Shopping malls may have their Christmas countdowns, but right now we’re just counting down the days until Whisky Live Manila 2016. Grand Cru Wines & Spirits is bringing the biggest whisky tasting and sampling event of the year to the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort on Oct. 28 and 29.

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Whisky Live has been staged in London, Tokyo, Paris, and New York, but it’s the first time that the international event is taking place on Philippine shores. “We wanted to do something innovative, so last year we decided to get the Whisky Live franchise for the Philippines,” says Grand Cru Wine & Spirits owner Johnssen Li. He says that they have the option to change the concept every few years with other events under the franchise like Whisky Luxe, Cocktail Street and BarShow.

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Here’s what we’re looking forward to at Whisky Live:

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  1. Unlimited sampling. When you buy a ticket, you get a bottle of Evian, a copy of Whisky magazine, and a Glencairn glass that gives you unlimited samples of whisky and spirits from over 121 brands and distributors at the event. All liquor is available for sampling except limited bottlings, which are only available for purchase.
  2. If all that sampling leads you to discover a new whisky that you really love, we hear that some bottles may also be sold at a discounted price.
  3. Master classes conducted by whisky experts, ambassadors, and master distillers. We love master classes because one of the best ways to learn about your own whisky preferences is to sample a few drams with the guidance of someone who can tell you everything about what you’re drinking. Learning about how it’s made can also really enhance your appreciation for whisky. If you’re the kind of nerd whose heart flutters when you see class names like “Whisky Production Process—Slow Distillation and Wood Maturation” and “Wood Selection, Aromas, and Flavors of Tomatin Single Malt,” then you’re in for a treat.
  4. Whisky celebrities. Two of the biggest names in whisky, Whisky Bible author Jim Murray and The World’s Best Whiskies author and Keeper of the Quaich Dominic Roskrow, will conduct master classes on Blind Tasting and Old and Rare Whiskies, respectively. Slots for these classes are filling up fast, so reserve soon if you want to see these guys in person.
  5. Rare drams. Master classes will offer tastings of rare, old, and limited bottlings that the general public normally won’t be able to taste outside a visit to a distillery. Like most whisky fans we’re all about unique and rare experiences, and Whisky Live promises guests just that.
Jim Murray
Jim Murray

Participating brands include Jameson, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Mars Whisky, Teeling Whisky, Evian, Bruichladdich, Monkey Shoulder, JF Hillebrand, Dewar’s, Tanduay, Glengoyne, Kavalan, The Singleton, The Glenrothes, Don Papa Rum, Ungava, The Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker, The Glendronach Distillery, The Balvenie, Tomintoul, The Benriach, Bevtools, Tequila Corralejo, Jura, Chivas, Akashi, The Macallan, Highland Park, Yamazakura, and The Dalmore.


Visit whiskylive.ph to purchase tickets. See the full list of master classes.

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