No longer restricted to the whisky-making motherlands of Scotland and Ireland, it’s now possible to find a first-rate dram produced in just about all corners of the earth. Buoyed by the success of Japanese whisky, there’s a new wave of global producers taking experimentation in their stride.
Free from time-honoured tradition and strict regulations, distilleries from India to Australia are not only trialling new methods of maturation and blending, but celebrating local produce (such as Tasmanian peat or Himalayan barley) to create distinctive and unique drops.
Of course, the natural environment plays its part; whisky matured in hot, humid conditions will age much more quickly than the boreal Highlands, meaning a whisky aged for three years in Bangalore can taste every bit as oaky and complex as a 15-year-old single malt.
Our panel of experts and whisky veterans tested a range of world whiskies blind, tasting them neat and then diluted with a drop of water to soften the alcohol and allow the core flavours to shine through. They were seeking memorable drams that not only challenged the status quo, but offered complex aromatic profiles, well-integrated alcohol, and the versatility to sip straight up or stir into whisky-based cocktails.
These are the 12 bottles you’ll find on their bar cart.
BEST RYE WHISKEY
Made by the master distiller behind Maker’s Mark’s best-selling blends, we had high hopes for this 10-year-old rye – and it delivered. The distillery scoured the globe before settling on casks from Sauternes, Porto, and Madeira; a combination that results in unparalleled complexity, with flavours of orange peel, green pepper, star anise, muscovado sugar at the fore and a hint of barrel char to finish.
70cl, 50%
BEST IN A MANHATTAN
Our panel had nothing but high praise for the well-balanced aromas at play in this spicy sazerac by Buffalo Trace (think ginger, citrus oil, butterscotch and lingering smoke). The velvety mouthfeel makes this our new go-to for a manhattan, but it’s a surprisingly good sparring partner for native oysters, too. Trust us on that.
70cl, 45%
BEST SWEDISH WHISKY
Hailing from Arboga, Sweden, this single malt impressed our experts with its unique fruit-forward flavour profile (think: bright citrus, crisp red apple, and a hint of dried fruit, thanks to the sherry cask maturation). On the palate, there’s a kiss of smoke and sea salt, making this one to savour straight-up, over ice, or with a dash of distilled water to bring out the nuttier backnotes.
75cl, 43%
BEST FRENCH WHISKY
The clever folk at Domaine des Hautes Glaces (which holds claim to being the oldest organic whisky distillery in the world) have created a classic single malt that pays homage to the surrounding French landscape. Barley grown in the Alps is first distilled over wood fire, before a lengthy maturation in ex-Cognac, ex-Armagnac, and ex-wine casks. On the nose, there’s sweet vanilla, almond, buttery brioche and toasted oats, followed by warming cinnamon, clove, and a hint of citrus on the palate. No self-professed whisky enthusiast should be without a bottle on their bar cart.
50cl, 44%
BEST IN AN OLD FASHIONED
Distilled in Kentucky and matured at the White Peak Distillery in England, this rye whiskey from transatlantic brand Never Say Die is as complex on the palate as it is on the nose. The result is sweet and warming aromas of rich caramel, apple cake, coconut and warming spices. Just as rich and complex on the palate as on the nose, flavours of butterscotch, roasted vanilla pods, toasted wheat and biscuits are all paired with wonderfully rich and spicy back notes. Offering excellently balanced sweetness, this would make a delicious old fashioned.
70cl, 52.5%
BEST AUSTRALIAN WHISKY
Overlooked for too long, Australian whisky is beginning to make waves in the global market, with Port Melbourne’s Starward Distillery leading the way. Matured in red wine barrels, aromas of apricot jam, sultanas and toasted praline fill the nose, before richer flavours of stem ginger, dark chocolate and stewed apple join the party on the palate. If you’re after a sweeter sipping whisky, you won’t be disappointed.
70cl, 40%
Stauning is no stranger to experimentation, and Høst (meaning harvest) is a marriage of single malt sweetness and rye spice in one memorable dram. It’s matured in heavily-charred new American oak casks and first-fill port barriques, which results in a fruity, floral profile, with red berries, apple blossom, and honey taking centre stage, while the sultry smooth mouthfeel makes this a nightcap par excellence.
