Whisky Live Singapore 2014: What to Expect

PUBLISHED October 9th, 2014 04:00 pm | UPDATED January 20th, 2016 03:57 am

Holy smokes, it’s October already, and for those whisky fans reading this, you should already have got your tickets for what is happening later this month…yes, that’s right. WHISKY LIVE SINGAPORE!!!

Since its first edition four years ago, the Singapore whisky and spirits festival has grown and grown, and needless to say, this year is the biggest yet.

Taking place at the gorgeous Raffles Hotel on Saturday 25th October, Whisky Live will be grand affair of consumers, trade, experts, enthusiasts and those who simply love to drink!

So, what can you expect?

In essence, a ticket at Whisky Live gets you ‘free-flow’ tasting of all the whiskies and spirits being presented at the festival. But Whisky Live isn’t just about boozing. This is the single day in the year where distillers and their reps fly to Singapore to promote their brands. It’s the best opportunity to learn more about the craft spirits, directly from the source, while enjoying a few (hundred) drams while you do.

This year’s Whisky Live Singapore sees over 40 whisky brands and 25 spirits brands taking part. So I’d highly advice you to come early, and all on a reasonably full stomach. Even just ‘tasting’ most of what is being showcased is going to land you on the tipsy side of the spectrum.

(Nb. Tastings of the collectors items are separate)

THE WHISKY (duh!)

Over 40 distilleries are represented at Whisky Live this year, and each with several expressions. Realistically you will not be able to sample everything unless you have the world’s strongest liver, in which case; have you considered a career in the whisky industry?

But seriously, here’s some of the distilleries that you should definitely be looking out for as they have time and time again shown to be some of the most impressive:

•   Bruichladdich
•   Compass Box
•   Eagle Rare
•   Glendronach
•   Gordon & MacPhail
•   Kavalan
•   Nikka
•   Strathsila

Needless to say, these brands are just some of the many that will be present. All the big boy players like Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and Johnnie Walker are all going to be there too. But we Nomads always like to give the lesser-known brands some love.

SPIRITS

If you’re not that into whiskies then spirits room might be more your thing. You can expect an awesome selection of over 20 distilleries from around the world, and here’s a few of our top picks:

•   GIN: Hendricks, Monkey 47
•   TEQUILA: Don Julio
•   RUM: Diplomatico, Santa Teresa, Zacapa
•   MEZCAL: Del Maguey
•   VODKA: Reyka

COCKTAILS

Cocktails are all the rage in Singapore these days, and this year sees the organisers linking up with the some of the city’s top bartenders competing against each other to create a special ‘Whisky Live cocktail’. Fans of 28 Hong Kong Street, Jigger & Pony, The Library, Anti:Dote and L’Aiglon should definitely check out their creations.

PS. The City Nomads team will also be taking part in this year’s Whisky Live at our ‘Blind Whisky Tasting’ booth. Think you know your stuff? Take our challenge and if you guess correctly, you stand a chance to win all 5 bottles being tasted at your booth. See you there!

Whisky Live takes place on Saturday 25th October at the Raffles Hotel Bar & Billiard Room. Doors open at 10am and close at 10pm. Our advice, come earlier in the day and beat the crowd or come later in the evening and enjoy a bustling, convivial atmosphere. The choice is yours.

Pssst, you’re not going home without a bottle or two, right? Check our best buys of Whiskey Live 2014 here.

TICKETS

Standard tickets are $80.

You can get your tickets either via Sistic, or by dropping by Fine Spirits by La Maison du Whisky in Robertson Quay.