Sunday, February 5, 2023
manilastandard.net
ADVERTISEMENT
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Others
    • Pets
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Technology
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • MS ON THE ROAD
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Others
    • Pets
    • Pop.Life
      • Newsmakers
      • Hangouts
      • A-Pop
      • Post Its
      • Performances
      • Malls & Bazaars
      • Hobbies & Collections
    • Technology
      • Gadgets
      • Computers
      • Business
      • Tech Plus
    • MS ON THE ROAD
      • Sedan
      • SUV
      • Truck
      • Bike
      • Accessories
      • Motoring Plus
      • Commuter’s Corner
    • Home & Design
      • Residential
      • Commercial
      • Construction
      • Interior
    • Spotlight
    • Gallery
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Seminars
      • Exhibits
      • Community
    • Biyahero
      • Travel Features
      • Travel Reels
      • Travel Logs
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result
manilastandard.net
No Result
View All Result
Home Lifestyle Columns Tipple Tales by Icy Marinas

Taste Test

October 18, 2015, 6:30 pm
in Tipple Tales by Icy Marinas
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Email

We pick up where we left off from last week’s column where I shared three whisky tasting experiences: Bruichladdich, Glenmorangie, and Monkey Shoulder. Each brand has its own process, style, and feel, which translated to each of their events. They all had their own flavor, their own flair – and their brand ambassadors, who hosted the events, set the tone for how the experience was going to be. This week, I’ll tell you all about the two most recent tasting events I went to. 

The Balvenie Portwood 21-y-o, The Balvenie Doublewood 12-y-o, The Balvenie Single Barrel 15-y-o, and The Balvenie Doublewood 17-y-o.

Wild Turkey brought in Global Brand Ambassador Mr. Robin Coupar (Scottish), who has dedicated more than 21 years of his life to the industry. This special tasting was done at Hooch Bar, Salcedo Village. He was eloquent and charming, he commanded respect, a man full of firsthand knowledge. He presented seven whiskies from the Wild Turkey brand, plus the Single Malt Glen Grant. He went through the whole motion of teaching how to appreciate bourbon whisky and what the differences are between bourbon and whisky (all bourbon is whisky, but not all whisky is bourbon). He also had inside information about the distilleries – firsthand information you don’t learn by just reading about the brand. We were lucky to have been there because they opened the very first bottle of Wild Turkey 17-year-old Master’s Keep in Southeast Asia! This was not only a treat, it easily became one of my favorites. This one-off batch was kept in a stone warehouse, where it’s damper and cooler, which makes the whisky take longer to mature. He told us to put a little bit of it in our hands, rub them together and take a whiff, to release the aromas. It has layers of smoke, leather, and wood, owing its earthiness to the dampness in the natural environment. I was thrilled to learn that Wild Turkey was bringing in Wild Turkey Rye. This is the only second rye brand in Manila. And being a rye fan (love it for its spiciness and the sexiness it adds to cocktails), here are the other brands he presented: Wild Turkey 81, Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Forgiven (the happy accident of mixing their high proof ryes and bourbon blends, one of my favorites!), Russel Reserve 10-y-o, Russel Reserve Single Barrel and Glen Grant. Glen Grant is a Scotch whisky that I will definitely be recommending to first time whisky drinkers. It’s like alcoholic apple juice with grace and finesse. 

The latest whisky tasting event I attended in Smith Butcher & Grillroom was for The Balvenie. Just when I thought this was going to be just another tasting presentation where the highlight was Balvenie’s great lineup of Scotch whiskies, I was so wrong. I was present in a room with not just one, but two Balvenie ambassadors: the Southeast Asia Regional Brand Ambassador Neil Strachan and the Global Brand Ambassador Samuel Simmons (who is working closely with Balvenie’s Malt Master, “The” David Stewart. This guy is a living legend in the whisky world!). We were treated to a presentation on the history and tradition of this premium single malt. Hearing about the tradition of passing on the skills of a malt master down to his successor, teaching not just the production process of the whisky, but the taste and aroma of what it should be, is inspiring. These people have dedicated their lives in preserving and continuing the tradition by sense of taste and smell. There is a certain romance to it, a passion that is contagious! I couldn’t help but feel moved by that story. This tasting was such a treat!

ADVERTISEMENT

It was great seeing them in tandem. Neil, being a sort of newbie, was full of passion at getting his dream job, though a little nervous presenting with the global brand ambassador. Sam on the other hand was cool and humble, and seemed to have transferred some confidence during the presentation to Neil. It was beautiful to witness – like a new teacher being mentored by a master teacher. In the same line of Scotch knowledge being passed on from one generation to the next, it seemed like I saw this in action during the event, and felt privileged to have been there. It was genuine and did not feel intimidating at all. We were also given a special bottle of unaged whisky, which was just the icing on the cake. 

The featured whiskies were The Balvenie Portwood 21-y-o, The Balvenie Doublewood 12-y-o, The Balvenie Single Barrel 15-y-o, and The Balvenie Doublewood 17-y-o. I particularly enjoyed The Balvenie 15 which was paired perfectly with oysters. When I had it, it was as if there were fireworks. It was an absolute match. The next time I have oysters, I would automatically want The Balvenie 15 (and vice versa). They are forever linked now. 

