November 02, 2016

Fine whiskey from around the globe: Whiskey Live Manila 2016

Whiskey Live finally made it to the Philippines, and the world’s biggest international event promises to come back for more. Featuring over 100 whiskeys and other spirits, it was the place to be whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or someone who’s getting into whiskey for the very first time.

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FIRST OF MANY. Whiskey Live finally made its way to Manila in 2016, and there may be more coming next year.

If you’re one of the whiskey connoisseurs to grace the event, then you should still be reeling from the number of fine whiskeys featured in the event, including names familiar even to those who haven’t even thought of drinking whiskey, like Chivas, Johnnie Walker, and local brand Tanduay.

There were also several international brands that are usually known only to those who appreciate whiskey: Glenmorangie, Dalmore, The Balvenie, and The BenRiach. Some of the more surprising brands present where Jameson (Irish whiskey), Kavalan (Taiwanese), and Japanese (yes, they also make whiskey) whiskey makers Akashi and Yamazakura.

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CHERRY WHISKEY FROM JAPAN. No, it’s not a knock-off. It’s genuine Cherry Whiskey from Yamazakura.

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IRISH WHISKEY. Did you know that Irish whiskey was around way before the Scots figured out how to make their own? Shown here is an Irish whiskey brand, Jameson.

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DEWAR’S. A rare sight: 18-year-0ld Scotch whiskey, courtesy of Dewar’s.

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SOMETHING DIFFERENT. Whiskey Live is not all about whiskey. There was rum from Don Papa (top), lambanog from Lakan, and Canadian premium gin from Ungava, used in this delightful cocktail made by Ken Bandivas of ABV.

Apart from the number of whiskey brands available, guests were also treated spirits other than whiskey. There was rum from local brand Don Papa, Canadian premium gin Ungava, and lambanog from Lakan.

A cocktail competition also took place during Whiskey Live Manila 2016, with Lester Ligon of ABV bagging the top prize. There were also master classes spread out through both days, with some of the most respected names in whiskey giving attendees their take on what makes a good whiskey.

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FIRST TIME EVER. Jim Murray (right), author of the widely popular whiskey guide book Whiskey Bible, and Dominic Roskrow (left), editor of Whiskey Magazine, shared the Whiskey Live stage for the first time.

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ANOTHER FIRST. Whiskey Live was brought to the Philippines with the help of Johnssen Li (right), standing here with one of the country’s whiskey pioneers, Mrs. Barbara Cumagon.

Present during the opening ceremonies were two of the biggest names in whiskey: Jim Murray and Dominic Roskrow, along with whiskey pioneer Barbara Cumagon and Grand Cru’s Johnssen Li, the man who brought Whiskey Live to the Philippines.

“Whiskey Live is about connecting people you don’t see every day, from those working behind the scenes to people who work on marketing plans in offices or distilleries,” said Li during an interview with Bloomberg Philippines at Whiskey Live.

Philippine Primer may have only attended Day 1 of the event, but if it were any indication, people would’ve had as much fun on Day 2 as the people did on Day 1. Li also promised a 2017 edition, so be sure to leave some room in your schedule for the second coming of Whiskey Live Manila!

All brands seen at Whiskey Live Manila can be bought at any supermarket or grocery store in the Philippines. Just go to the Wines and Spirits section. Please check with your local grocery or supermarket for the latest price.