PUBLISHED October 18th, 2016 07:00 am
While it’s highly likely that you’re going to be drunk slightly impaired after Whisky Live 2016 Singapore, the best whisky and spirits show in the region has more to offer than sampling the good stuff. Every year, there are masterclasses hosted by noted individuals of the whisky world so trade and consumers alike can learn more about their favourite spirits distilleries. If you’ve already bought your tickets (if not, get them pronto), here are three classes to consider to make your 2016 experience an even better one:
Karuizawa: A Japanese Whisky Lover’s Dream
If you consider yourself a connoisseur of Japanese whisky, this masterclass is practically mandatory. Previously located in Miyota, a town on the slopes of an active volcano Mount Asama, the Karuizawa distillery began production in 1956. Housing just four small stills, the distillery imported Golden Promise barley from Scotland in the production of their whisky. However, distillation ceased by the end of 2001 and the doors shut completely in 2011.
It’s no wonder that the old stocks of Karuizawa are considered one of the most precious in the ranks of Japanese whisky. And in celebration of their 10th anniversary in Singapore, La Maison du Whisky has decided to share the love by opening two barrels of Karuizawa for the first time. In the comparative tasting hosted by renowned whisky writer Dave Broom, you’ll get to try the Karuizawa 1965 Bourbon Cask and Karuizawa 1965 Sherry Cask. If you’re even the least tempted, do it (while you can still afford it)!
The Karuizawa masterclass is happening at Whisky Live, 12 November 2016, 1pm-1.45pm. Tickets are priced at $588, exclusive of booking fee, and are available here.
The Art of Dalmore
A well-established name in the whisky world and its master blender Richard Patterson an industry celebrity, Dalmore’s 12, 15 year, and 18 year olds are pretty much classic staples for the fans of highland malt whisky. Hosted by Dalmore’s Rare Whiskies Director Jonathan Driver, the class will delve into the distillery’s art of whisky making, as well as see attendees taste two more expressions of the Principal Collection, the King Alexander III and the Cigar Malt Reserve.
The latter is specially crafted to be the perfect accompaniment to the best cigars, while the latter is the world’s only single malt to be finished in six different woods (ex-bourbon casks, oloroso sherry casks, Madeira barrels, Marsala casks, Port pipes, and Cabernet Sauvignon barrels).
The Dalmore masterclass is happening at Whisky Live, 12 November 2016, 3.45pm-4.30pm. Tickets are priced at $35, exclusive of booking fee, and are available here.
The Spirit of Old Pulteney
Making its debut at Whisky Live this year is another popular Highland dram, the Old Pulteney. One of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland, the hint of brine in its whiskies is attributed to exposure to the bracing North Sea air. Led by Brand Ambassador Andy Hannah, learn the history behind this maritime malt – the origins of the brand name and a detailed walkthrough of the traditional production techniques still used by the distillery – and try the three expressions from its core range.
The exceptional 21-year old was crowned best whisky in the world in Jim Murray’s 2012 Whisky Bible, while the also award winning 17- (matured in Spanish Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks) and 12-year old (matured in ex bourbon casks) aren’t too shabby either. If you don’t know much about this Scotch yet, we reckon you should get acquainted at Whisky Live.
The Old Pulteney masterclass is happening at Whisky Live, 13 November 2016, 2.15pm-3pm. Tickets are priced at $35, exclusive of booking fee, and are available here.
Whisky Live 2016 Singapore is happening 12 November 2016, 2pm-10pm, and 13 November 2016, 11am-9pm, at Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297. For entrance and masterclass tickets, please see SISTIC.
This post is sponsored by La Maison du Whisky.