Arthur Morbois, managing director of La Maison du Whisky (LMDW), shares highlights of the upcoming ticketed event
This year’s Whisky Live, organised by La Maison du Whisky, will return for its 13th edition and while it’s going to be smaller, it can only be better. Featuring its first VIP-exclusive edition, with a capacity for just 300 guests a day, one will experience all things good, such as first-tastes of bottlings from LMDW’s 2024 Creations Catalogue, masterclasses by industry experts, and the chance to purchase new and rare whiskies at 10 per cent off. Whisky Live has also partnered with award-winning bars within walking distance, and will offer S$20 signature cocktails from places like Cafe Utu; Cat Bite Club; Foxtail Bar; Nou; Beats, Bites & Cocktails; and RPM by D.Bespoke. Arthur Morbois, managing director of LMDW, shares more.
How excited are you about a more intimate and refined Whisky Live?
We are incredibly excited about this new, more focused and consolidated Whisky Live. We reckon going back to basics with our die-hard whisky fans is the way to go. These aren’t just casual drinkers; these are connoisseurs, experts who have been with us for years. A VIP-only event will be more intimate and ideal for in-depth discussions and real whisky geekery. Trying to appeal to a wider audience with more brands just dilutes the whole point of Whisky Live.
How do Whisky Live bottlings condition the boutique craft market each year in Singapore?
While we are excited about Whisky Live bottlings, the real star of the show is our annual catalogue, curated by our French team and featuring over 100 unique spirits, from whisky to tequila. Our loyal followers love these releases. They are highly sought-after and often create a bit of a frenzy among collectors.
How is this year’s curation designed to appeal to the intellectual side of discerning consumers?
The annual catalogue is more than just a product list. It’s a curated collection of spirits; a bridge between the distillers and consumers. It’s a showcase of new releases, presented with artistic flair and innovative ideas. For instance, this year’s catalogue, Foundations, focuses on the core brands that define La Maison du Whisky’s portfolio.
The artistic side of the catalogue is equally important. The Artist #14 collection of LMDW-selected single casks features stunning photographs of distillery roofs, while the Magnum series showcases a new collection of rums. And let’s not forget the intellectual side. Masterclasses with industry leaders like Yumi Yoshikawa, global brand ambassador from Chichibu Distillery, offer a unique opportunity for consumers to learn from the experts and gain deeper insights into the world of spirits.
Tell me more about the bottlings one would taste from LMDW’s 2024 Creations catalogue.
Let’s dive into some of the exciting bottlings from this year’s catalogue. We have got the highly anticipated Artist’s Range and Magnum series, as well as the fourth release in our exclusive Chichibu Flower series for Singapore, which is sure to be a hit. For bourbon and rum lovers, there are some real gems. We’ve got Blanton’s, the new Hampden Estate rums and a mysterious new Cuban rum. We’ll also have the Nikka 9 Decades (in celebration of Nikka’s 90th anniversary) and the latest big release from Benromach, the 50 Years Old.
What are some other highlights one can look forward to?
Rum enthusiasts can look forward to masterclasses with La Maison & Velier and Colours of Rum, and whisky lovers can look forward to sessions with Emiko Kaji from Nikka; Yumi Yoshikawa from Chichibu Distillery; Kavalan; and Merlet. Gordon & MacPhail will also be unveiling their new Recollection collection.
We are also working with bars in Tanjong Pagar—Kafe Utu, Cat Bite Club, D.Bespoke, Nou, Foxtail and Gaston—allowing visitors to experience the [surrounding neighbourhood’s] vibrant bar scene firsthand. Guests must check out the rum cocktails by Kafe Utu, which they will bring their typical gastronomic expertise to. Cat Bite Club, after its honourable mention at World’s 50 Best Bars, is also a name to get excited about.
Beyond that, LMDW’s flagship store at Robertson Quay will be hosting afternoon Collector’s Masterclasses, followed by a transformation into a vibrant Collector’s Square bar. This will be the perfect place to enjoy rare and extraordinary spirits.
