
Meanwhile, the Johnnie Walker Masters’ Edition is just a thing of beauty.
“There are very few whiskies that survive 50 years in a barrel,” Neil Skinner claims. “When you want something that’s only 100 (packages) in the world, it’s prestigious.”
The taste profile has undertones of blackcurrants, dark chocolate, menthol and a hint of citrus with a subtle smokiness, while the packaging is a sight to behold as well.
“When we create such a special liquid, we want it to be housed in special packaging,” says the marketing director.
Crafted by Master Blender Jim Beveridge, one of only six master blenders in Johnnie Walker’s rich history. Each package is individually numbered and the drink itself comes in a black crystal decanter made by Baccarat. On the other hand, the box was created by Neil Stevenson of NEJ Stevenson, who creates cabinets for Queen Elizabeth II.
These two are just some of the rare spirits on display at the event. With that said, Whisky Live Manila has truly outdone itself this time around.
Lessons from the masters
Experts in the whisky industry, including one “Keeper of the Quaich” and several international “Whisky Masters,” were also in attendance to answer questions. They also taught and oversaw masterclasses for those who wanted to learn to taste and identify whisky profiles.
The masterclasses were held in two different rooms simultaneously. From Charmaine Ann Thio’s lessons on deconstructed tasting to Hamish Houliston’s Chivas Regal blending session, each class was designed to teach whisky neophytes the right way to drink the amber-hued drink.
Aside from the masterclasses, a variety of whisky-related activities were conducted throughout the expo’s two days. These included cocktail tastings, a bartender competition, presentation of whisky awards to select brands and distilleries and book signings by famous tipplers and authors who share a fondness for the spirit.
Whisky Live Manila has always been about immersing Filipinos in whisky culture. But above all, it offers enthusiasts the opportunity to refine their taste, all the while building long-lasting relationships.