70cl, 40.50%
BEST CANADIAN WHISKY
If you gravitate towards sweeter bourbons, then get to know this Canadian whisky. Finished in rum barrels, the result is smooth and syrupy, with notes of dried orange, cooking spices, brown sugar and intense vanilla bean. Exceptionally versatile and food friendly, we’d opt for all-out indulgence and pair it with a post-roast sticky toffee pud.
70cl, 42%
BEST JAPANESE WHISKY
Grain whiskies are known for being lighter in flavour than malts, but this Japanese drop brings complexity in spades. Matured in a combination of sherry, bourbon and wine casks, you’ll find a mix of tropical fruits, caramel and vanilla with a hint of toasted rye-style grain. We’re confident you won’t find better.
70cl, 43%
BEST IN A MINT JULEP
Since its release in 2011, Bulleit 95 has earned its place on the shelves of leading bars across the globe – and it will work hard on your home bar, too. Exceptionally smooth with sweet notes of maple, oak and a light, woody finish laced with dried fruit and smoke, it’s versatile enough for all the classic cocktails, but brings something extra special to a mint julep.
70cl, 45%
BEST INDIAN WHISKY
Another stellar single malt from Rampur, this expression is matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in European sherry casks, which creates a harmonious blend of sweetness (raisin, honey, tropical fruit, malt) and spice (pepper, oak, cinnamon, nutmeg). Savour on the rocks with an orange twist – this whisky will see you through every season.
70cl, 45%
RUNNER-UP INDIAN WHISKY
Made using barley from the foothills of the Himalayas and distilled in Goa, this unpeated Indian single malt makes for a very special sipper. There’s a clean core of barley, malt and apple skin on the nose, which is swiftly joined by aromas of roasted walnuts, bitter orange peel, vanilla and lively festive spices. It has a memorable finish, with the rye returning for the last hurrah.
70cl, 46%
Text By Millie West / 
Tested By Callum Black
Callum Black is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
Originally published on Esquire UK
It's Chinese New Year and, of course, the brands will capitalise on the Year of the Dragon. We compiled several dragon-themed fashion pieces before and this time, we are showcasing spirits. From Martell to Asahi, here are some of our favourites.
In this collaborative effort, Martell worked with Vincent Darré. Known for his flamboyant creations Darré brings a contemporary vision to this exclusive release.
Darré delved into Martell's archival illustrations and accounts to immerse himself in the alchemy of the distillery. He evoked the grace of doves of peace; weaving an allegory where the Martell Swift becomes a universal messenger of warmth and generosity. The blue ribbon of Martell Cordon Bleu serves as the thread connecting the swifts, mirroring the cognac's ability to unite people with its generous taste. In Darré's vision, the Martell Swift is a cognac ambassador, traversing land and sea to deliver a message of hospitality to all corners of the world. The gift box is a cut-away masterpiece that tells the story of the bottle: the swifts, the globe and the blue ribbon create a portrayal of the Swift's voyage and the globally acclaimed Martell Cordon Bleu. True to Darré's signature style, both the box and the bottle exhibit a watercolour effect.
Another bottle that Vincent Darré tackled is the Martell Noblige. His animal of choice? The stately dragon. As this Lunar New Year's latest zodiac representative, the dragon pays tribute to the meeting of two cultures, represented by a magnificent, dazzling dragon and an elegant, stylised Swift, symbolising Maison Martell’s spirit of freedom. It also highlights the historic connection between China and Martell, thanks of their first shipment to the country in 1858.
The bottle and gift box depict ships laden with precious cognac are guided on their voyage. From France, its marked by flying swifts, while twin dragons welcome them on their arrival in China.
Royal Salute, the blended aged Scotch whisky brand unveils a special edition gift pack. The artwork is courtesy of Chinese-born creator Yunshu Li. Echoing the festivity's vibrancy, it cradles the regal elixir—the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend.
With a dazzling swirl of details, Li weaves figurative cues, unleashing a cascade of colour that captures the spirit of celebration. The iconic "gun salute" is a shot fired from the Tower of London; the bouquets symbolises wishes of happiness, growth, prosperity and love. At its core, the 21 Year Old Signature Blend, is a sophisticated and opulent character. With notes of ripened fruits and delicate spice notes, making it the choice for the elevation of celebratory moments.
