Whisky has always exuded class and taste. Say the word “whisky” and images of stuffed leather armchairs and Cuban cigars are magically conjured in people’s minds. Whisky tastings are held behind closed doors in posh bars. Whisky events are held in luxury hotels.
Here in Singapore, we have a slang term for it: “atas”.
The funny thing is that it doesn’t have to be that way. And to prove it, The Whisky Store will be launching a new whisky festival: Whisky Journey 2020.
Back to Basics
At its core, whisky events is about the whisky, which means 3 things; rarity, variety and accessibility.
Whisky Journey 2020 is run by the Whisky Store, a pioneer in our local whisky landscape. Our own first experience with whisky- beyond the big brands- was at their Quaich Bar almost a decade ago. Since then, they’ve opened Copper and done their own excellent Independent Bottlings. If it’s one thing that they’ve always had, it’s access to a whole smorgasbord of whiskies from all over the world.
Well, last we checked, they’ve already signed on some 40 different brands for Whisky Journey 2020. Those brands will be bringing in a variety of different expressions each. Expect to see both single malt and blended whiskies, including those from Bruichladdich, Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Bunnahabhain, Deanston and Chivas Regal.
That last might draw a tut-tut from some of the more critical among us, but we suggest giving their 18 Year Old Ultimate Cask Collection: First-fill Japanese Oak a try. It’s mellow but flavourful. Depth enough for the seasoned drinker, but not intimidating in the least for those who aren’t.
For those who want variety, there will be both “OBs” (Original/ Official Bottlings) and “IBs” (Independent Bottlings), though one might find that some of OBs are pretty special in their own right. There’s a little something for everyone, whether they are seasoned drinkers looking for unique single cask bottlings, or relative newcomers who simply want to try what’s available on the market.
To be sure, there will be other things to do at the event. There will be a Whisky Cocktail Competition amongst bartenders, a rare bottle ballot and masterclasses (details to come). For those who want to take it slow on the booze, a Singaporean pre-World War II drink, a half-whisky, half-soda fix called the “stengah” will also be revived, with a range of activities planned around it.
The Icing on the Cake
Finally, we want accessibility: how much does it cost and how does it work? Well, for starters, it will be held at Suntec City Convention & Exhibition Centre on 9 and 10 May, so there won’t be expensive taxi rides to and fro.
The tickets themselves are available at bargain-prices. There’s only one type; a single day ticket which entitles the holder to $10 of event credit (up to five whiskies), a Glencairn glass to keep, and access to discounts at the event.
The early bird price(until 31st March) is $25. The next price band of $28 will be offered from 1st to 30th April. Tickets will cost $30 thereafter, including on the day of the event itself.
That’s crazy affordable.
The Glencairn glass alone knocks $10-$12 off the ticket prices. Doing the math, you get 5 drams (tasting portions) at a whopping 2 bucks each. A steal if we’ve ever seen one.
The Bottom Line
If you’re free on 9th or 10th May, whether you’re a Whisky novice or veteran, we can’t imagine that you’d miss Whisky Journey 2020. There’s too simply too much to do, and too much value packed in such an affordable package.
Whisky Journey will be held on: Saturday 9 May 2020, from 1pm to 10pm, and Sunday 10 May 2020, from 12 Noon to 9pm, at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593. You can check out their website here.
