Whiskies have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the past several years. Once considered the drink of stuffy old men wearing suits, today, the liquor is warmly embraced by a new generation of youthful drinkers who enjoy the complexity the spirit has to offer.
However, diving into the world of single malt scotches can be a daunting experience.
Singleton Whisky, one of the brands in Diageo’s portfolio, hopes to make this process easier with the launch of a pop-up bar in One Bonifacio High Street.
“This is the first ever for the brand. We did this pop-up because we wanted to showcase the versatility of the liquid. There is always this misconception that a single malt whisky should be consumed either neat or on the rocks. However, because of Singleton’s flavor profile, it lends itself well for use in different cocktails,” said Merell Beltran-Ginete, Diageo marketing manager – Culture & Advocacy.
The bar will be offering different cocktails based on a Singleton +2 concept. “Singleton Whisky is a single malt from the Speyside region. They are characteristically fruity and sweet whiskies which fits well with the palate of Filipinos. Singleton + 2 is basically a pour of Singleton whisky paired with 2 other ingredients, in this case, a still mixer and a carbonated mixer. We use fruit juices, teas, and other mixers to highlight the different dimensions the whisky has to offer,” Diageo Philippines brand ambassador Rian Asiddao shared.
Diageo has also partnered with long-time collaborator Erwan Heusaff to create three other cocktails which include a variation on a classic smash-style cocktail, a refreshing tropical-style highball and a tea-based concoction. “Youthful me would always complicate drinks because that was what I liked at that time. But now, I really like subtle, more subdued flavors using simple ingredients,” Heusaff explained.
The pop-up bar has also partnered with different food establishments every week. It partnered with Bolzico beef during the opening last April 15-16, and this will be followed by Taste and Tell, Deli by Chele, La Kantina, and Mijo for the succeeding weeks after. “Enjoying whisky with food is the best way to go about it. We wanted to work with different concepts and bring to the table different flavor profiles,” Beltran-Ginete noted.
The Singleton pop-up bar can be found at the garden area of the One Bonifacio High Street mall; it will be open every Friday and Saturday until May 13.
