From Scotland to Singapore, we follow the journey of Satinder Garcha as he seeks to connect people with the world of whisky
It was during a memorable vacation in Scotland with friends when Satinder Garcha discovered his passion for whisky. There, he delved into the world of distilleries and discovered the craftsmanship, artistry, culture, and rich history of whisky production.
Inspired by this experience, he was determined to share these untold stories with others. He did this by opening two whisky bars: The Whiskey Library at The Vagabond Club and the Officers’ Mess Polo Bar at Maxwell Reserve Singapore. He dedicated two years to carefully curating rare and award-winning whiskies from around the world, remarking, “With over 1,000 whiskies from around the world, the collection comprises predominantly single cask and limited-edition bottles sourced from distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, Japan, the U.K., and beyond.”
He views whisky as a unique form of art that engages the imagination and excites the spirit, with each bottle telling its own story. Through The Whiskey Library, Garcha aims to share his passion by providing a space where whisky enthusiasts can embark on their own journeys of discovery, exploring the diverse flavours and narratives behind each bottle.
For those who share Garcha’s love for the golden liquid, a visit to The Whiskey Library at The Vagabond Club promises an unforgettable experience. The collection features over 1,000 thoughtfully curated rare and refined award-winning whiskies, primarily single cask and limited-edition bottles from esteemed distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, Japan, the U.K., and beyond. The ambiance, with plush red velvet and elegant Parisian-chic décor, gives off old movie theatre vibes. The space offers bespoke experiences such as curated jazz performances, intimate theatre evenings, book readings, artist showcases, and independent film premieres.
Garcha states, “The Whiskey Library offers a membership programme with privileged access to 80 lockers, each storing up to 15 bottles of whisky. Members can bring one of their own bottles for every two purchased at the library and enjoy additional benefits such as suite nights at The Vagabond Club and reserved seating at regular Whiskey Club events.”
Another notable venue is the Officers’ Mess Polo Bar at Maxwell Reserve Singapore, where oak-panelled walls, African ebony floors, and a saddle leather bar are centred around a hand-painted mural of a 1930s polo match at Guards Polo Club in Windsor.
Enhance your whisky tasting sessions in the Steakhouse, which serves some of the finest prime-grade cuts of meat and seafood. The world-class wine cellar is curated by expert sommeliers and offers an impressive selection of Champagnes, reds, whites, and rosés from leading vineyards.
Both establishments provide an atmosphere of elegance and refinement, exceptional service, and a commitment to unique and memorable experiences that celebrate the rich histories and cultures of fine dining and whisky appreciation.
When asked how he takes his whisky, Garcha responds, “I appreciate whisky in various forms, each offering a unique experience. Savouring whisky neat allows me to fully engage with its unaltered flavours and aromas, providing a direct connection to the craftsmanship behind each bottle. On occasion, I enjoy whisky on the rocks, as the slight dilution and chill can open up new dimensions in certain expressions.”
Additionally, he has a deep appreciation for whisky-based cocktails, which showcase the spirit’s versatility and complexity. At The Whiskey Library, they celebrate this diversity by offering an extensive collection of over 1,000 bespoke whiskies, complemented by a selection of expertly crafted cocktails.
In addition to being a polo player, property developer, technology investor, and documentary maker, Garcha is the founder of The Garcha Group, which includes luxury hotels and real estate holdings in Singapore and Santiago, Chile.