If you've ever found yourself midway through an omakase thinking some Japanese whisky would go well with that polished piece of sushi before you, you are far from alone. Wine, whisky and cocktail pairings are common in our accoladed bar scene, but a tailored lineup of the Japanese blended spirit to complement the famously bespoke dining practice? Surprisingly less so.
Most, if not all, of our first encounters with Japanese whisky originate from The House of Suntory. This year, the acclaimed brand follows up on its Tsukuriwake Selection from two years ago, and a big centennial anniversary last year.
This limited edition release is simply unabashedly showing off what it does best; with Tsukuriwake ("artisanship through a diversity of making") coining the approach. Whether the spotlight falls on cask maturation, barrel choice (some 1.2 million), or other elemental diversification, each series rightfully has its thing. 2024 is all about that raw material.
The respect for core ingredients in both premium alcohol and cuisine is no different. Just as you'll see only reinterpretation or deconstruction in traditional omakase dishes, you'll rarely see an unconventional cask finish in these whiskies. So pairing the shared Japanese reverence for craft makes perfect sense.
Named after the special barley cultivated in Scotland in the 1960s, the Yamazaki Golden Promise harkens back to an era of solid whiskies. The premium grain was eventually switched out with cost-effective alternatives (in terms of crop yield) for most whiskies, at a compromise of quality. So reviving the OG goodness and high standards in a bottle here is indeed special.
Notes: You don't need decades of experience nosing and swishing whiskies to tell the difference—the sweeter, maltier profile is obvious. With a longer finish, we'd best describe it as a creamier and fuller-bodied version of the 12 Year Old.
Islay peat needs no introduction to those who are fond its charred character, but remember, this is Japanese whisky. The malt is treated to the softer waters of Yamazaki (allegedly half the hardness of Evian), as well as a meticulous maturation process.
Notes: The difference in dimension is just as pronounced in the first sip. It is distinctively lighter on the tongue than typical peated whiskies, where the smoke serves more as an undertone. There's a touch of sea-salt savoury and smooth texture which makes it easier for the peat-aversed.
Mizunara (literally translating to 'water oak') is a variant that's native to Hokkaido, and to add on to its rarity, is protected by the government. Not only do Japanese carpenters prize it for luxury furniture, it's also a sign of luxury in the whisky world thanks to the higher skill required to turn them into casks.
Notes: There's no subtlety on the trademark incense aromas here when the porous wood allows the liquid to soak it all in. The spice of sandalwood rounds off a rich texture, alongside a tropical hint amidst the peppery palate.
A peated expression cut from a different cloth, the low-profile blend of the lot is unique for its forest distillery roots. The distillery is also one of the highest in elevation globally, and why Hakushu whiskies gain fame for use of pristine water from the alps constantly filtering through ancient granite.
Notes: This is pretty great on the nose, and the bright scent gives way to a layered reading on the tongue. Not a whisky expert clearly, but its complexity can be divisive. Many hardcore fans of the Hakushu range enjoy the herbaceous base, but it really comes down to a matter of preference.
Just picture a refreshing Highball of Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve with snow crab and uni in yuzu jelly. Or velvety foie gras wrapped in monaka wafer between sips of lightly-smoked Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt. Or a tender slab of Wagyu beef in sukiyaki-style, complete with a runny Japanese egg and chased down with a bodied Yamazaki Mizunara 18. You get the gist.
This year marks a first for the Tsukuriwake series where the tasting experiences are arranged with Japanese chefs. The House of Suntory handpicks these distinguished partners for their sensory-mindedness to pair the four expressions to signature creations. And like we said; perfect pairing.
Shinji by Kanesaka
15 - 16 August, from SGD650.
Takayama
20 - 22 August, from SGD520.
Sushi Ryujiro Singapore
23 August, from SGD588.
Wakuda
Until 29 August, from SGD328.
Hamamoto
Until 31 August, from SGD288.
For more information or to reserve your seat at Tsukuriwake Tastings, visit The House Of Suntory.
Here's another reason to (re)visit the hip new enclave the entire country is seemingly buzzing about. The space will play host to the largest event for all things eco over this entire weekend. Now on its third year, GREEN-HOUSE has over 80 participating local brands spanning, you know, the usual—fashion, beauty, home, food and crafts.