The very first bottle of Wild Turkey 17-year-old Master’s Keep in Southeast Asia

Whew! That was a lot of whisky. I sort of feel bad about not finishing the samples! But you can’t fully appreciate the last (which they save the best for) if you’re pretty wasted. With the elevating landscape of the bar and alcohol scene in the Philippines, there will definitely be more of these tasting events coming, with all kinds of liquor. I strongly urge you to go to one (or all) if you can get yourself in or are able to afford it. It is certainly a great way to spend your time (and money). As consumers, it is our duty to know what we’re buying and consuming. As imbibers, these tasting events are a great way to learn more about the spirits we love, and are curious about. Plus, you’ll be among like-minded people who enjoy what you enjoy: booze. It’s like a learning community of sorts. And where else can you take a class where you can drink the lesson? 

For people who are interested in attending tasting events and being in the know, you can drop me a line at tippletales@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter (@tipple_tales) and Instagram (@sanvicentegirl) and I’ll keep you guys posted. Cheers! 

Tags: taste testthe balveniewild turkey
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Posts

Halloween With A Twist

October 25, 2015, 6:20 pm
0
9
Halloween With A Twist

I don’t know about you guys, but I love Halloween! The sacred holiday of candy companies (ahead of Valentine’s Day),...

Read more

Print Edition

View More

Recent Posts

  • Amazon Sets a New Record for Most Renewable Energy Purchased by a Single Company
  • Kaspersky Threat Intelligence enhances its threat data feeds, threat analysis, brand protection capabilities
  • Check out Tommy Hilfiger’s February 6 store launch on Shopee
  • Nine missing after fishing boat capsizes in South Korea
  • Endangered monarch butterflies face perilous storm
  • Pelicans down Lakers as James moves 36 points from NBA scoring record
  • Can Beyonce finally take home the top Grammy?
  • As pandemic fades, Guatemalan motorcyclists resume religious pilgrimage

Advertisement

Latest News

Pelicans down Lakers as James moves 36 points from NBA scoring record

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 11:00 am
0
8
Pelicans down Lakers as James moves 36 points from NBA scoring record

The New Orleans Pelicans snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 131-121 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday,...

Read more

Can Beyonce finally take home the top Grammy?

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 10:00 am
0
8
Can Beyonce finally take home the top Grammy?

As music's elite gather in Los Angeles for the Grammy awards on Sunday, one question is playing on loop: Will...

Read more

As pandemic fades, Guatemalan motorcyclists resume religious pilgrimage

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 9:30 am
0
8
As pandemic fades, Guatemalan motorcyclists resume religious pilgrimage

Thousands of motorcyclists on Saturday roared 140 miles across Guatemala in a rolling procession to venerate a religious crucifix, the...

Read more

‘Consensus’ with Zelensky that Western arms do not hit Russia: Scholz

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 9:00 am
0
8
‘Reconsider weapon export policy’; NATO to SoKor: Step up for Ukraine

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky agrees that weapons supplied by the West will not be used to attack Russian territory, Germany's...

Read more

Democrats approve 2024 presidential primary shakeup

byAFP
February 5, 2023, 8:30 am
0
8
Southwoods nails Seniors’ Fil golf crown

The Democratic National Committee formally approved a shakeup to its 2024 primaries calendar Saturday that should help President Joe Biden,...

Read more

Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

ABOUT US

Manila Standard

Manila Standard website (manilastandard.net), launched in August 2002, extends the newspaper’s reach beyond its traditional readers and makes its brand of Philippine news and opinion available to a much wider and geographically diverse readership here and overseas.

Digital Edition

In tone and content, the online edition mirrors the editorial thrust of the newspaper. While hewing to the traditional precepts of fairness and objectivity, MS believes the news of the day need not be staid, overly long or dry. Stories are succinct, readable and written in a lively style that has become a hallmark of the newspaper.

Download – Today’s Paper

Search

No Result
View All Result

6th Floor Universal Re Bldg., 106 Paseo De Roxas cor. Perea Street, Legaspi Village, 1226 Makati City Philippines

Trunklines: 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

No Result
View All Result
  • About
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • National
    • World News
    • Pinoy Abroad
    • Features
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
    • Columns
    • Soundbytes
  • LGUs
    • NCR
    • Luzon
    • Visayas
    • Mindanao
  • Business
    • Corporate
    • Economy & Trade
    • Stocks
    • Money
    • Agri & Mining
    • Power & Tech
    • IT & Telecom
  • Sports
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Fightsports
    • Active
    • Sports Plus
    • One Championship
    • Columns
  • Entertainment
    • TV & Movies
    • Celebrity Profiles
    • Music & Concerts
    • Digital Media
    • Columns
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Culture & Media
    • Fashion
    • Health and Home
    • Leisure
    • Shopping
    • Columns
  • Pop.Life
    • Newsmakers
    • Hangouts
    • A-Pop
    • Post Its
    • Performances
    • Malls & Bazaars
    • Hobbies & Collections
  • Technology
    • Gadgets
    • Computers
    • Business
    • Tech Plus
  • MS ON THE ROAD
    • Sedan
    • SUV
    • Truck
    • Bike
    • Accessories
    • Motoring Plus
    • Commuter’s Corner
  • Home & Design
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Construction
    • Interior
  • Spotlight
  • Gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • Events
    • Seminars
    • Exhibits
    • Community
  • Biyahero
    • Travel Features
    • Travel Reels
    • Travel Logs
  • Pets
  • Advertise with Us

© 2021 Manila Standard - Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Install Manila Standard Web App

Install App