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Pinoys mark World Whisky Day with classes, cigar pairings

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Joko Magalong-De Veyra

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/05/31/whisky-1.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>The 1824 Whisky and Cigar Bar of Discovery Primea. <em>Handout </em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA -- Discovery Primea’s 1824 Whisky and Cigar Bar recently celebrated World Whisky Day with a packed day for whisky enthusiasts. </p><p>World Whisky Day is held every year not only to honor the spirit’s colorful history, but also to promote the enjoyment of whisky in all its forms, whether it be straight, neat, or in a cocktail -- which is also the vision behind this hotel bar. </p><p>“We want 1824 to be a venue for discovery and exploration into the world of whisky. We welcome newbies and connoisseurs alike to 1824 to learn more about whisky, to meet like-minded enthusiasts, and to feel comfortable enough to come in, even by themselves, pull up a chair at the bar, and say, hey, what do you recommend?,&quot; shared Margaux Hontiveros, director for marketing communications at Discovery Primea. </p><p>Named after the year that licenses were granted to single malt distilleries, 1824’s narrow layout exudes old-world charm -- with hidden nooks and crannies for whisky lovers to sit and relax, as they enjoy their whisky of choice. </p><p>For World Whisky Day, 1824 expanded to the second-floor foyer, with the bar serving as the main venue for the master classes. </p><p>Didn’t make it to World Whisky Day? Here’s some of what you missed during the celebration. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/05/31/whisky-2.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Whisky appreciation classes are regularly held. <em>Jeeves De Veyra</em></figcaption></figure></div><div><strong>1. Master classes</strong></div><p>For the World Whisky Day celebration, master classes were free of charge and open to all. Led by Jonathan Vizcarra of Premier Wines and Spirits, the classes dealt with a variety of topics including whisky and cigar pairing (joined by Tabacalera’s Javier Ongpin), an introduction to Scotch, and a talk on the direction of whisky with the introduction of the Compass Box, a contemporary Scotch blender that uses modern and innovative methods to create their blends.<br/> <br/>1824 regularly holds masterclasses on whisky appreciation. This writer attended one recently and tasted beautiful sips like the Glenfarclas 17 (straightforward and smooth), the Amrut Intermediate Sherry (an Indian whisky, sweet with a spicy backnote), and the Octomore 7.1 (has 208 peats per milliliter, making it one of the peatiest whiskies in the world), among others.<br/> <br/><strong>2. Cigars </strong></p><p>Billed as two of the ultimate luxuries, cigars and whisky are a classic pair, so it was the perfect fit for Tabacalera to be a partner in the event. Guests were invited to smell and try handcrafted cigars with whisky flights during the masterclass, as well as to watch demonstrations on the fine art of cigar rolling. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/life/05/31/whisky-3.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Several whiskys were made available for tasting. <em>Jeeves De Veyra</em></figcaption></figure></div><div><strong>3. Whisky tasting and selling </strong></div><p>Once registered, you’re handed a Glencairn glass. This specially made-for-whisky glass is your ticket to taste the many whiskies available for tasting around the room. Divided into the places where the spirit originated (World/International, Islay, Highland, etc.), it was akin to a mini-Whisky Live, which has been dubbed the world&#x27;s premier whisky tasting show.</p><p>Some interesting picks that this writer tasted include Hooch (apple cinnamon-flavored corn whisky), Ledaig 18 (slight peatiness, sweet with a bit of water, finishes with some spice), and Hazelburn 12 (chocolate with a light spicy finish), among others. </p><p>All the whiskies for tasting (and some more premium that were not) were available for sale at special discounted prices during the day. </p>

<p>World Whisky Day is held every year not only to honor the spirit’s colorful history, but also to promote the enjoyment of whisky in all its forms. <br /> </p>

World Whisky Day is held every year not only to honor the spirit’s colorful history, but also to promote the enjoyment of whisky in all its forms.