It's organised by Pass It On Studio (Singapore's first plantable candle, if that information was somehow vital to you), and some big brand newcomers for this year include Nespresso and Samsonite. Just so you don't get overwhelmed with the variety of workshops and activities, the event will be sectioned into three zones.
For every attendee that registers, one tree will be planted in support of Eden Reforestation Projects.
The first space will centre on art installations such as an exhibit transforming used car parts and a tapestry from fabric linings of reclaimed luggage from Samsonite's Trade-in campaign. You are welcome to bring unwanted fabric and adding it onto the existing weave with a traditional loom. (If you're wondering what happened to the hard-shell exteriors, some are upcycled into pet beds donated to the animal welfare organisations at the Reconnect zone!).
You can also catch free movie screenings of feature films co-curated by Singapore Nature Film Festival at the Helinox Cinematheque. Otherwise browse second-hand furniture from Objects.re, eco-friendly home designs from Ferticlay (alternative clay processed from mid-stream waste materials) or smaller knick-knacks like notebooks by OFFCUT that repurposes print production waste paper.
Besides being a pet-friendly picnic space, this is also where the dedicated pet societies are stationed. From Cat Welfare Society to Chained Dog Awareness, learn about the little companions and even make the lifelong commitment to bring them home.
No event is complete without grub. Have a cup on Nespresso's dime while you watch how each capsule is locally recycled so you can feel a little less guilty about your atas instant coffee. Participants can also learn how to make fertiliser from old coffee grounds and leave with an edible plant.
This special pop-up cafe has two lunch seatings featuring a plant-based three-course using local ingredients that's paired with three non-alcoholic drinks. It's the first in collaboration with FURA, which if you like the bar's style, you'd know what to expect.
All dinnerware for the session are made exclusively for Mercedes-Benz by Pass It On Studio, by the way. Even cups are constructed of FDA-certified upcycled bio-composite materials AKA agricultural waste like eggshells, coconut and rice husks. Should you have missed making reservations, limited portions of the menu's New Age Goreng Pisang will be available from 3pm onwards on both days.
GREEN-HOUSE 2024 happens 13 & 14 July, 10 am - 7 pm at New Bahru, 46 & 58 Kim Yam Road. Admission is free.
As Angela Davis aptly puts it, “Palestine is a moral litmus test for the world”. The ongoing suffering of the Palestinians has become a dark stain on the global conscience. As Singaporeans, it's all too easy to feel disconnected and powerless regarding global conflicts, especially those unfolding thousands of kilometres away. Our country is small, and we may feel even smaller as a result. But true power lies in the masses, it always has, and we cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of the oppressed.
Spearheading humanitarian efforts for Singaporeans is Gilbert Goh, the founder of Love Aid SG. Goh has helped raise over a million dollars for various Gaza-related projects. His initiatives include building a Gazan kitchen, which an Israeli airstrike later destroyed and killed nine people he worked closely with. He then constructed solar panels to generate electricity for Kamal Adwan Hospital, but another airstrike decimated that as well. While these setbacks are terrible, they have only strengthened Goh’s resolve to assist Palestinians. He currently remains in Cairo to continue the facilitation of aid into Gaza.
To rally solidarity, Collective Minds is partnering with Mandala Club to organise a music event called Dance for Life. It aims to raise SGD10,000 to support Love Aid SG’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza. With the entire population of Gaza projected to face famine by July, we have an opportunity and moral obligation as citizens of a privileged nation to help prevent that.
Dance for Life will feature an electrifying lineup of local artists and DJs, including Aurora, Bongomann, and Chris. Other artists include Dean Chew, Toppings, James Selva, Jenn Chunes, Kylie Nicole, and Leland. Also performing are Miss Lil, MZA, Puddle, Sivanesh, and RAAJ.
Tickets are priced at SGD40 and is inclusive of a complimentary drink. For those unable to attend in person, a SGD30 donation option is available. All proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and a percentage of the bar sales will be channelled straight to Love Aid SG.
Dance for Life will take place on 15 June 2024 at the Mandala Club from 12 pm to 11 pm. Buy your tickets or donate here.