Glenfiddich's celebrates with "A Gift For Blossoming Futures." Collaborating with Raku Inoue, this limited edition collection symbolises the anticipation of new starts and a life in full bloom. Inspired by nature, Inoue's artistry breathes life into the fusion of the iconic Glenfiddich stag and the mythical Wood Dragon.
This limited edition series extends throughout Glenfiddich's core range— the Reserva Rum Cask 21 Year Old pack, the 12, 15 and 18 Year Old variants. Each gift pack comes with Glenfiddich-branded whisky glasses.
(Find an immersive Glenfiddich experience at the CNY Pop-Up at Suntec City Atrium Tower 3 & 4 until February 4, 2024.)
Macallan's "A Night on Earth," a single malt Scotch whisky that transcends the ordinary. It's about reuniting with a loved one and this limited-edition bottle is the product after the maturation in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks with American ex-bourbon barrels.
Working with mixed-media artist Nini Sum from Shanghai, each layer of the pack becomes a canvas of meaning. Sum's vibrant illustrations adorn each "A Night on Earth" package. From the first glimpse to the final pour, every moment with "A Night on Earth" is designed to invoke a sense of awe.
Artist James Jean can do no wrong and he gives the Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle a lovely festive facelift. In his reinterpretation of the Wood Dragon, the serpentine beast "springs from bountiful flora
and fauna, and bursts to life with auspicious ambition". Composed of flora elements, the dragon sits in a layered artwork that has nods to Johnnie Walker like the chrysanthemums that represents the liquid gold. "I want the viewer to peel back the layers and discover more about the image," Jean says. "I want my work to function from far away but reveal more details the more closely you explore the imagery.”
Roping in the talents of Chinese multimedia artist, Yang Yongliang, the "Dragon's Odyssey" collection takes the traditional dragon and breathes new life into it via a digital reworking. Hennessy has its bottles—Hennessy V.S.O.P; Paradis and Hennessy X.O—given a makeover that's inspired by Yang's "Dragon's Odyssey" piece. The V.S.O.P is a vibrant red hue to usher in CNY and the Paradis the porcelain decanter features hand-painted gold dragon motifs and is crafted by Bernardaud, a 160 year-old French heritage porcelain maker. The Paradis is limited in 485 numbered pieces. Lastly, the X.O is another limited edition that comes in a gold colourway.
From Speyside, Scotland, Benriach puts out its 2020 relaunch of its 12 year olds. Called The Twelve, the single malt was overseen by Master Blender Rachel Barrie as it mature in a troika of casks—sherry, bourbon, and Port. The results are dried fruit notes, coffee and spices. This limited edition is made even special thanks to the dragon edition; the taste is the same but the design gets a CNY treatment.
Asahi gives their Super Dry beer the pixelated once-over. Japanese pixel artist, Hermippe, gives his own spin of the dragon. Hermippe’s intricate design uses something called a “mixel”, which is a technique that combines several types of dot sizes to create the illustration. The final result is the dragon that reflects a future full of possibilities and with the collaboration, it gives the vibrancy of modern Japan.
Prepare to get your whistles wet with the return of Whisky Live Singapore. Organised by La Maison Du Whisky, this grand celebration of exceptional tipples—once held at Andaz—will now grace a new scenic location—the Singapore Flyer. Over two days (18-19 November), the event will feature a gamut of spirits, masterclasses and new highlights. But how do you expand on what is an already-successful alcohol festival? We got Arthur Morbois, Managing Director of La Maison du Whisky, to spill the beans on that and more.
What can we expect from the 2023 Whisky Live Singapore (WLS)?
We expect higher attendance from both consumers and trade partners. There are also more masterclasses to help our guests discover more about their favourite spirits.
With a strong focus on education and information, Whisky Live Singapore will showcase a diverse lineup of booths, exhibits, masterclasses and tasting sessions. Over 800 members of the trade and 100 participating brands will provide unprecedented insights into the drinks industry.
