Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest After a two-year hiatus, Whisky Live is back! Grand Cru Wines and Spirits will once again bring whisky lovers and drink enthusiasts together in this two-day event. With over 100 international and local whisky and spirit brands, Whisky Live and Bar Show 2022 is shaping up to be the lush drinking affair that we’ve been craving for. This year’s festivities will be held on November 4 and 5 at the Shangri-La Fort, BGC. It’s going to be two nights of unlimited whisky tasting, cocktails, and masterclasses. The Whisky Live Mentorship Program and Cocktail Competition will be continuing this year as well, with a fresh batch of veteran bartenders paired with college students. Apart from the star of the event, whisky, the bar show aspect puts together brands with some of the best bars in the country to create tasty cocktails . The whisky section will also offer simple cocktails, but the focus would be on the whiskies. For the bar and brand collabs, Poblacion favorite, Buccaneers, is partnered with Plantation Rum; Buffalo Trace Bourbon is paired up with The Curator (named the best bar in the Philippines on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list), and the world’s first Fair Trade certified and sustainably sourced premium rum, Flor de Caña Rum, is with The Backroom (also not a stranger on the 50 Best list). Another part of the program to look forward to are the masterclasses. There will be eight masterclasses offered this year. Each one lasts at least an hour and a half, so you’ll really be getting your money’s worth. The customary breathalyzer test will be dispensed with this year in favor of a visual check, and there will still be medical professionals on standby if needed. There won’t be food offered this year, but Shangri-la will have a selection of bites for sale available near the venue if guests start feeling peckish. The two-year gap allowed part of the drinking public to mature in terms of what they drink, so they’re anticipating a number of new blood at the event. “At the end of the day we want to grow the community,” shares Grand Cru CEO Johnssen Li. “We want to expand it and get a bigger audience, so we’re expecting people who are just starting to learn about whisky or those who want to become a professional in the industry to come as well.” JOHNSSEN’S PICKS Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest Limited Release 2022 – Only three bottles will be available for the event for tasting, Luisita Rum Single Barrel – The barrel will be displayed and guests can get to try the rum straight from the cask. Dewars Smooth Series Portuguese Smooth – This whisky finished in port cask is medium to full bodied and has lots of flavors layered around it. Douglas Laing – They’re an independent bottler and will show their complete range of Regional Remarkable Malts, Provenance and Old Particular single cask ranges. Clarin Haitian Rum – Pronounced as ” Kleran”. Although unaged, this Haitian rum is fermented from the juice of sugarcane and is a perfect example of terroir-driven spirits. Hampden Jamaican Rum – This is basically Islay of rum, and has a lot of funky characteristics. Penderyn Single Cask – Ex Madeira Cask Cask No: M411 (59.9% ABV – Limited Edition WL Manila 2020 Exclusive) – Welsh whisky selected by Johnssen Li for Whisky Live Manila 2020 Release. Penderyn Single Cask – Ex Tawny Port Cask Cask No: P1267 (59.6% ABV – Limited Edition WL Manila 2020 Exclusive) – Welsh whisky selected by Johnssen Li for Whisky Live Manila 2020 Release. Singleton 21YO and 25YO – These will only be offered in a limited quantity. Whisky Live layout TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE WHISKY LIVE EXPERIENCE Wear comfortable shoes. While there is a best dressed competition, make sure you’re able to dress to impress while on your feet for a while. This is a standing event, so plan your OOTD accordingly. Make a plan. Familiarize yourself with the layout and hit the booths that offer limited tastings of certain bottles first. Pace yourself. This is a marathon event, not a sprint. Rehydrate often. Eat before you drink. We’ve learned our lesson well. Don’t attempt to navigate a festival of this size on an empty stomach, trust us, you will regret it. Since food is not include in this year’s ticket price, eat before heading to the event or take a food break at any of the restos in Shangri-La or nearby establishments. Be mindful. It might be difficult to practice social distancing at such a well-attended event. Add alcohol to the mix, and it could get a little rowdy. Be self-aware and don’t overindulge. Take home your tasting glass! We see it time and again. Lonely Glencairn glasses abandoned throughout the venue. Take these babies home. Not only are they a great keepsake of a fantastic night, they’re also Php 500 each. Find out more about previous Whisky Live events here. Whisky Live Manila 2022 is organized by Grand Cru Wine & Spirits, Inc. Doors open at 7:00 pm. For tickets and more details, visit Whisky Live Manila or call the Grand Cru office at 5180131 or 0917 5333373.