Wine & Whisky Week will be taking place at Suntec city from 1st to 12 November 2017. Wine retailer 1855 The Bottle Shop is presenting the fourth edition of their free-to-attend wine and whisky event to start the holiday season shopping early. I attended a media preview of what would be on offer at the event and spotted a couple of bottled gems that shouldn’t be missed; Read on to find out which caught my eyes.
A glass of Freixenet ICE with a couple of orange slices is the perfect refreshing start to a tropical evening. Photo © Justin Teo.
Over 500 bottles of wine and whisky labels
Wine & Whisky Week joins the crowded Singapore calendar for wine and liquors this year. It stands out from the rest of the shows by showcasing more than 500 wine and whisky labels, and seems more accessible to the average shopper than other wine or whisky events. It would be conveniently located in Suntec City. There would be a complimentary sampling of over 100 labels and opportunities to meet wine experts at the show. That is not to say that Wine & Whisky Week has little to offer the aficionados; Here is a list of new-to-market, exclusive or limited-edition labels to be explored at the event:
- La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou Cuvee Colbert 2013 – The new-to-market label is only available in several markets around the world with limited production of 6,000 bottles. This is the second label of Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, a leading 2nd Growth Bordeaux Winery located in St Julien, France. Exclusively available at 1855 The Bottle Shop retail outlets and online.
- Roku Gin – The first premium Japanese craft gin in Beam Suntory’s Newly launched Roku, meaning “six” in Japanese is suitably made with 6 botanicals.
- Macallan Edition No. 3 – With a global release of 250,000 bottles, the aroma-focused single malt is made in partnership with British perfumer Roja Dove – which forms the latest in its annual Edition series.
- Pagus Bisano Amarone Della Valpolicella 2014 – The new-to-market label from Veneto, Italy recently scored 91 points in Vinitaly International Wine Guide for the 5StarWines 2017 book.
- Limited Edition Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava – This black and gold striped Spanish Cava is a world favourite, with its exceptionally fresh and fruity notes. The limited edition bottle is perfect for the festive spirit and available while stock last.
- Critically acclaimed offerings such as Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay 2015 (93 points on Wine Spectator) and Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir 2014 (92 points on Wine Spectator).
- Champagne Henriot, award-winning and iconic Champagne maisons founded in 1808 and now in its eight generation, will feature vintage labels Champagne Henriot Brut Millésimé 2006, Champagne Henriot Rose Millésimé 2008 and Champagne Henriot Blanc De Blancs.
Previous edition of Wine & Whisky Week at Suntec City. Photo courtesy of 1855 The Bottle Shop.
A sneak peak at the cask strength whiskies at the Wine & Whisky Week November 2017.
Value-for-money deals
This edition has the year-end holiday season in mind, which means bubblies and rich red wine like the Italian Amarone, and whiskies are showcased at the show. Participants can also expect to see attractive bundles and deals for a variety of products, such as these Bordeaux best-sellers from previous editions:
- Chateau Tourans, Saint-Emilion, Grand Cru – each at S$45 and 6 bottles at S$234 (Retail Price: S$60)
- Reserve de la Comtesse, Pauillac – each at S$68 (Retail Price: S$88)
My personal tip is to take a look at the masterclasses for value-for-money deals at the show. A series of eight masterclasses helmed by industry experts will cover a broad and diverse range of topics, such as from Whiskies straight from the Cask by Mathieu Musnier, to Sake versus Shochu by Seiji Wakasuji.
This is bottle #400 of 510, made from a single cask of Kavalan Sherry Cask specially selected by Maison du Whisky. Only limited bottles are left. Photo © Justin Teo.
Wine consultant Ch’ng Poh Tiong will also be hosting a special tasting session of prestigious labels such as Chateau Smith Hait Lafite 2006 and Chateau Petrus 1995. Only 20 seats are available – the first 100 buyers of his book “Top Chinese Restaurants of the World 2018” will stand a chance to enter the lucky draw and win seats to this coveted masterclass. In addition, there is also a chance to win a year’s supply of wines and whiskies with every S$200 spending throughout the 12-day event.
Tickets to the other seven masterclasses are priced at S$28 per pax, and is available for sale at www.1855thebottleshop.com from 11th Oct 0217.
| Date | Session 1: 2pm | Session 2: 4pm |
| 4 November 2017 (Saturday) | Terroir of Niigata Sake
Speaker: Joshua Kalinan, Sake Sommelier |
The Art of Glass Tasting with Plumm
Speaker: Anna-Maria Nugent |
| 5 November 2017 (Sunday) | Understanding Bordeaux
Speaker: Ch’ng Poh Tiong, Wine Consultant, Publisher and Writer Tasting with feature iconic labels: · Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2006 · Chateau Pape Clement 2006 · Chateau Petit-Village 2000 · Domaine de Chevalier 2000 · Chateau Lagrange 1996 · Chateau Petrus 1996
|
Whiskies straight from the cask
Speaker: Mathieu Musnier, General Manager of La Maison du Whisky |
| 11 November 2017 (Saturday) | Sake Vs Shochu
Speaker: Seiji Wakasuji, Vice President of Takara Shuzo Singapore |
Verona Diagonal – From Valpolicella to Amarone
Speaker: Mario Zocca, Managing Director of The Italian Wine List |
| 12 November 2017 (Sunday) | Singularity Begins with an “R”
Speaker: Matthew Heng, Moet Hennessy Diageo Representative Tasting Labels:
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Embark on a Sensory Journey with The Macallan
Speaker: James Ting, Edrington Representative |
1855 The Bottle Shop Wine & Whisky Week Event Details
Date & Time : 1 November, Wednesday (11am – 5pm)
2 to 12 November 2017, Thursday to Sunday (11am – 10pm)
Venue : Suntec City East Wing, Level 1 Atrium, Singapore
(Between Tower 3 & 4)
Entry Fee : Free Admission
