So many whiskies, so little time. It is in a weird way, a real ‘problem’. Whisky drinkers may already have an idea about what they like and what they want, but for those who are new to the game, what can you do to get a good education?
Whisky bars like the Auld Alliance and Quaich Bar are great ‘academies’, but sometimes life happens and a trip to the bar is but a bonus in your regular routine.
Whisky Butler, which launches today, is an online whisky tasting club, and claims to be the first in South East Asia to operate via a subscription model. As an active subscriber, you will receive four samples (20ml each) of whiskies in a whisky box each month, which will be delivered to your location of choice. The chosen whiskies will be centred around a theme, and will include fun facts and tasting notes to educate, and to serenade you with the heritage of the chosen whiskies.
Whisky Butler is an interesting proposition for those who are keen to learn about whisky (and whiskey), and even more so for those who are busy, but are still committed to taking their interest further. In a country where it’s a pain to even buy whisky glasses (other than Glencairns, that is), this is quite forward thinking.
Benjamin Tan, one of the co-founders of Whisky Butler, shared that the motivation behind Whisky Butler was to educate new, as well as existing, whisky drinkers on good whiskies that may not be in the limelight, but are deserving of attention.
In addition, it’s also a good way to try before you buy. And Whisky Butler offers special rates and free shipping if you wish to buy a bottle of whisky that has taken your fancy.
Whisky Butler will feature a large range of whiskies, ranging from: Springbank, Bowmore, Dailuaine, Glenglassaugh, Mortlach, Benromach, Benriach, Littlemill, Deanston, Glendronach and more.
But it’s not just your typical off-the-shelf bottles that you’ll be subscribing for. Part of the draw lies in the fact that Whisky Butler will offer whiskies from independent bottlers, which essentially give you a wider palette than you would normally expect. Furthermore some distilleries do not offer their own bottlings as they are mainly used for blends, and as such, can only be obtained from independent bottlers. Original bottlings direct from the distillery also have to stick to a house style, while ‘indies’ aren’t limited by it. Examples of what you can expect include a Cadenhead 21YO Clynelish, and a Duncan Taylor 21YO Glentauchers.
One of Whisky Butler’s long term goals is to build up a large enough user base to facilitate exclusive single cask bottlings that will be made available only to members. Hopefully, that comes sooner rather than later.
How it Works
You can sign up on a monthly basis (Pay as You Go), or take up a six month or one year package. Each month you will receive four samples (20ml each) of curated whiskies in a presentation-grade box – in fact you can actually do a Pay as You Go for a ready-made gift box for whisky-loving friends.
Pay as You Go S$88 monthly, includes exclusive invitation to Whisk Butler events.
Six months plan S$83 monthly, includes exclusive invitation to Whisk Butler events and seminars.
One year plan S$74 monthly, includes priority invitation to Whisk Butler events and seminars.
Christmas Advent Calendar
Whisky Butler will also be featuring a Christmas Advent Calendar, a collection of 24 whiskies from 12 countries around the world; a highlight of which would be a 30YO Royal Brackla bottled by Cadenhead (costs S$1,200 per bottle). The box set retails for S$299, and quantities are limited.
It’s a rather impressive range, and includes the following:
Bhutan K5, 1907
India Amrut Intermediate Sherry Cask, Paul John Brilliance Whisky
Taiwan Kavalan King Car
Japan Hakushu 12, Nikka Coffey Malt
New Zealand 1987 Touch Pause Enjoy, Lark Single Malt Cask Strength
USA FEW Rye Whiskey, Kings County Chocolate Whisky
Czech Republic Hammer Head 1989
France Eddu Silver Buckweat Whisky
Sweden Mackmyra First Edition
Wales Penderyn Madeira Single Malt
Ireland Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary, Green Spot Single Pot Still
Scotland Auchenstoshan Three Wood, Deanston 12, Hazelburn 12, Tomintoul 16, Ledaig 18, Laphroaig 18, Royal Brackla 1984 30YO bottled by Cadenhead
To purchase the Advent Calendar Box, call or email: +65 9678 8813 / benjamin@whiskybutler.sg
