MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Old acquaintances and new friends have come together for a two-day celebration of whisky and other premium libations during the fifth Whisky Live Manila last November 04 and 05 at the Shangri-La Fort. Grand Cru Wines and Spirits once again brought together over 100 international and local whisky brands and several whisky masters for two nights of unlimited whisky tasting, masterclasses & workshops, and a bartending competition.
“Such an overwhelming feeling that even after a pandemic and despite the traffic and rainy weather conditions, a lot of people still showed up to celebrate with us with the same energy and enthusiasm towards whisky and our industry,” shared Grand Cru CEO Johnssen Li.
Participating brands such as Chivas Regal, Pernod Ricard, Douglas Laing, Bruichladdich, Maison Ferrand, Don Papa Rum, ARC, Luisita Rum, Remy Martin, Dewar’s, Koval, among others showcased their new offerings and old favorites through creative and interactive booth displays and fun ways to engage the guests. Dewar’s ultimately won the Best Booth and People’s Choice for Whisky awards.
What made this year’s Whisky Live Manila different were the whisky workshops where guests learned different ways to appreciate whisky even more. Chivas Regal’s Owen Roberts shared the art of blending your own whisky, John Go taught guests how to follow their own senses in a blind-tasting activity, and Richie Cruz showed how to make your own whisky sour using Benchmark Bourbon Whiskey.
Masterclasses by several whisky masters like Ewan Gunn, Owen Roberts, Kris Ong, Lee Watson, Matthieu Gouze, and ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ Paul Wang were also a hit and well-attended.
Lastly, as part of the efforts to elevate the industry, a bartending competition was held where several mentors partnered with different schools offering hospitality programs (mixology & bartending) to pass on industry knowledge and skills to future industry experts. Jouielyn Vidal from Enderun College won the mentorship competition under bartending mentor Mark Kevin Ramores.
For tickets and more details for next year’s Whisky Live Manila, visit Whisky Live Manila website.