We understand that WLS will be hosted at the Singapore Flyer.
While this is our first time setting up Whisky Live Singapore 2023 at the Singapore Flyer, it will be a triumph as it will be our festival's 12th edition. I anticipate that this move will solidify its position as the authoritative spirits show in the region.
Is that your biggest challenge for this 2023 edition?
Our biggest challenge had been the logistics and planning of moving to the Singapore Flyer—a challenge we wholeheartedly embraced.
After 11 years of pioneering the way for whiskies and fine spirits in Singapore and Southeast Asia, it was time for Whisky Live Singapore to step out of its comfort zone. We want to firmly establish it as a fixture on local, regional, and international calendars.
The move to the Singapore Flyer will open doors like never before. Whatever challenges will soon transformed into opportunities that we fully intend to maximise. We've also added Cocktail and Food Street next to the venue as the cherry on top. Hosting the event at such a prominent local landmark gives Whisky Live Singapore a prestigious and significant association.
Cocktail and Food Street?
Cocktail and Food Street fully takes advantage of the Singapore Flyer as a venue. It'll serve as an additional platform to engage with an anticipated attendance of over 3,000 visitors.
Bringing together bartenders with curated food partners, we were inspired in part by similar themes our sister show, Whisky Live Paris. Non-ticketed and open to the general public, Cocktail and Food Street embodies what Whisky Live Singapore 2023's move to the Singapore Flyer is. That this is for everyone, regardless of their level of interest.
How do you plan to use the Singapore Flyer as part of the Whisky Live event?
The move from the Andaz Hotel, where previous editions were held, to the Singapore Flyer has proven to be almost as big of an attraction as Whisky Live Singapore itself! It’s a fresh and original avenue to welcome the friends we’ve made over a decade. It's to celebrate how Whisky Live Singapore has gone from strength to strength.
The association of the Singapore Flyer with Whisky Live Singapore is significant. As the venue, the Singapore Flyer has the potential to make Whisky Live Singapore 2023 the most memorable edition to date. Imagine looking out over the iconic Singapore skyline and waterfront with your best friends and favourite brands. That can only lead to breathtaking moments.
Are there more masterclasses for Whisky Live Singapore?
Our focus for each Whisky Live Singapore event has always been to serve as a reference point for information and education in the whisky and spirits industry. Each edition provides a fantastic opportunity to connect the wider public with passionate members of the trade. That's when the magic happens.
Whisky Live Singapore 2023 will feature more than 20 masterclasses, doubling the number from 2022. They will be held in two dedicated meeting rooms. By increasing the number of expert voices in additional seminars, we hope to provide valuable insights and ignite passion that will have an impact on both our public and trade guests.
Why is Singapore the ideal location to host Whisky Live?
The passion exhibited by Singaporeans towards whisky and fine spirits is truly inspiring. Especially when it comes to their enthusiasm for welcoming new expressions, bottlings, labels and distillers. As well as their openness to acquiring knowledge about the practices and methods involved in crafting such works of art.
Geographically, Singapore's importance to the Southeast Asian region as a gateway cannot be overstated. Firstly, it serves as an entry point for brands from established regions seeking to enter Asia via Whisky Live Singapore. Secondly, it provides a launchpad for the rapidly growing distilling culture of Singapore's neighbours. Countries like Cambodia, Australia and India, to help them gain prominence outside of Asia.
Whisky Live Singapore is the perfect platform for brands and connoisseurs to come together under a single roof. It's where important conversations and interactions occur, furthering the growth of the Southeast Asian spirits industry. We see Singapore taking on an increasingly significant role in this regard as time goes on.
Who are the major partners for Whisky Live?
Luminaries such as Amrut’s Ashok Chokalingam; Velier CEO Luca Gargano; Foursquare’s Richard Seale; Neisson’s Grégory Vernant and Waterford Founder Mark Reynier will be present. Whisky Live Singapore is all about public education, and there’s no better opportunity than together with the makers.
Registration and ticketing for Whisky Live Singapore is now open. Buy tickets with any of our codes for SG$30 off (ESQ_WLSSAT23; ESQ_WLSSUN23). VIP and Connoisseur Passes are still available.
