Indulge Your whiskey Fantasies at the Whiskey Library

IF YOU ARE A WHISKEY FAN YOU WILL BE DELIGHTED WITH WHAT THE WHISKEY LIBRARY BAR HAS TO OFFER, WRITES WESLEY GUNTER.

When I entered the Whiskey Library located at The Vagabond Club along Syed Alwi Road, I could imagine Charlie’s elation when he stepped foot into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

METICULOUS SELECTION

Before coming face to face with the 1000 bottles of whiskey meticulously selected from across the world and neatly arranged in the specially handcrafted vitrines adorned with brass claw feet, a key piece that stands out from the rest of the art deco exterior is the striking and ornate brass Rhino reception desk made by the Allahbuksh family from Rajasthan that leaves a lasting impression.

Moving back to the whiskies on display, the library collection is made up of predominantly single cask and limited-edition bottles from Scotland, America, Japan, Taiwan, Ireland, England, India, Australia and even France.

Every whiskey fan boy will love the fact that every dram has a story to tell which the Whiskey Library’s resident Bar Manager, Nikoleta, will be happy to oblige. Some of the rare bottles that are either produced as a limited edition or multiple award-winners include the Yamazaki 18 which was distilled by the first commercial distillery in Japan located in the Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture region that is famous for its mild water used in the distillation process of its whiskies, resulting in the warm, myriad flavoured body of Yamazaki whiskies.

SPECIAL EDITIONS

Another special number is the The Macallan 19 being aged in a single bourbon cask from February 1998 to September 2017 in a very small cask of only 235 bottles. For the serious whiskey aficionados and collectors out there, the most expensive bottle at The Whiskey Library is the Pappy Van Winkle bourbon at S$16,221++ which is a one-year release vintage, family reserve. It is so loved that Americans travel around the United States trying to find the exact location of the annual release which is a highly guarded secret till launch and retailers have to sign up for long wait lists to get it delivered.

Some of the entertainment highlights at the Whiskey Library include bespoke experiences such as specially curated sung and told Jazz stories, intimate theatre, book readings, artist evenings, musical showcases, and even independent film premieres. Guests can enjoy delightful small bites prepared by the Chef de cuisine at The Vagabond Club.

MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES

A key differentiating factor between the Vagabond club’s Whiskey Library from other whiskey bars is its unique membership programme. With just a small sum of just SGD$3,000, guests who sign up will enjoy 10-room nights at The Vagabond Club that are fully transferrable, and privileged access to 80 lockers, each with its own gilded and tasselled key.

With each locker storing up to 15 bottles of whiskey, members can also bring one of their own bottles for every two bottles purchased at The Whiskey Library. In addition, members will also enjoy special bottle pricing, access to the Vagabond Club gym, and reserved seating at regular Whiskey Club events and experiences.

Now that’s one library membership worth signing up for.