A holiday gift for the whisky aficionado, and a must-visit luxury boutique
Good liquor makes any occasion more festive and special, as long as people drink responsibly. One could never go wrong gifting an exquisite tipple to a friend or bringing a bottle or two along to a party.
Actor and producer Trey Parker once said, “A Scotch buzz is the best buzz in the world.” Those looking for a reliable and solid Scotch whisky as well as those who want to explore top-of-the-line options need not look outside of Manila with the Johnnie Walker luxury boutique at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Presented in the quaint but grand, simple yet elegant shop is the luxury portfolio of the blended Scotch whisky brand by Diageo.
“The Johnnie Walker luxury boutique invites whisky enthusiasts to browse through our ‘Luxury Collection’ while also exploring different gifting options that they can give to the people closest and most special to them,” enthuses Diageo Philippines marketing director Nio Judalena.
In April, the luxury boutique was first launched at S&R Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
From the 21-year-old Singleton to the Angel Chen Chinese New Year Limited Edition Blue Label, on offer is the rarest and most exceptional Johnnie Walker lineup called “The Diageo Rare and Exceptional Collection.”
A one-hour taste experience that probes into the unmatched depth and flavors of the Blue Label is also available. Participants get to sample the single malts that make up the Blue Label’s superb blend namely the whisky lover’s favorite The Mortlach 20, the rich and complex Cardhu 18, and the dry and tannic Talisker 25.
This exclusive whisky mentoring session, held from Wednesday to Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., can be enjoyed at ₱2,500 per person on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to three participants per night only.
The four glasses of the luxury drinks, which include the Blue Label, at this price is a steal.
Fun fact, only one in every 10,000 casks meets the strict standards to produce the Blue Label. Master blender Jim Beveridge took inspiration from Old Highland, the brand’s inaugural product, released in 1867.
‘A Scotch buzz is the best buzz in the world.’
Robin Robinson, the author of The Complete Whiskey Course: A Comprehensive Tasting School in Ten Classes, describes the Blue Label as “the most perfectly engineered whisky ever created to that point [the ’60s to ’90s], a triumph of marketing and production… brilliant in its concept and its execution: bold enough to be Scotch but mellow enough that it didn’t offend.”
The nose initially offers oak, followed by light smoky notes and tinges of citrus and berries. Remarkably smooth and flavorful with a nice touch of peatiness, the Blue Label is gentle on the palate, slightly sweet, with a smoky cigar-like aftertaste, and an easy, oaky finish.
There is also a bespoke service where shoppers may add personalized touches to the items they buy in the boutique. Each purchase from the boutique comes in limited-edition gift packaging, with the option to include a custom leather bag tag with initials in gold lettering or to have bottles engraved with a special message or the name of the recipient.
“Personalized gifts are always the most impactful, and we’re thrilled to launch the Johnnie Walker Luxury Boutique in time for the holidays as shoppers look for unique gifts to connect with family and friends during this season,” explains Nio.
Among the largest exporters of Scotch whisky and other spirits, Diageo oversees 200 brands in more than 180 countries.
The boutique is near M Bakery and Zara at One Bonifacio High Street, BGC, open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 14, 2023.
SIGN UP TO DAILY NEWSLETTER