Whisky Live 2015

The picturesque South China Sea will play the backdrop to the largest Whisky Live in Singapore to date, with close to 500 expressions and over 90 spirit brands on show.

A highly anticipated annual event for the industry, some of Singapore’s finest bars and restaurants have made appearances ever since the introduction of Whisky Live to Singapore in 2013.

This year, the pop up bar will host a star-studded line up from 28 HongKong Street, L’Aiglon, Tippling Club, Sugarhall, The Library, Anti:dote, Spiffy Dapper, FOC and Longplay. You will also have the opportunity to taste smoky creations from Burnt Ends and Meat Smith, refined tapas from FOC, Mexican delights from El Mero Mero, and fine dining from Sorrel.

There will be five exciting shifts over the course of two days, featuring one restaurant and two bars with a showcase theme. For example, El Mero Mero will be serving food during the Mexican shift, with two bars serving cocktails based on Tequila and Mescal.

For the first time, Whisky Live will offer a Night Package. Ticket holders will enjoy two express passes to the Collector Room (and drams) and VIP Relaxing Room over the two-day event, coupled with an overnight stay for two at Capella Singapore. Meanwhile the Collector Room – which in our opinion was one of the highlights last year – is back again, thanks to an overwhelming response. This special room is the whisky aficionado’ wet dream, featuring a curated collection of rare and highly sought-after bottles lusted after by fans worldwide.

Newcomers galore

Whisky Live this year will also feature many new names that you shouldn’t miss. For example, rum is on a roll. Research and Markets reports that the spirit is set for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% in terms of revenue during 2014-2019, globally. And rum legend Mr. Luca Gargano will be at Whisky Live to host a masterclass and introduce Velier’s range of premium rums. Velier owns some of the top names in fine rums such as Caroni, Clairin, Diamond, Enmore, and Uitvlugt.

Other new names include Teeling Whisky, the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years, who will be bringing the craft of distilling back into the very heart of the Irish capital. Also expect to see up and coming Indian single malt whisky Paul John, as well as the debut of a new range of single estate potato vodka from Vestal.

Tickets are available via

• SISTIC (Ticketing Hotline: +65 6348 5555)
• Whisky Live website
• La Maison du Whisky store at 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd, S239013 (Tel: 6733 0059)

Passes available

• One-Day Pass S$95
• Two-Day Pass S$150
• VIP Pass S$250 which includes: 2-day pass + Two selected Collector Drams + Express Access to event, Collector Room, and VIP Relaxing Room
• Night Package S$990 which includes: One Night Hotel Room for two (28th evening till 29th morning; breakfast included) + Two 2-day passes + Two selected Collector Drams each + Express Access to event, Collector Room, and Vip Relaxing Room
•  Masterclass S$35 each on top of ticket prices

Masterclass Schedule

[Saturday, 3-4pm] The Aberlour Double Cask Masterclass with Kamil Foltan, Head Bartender of Tippling Club

The mystique of the ancient Celts takes root in Singapore with the launch of Aberlour, a range of single malt whiskies that originate from the famed Speyside region. Unique among single malts, Aberlour distinguishes itself with its use of double cask maturation, resulting in deep flavours unlike any other and an exceptionally rewarding depth of character. The launch of Aberlour will see both its range of Double Cask Matured whiskies – the 12 Year Old, 16 Year Old, 18 Year Old – and the cask-strength A’bunadh.

[Saturday, 4.30-5.30pm] Nikka Coffey Malt with Emiko Kaji,International Sales & Marketing Manager

Launched first in Europe in 2014, Nikka Coffey Malt has been expanding its market and finally arrived in Singapore. This single grain is a fruit of Nikka’s tradition and innovation and is already acknowledged as one of the most unique expressions. During the masterclass, you can find the secret behind this award-winning whisky and enjoy a special cocktail in association.

[Saturday, 6-6.30pm] A Travel on the Rum Map with Luca Gargano, owner of Velier rums and renowned rum expert

More details coming soon

[Saturday, 7.30-8.30pm] Four seasons of Glenfiddich with Matthew Fergusson-Stewart, regional brand ambassador

Discover four expressions of Glenfiddich, The World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Whisky. This incredible sensory experience will be hosted by Glenfiddich’s Regional Brand Ambassador, Mr Matthew Fergusson-Stewart. Follow the seasons immersed in sights, scents, sounds and of course, the delicious taste of Glenfiddich. There may even be a very special fifth dram to close out this unique whisky tasting.

[Sunday, 1.30-2.30pm] The Balvenie – Whisky and Fortified Wine with Neil Strachan, regional brand ambassador

The process of aging or finishing whiskies in casks previously used to store fortified wines like Sherry or Port has a flavourful impact on whisky, and the process of finishing was pioneered by The Balvenie’s Malt Master David Stewart. Join The Balvenie’s Regional Brand Ambassador Neil Strachan as he takes you through a tasting of the fortified wines used mainly by the single malt whisky industry and discover the effect of these various casks on three of The Balvenie’s expressions.

[Sunday, 3-4pm] Kavalan, World’s Best Single Malt Whisky with Ian Chang, master blender

This Taiwanese distillery, which released its first bottles only in 2008, now collects the best awards around the world and faces an increasing demand. In March, the World Whisky Awards awarded Kavalan as the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky and Best Asian Single Malt, confirming this Whisky has to be further discovered by Whisky lovers.

[Sunday, 4.30-5.30pm] The New Rum Classification with Luca Gargano, owner of Velier rums and renowned rum expert

More details coming soon

[Sunday, 6-7pm] GlenDronach: Scotland’s Sleeping Giant Has Awoken with Douglas Cook, Regional Sales Manager

Nestled in the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire in the East Highland region, the GlenDronach Distillery still produces richly sherried malt whisky. We continue the journey of rediscovery of recent years by retracing the history of one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries.

[Sunday, 7.30-8.30pm] Highland Park: The Viking Malt with Martin Markvardsen, Senior Brand Ambassador Highland Park Single Malt whisky

Get acquainted with the most northern whisky in the world, Highland Park single malts with Martin Markvardsen, a Keeper of the Quaich and a true Viking.Gain insights into this unique whisky that had been named Best Spirit in the World, more than once among other accolades. Martin’s debut in Singapore, will tell about Orkney and Highland Park with participants embarking on a flight of Highland Park expressions, featuring some of the award winners.

For more details and future updates, please go to the Whisky Live website here.