High Spirits: The Whisky Appreciation Series at the Oakroom Lounge & Bar

With an extensive selection of the finest Scottish whisky, including whiskies from Japan, Ireland, and even India, Oakwood Joy-Nostalg Center Manila's Oakroom Lounge & Bar is the place for the best dram of single malt this side of the metro. And there's no better way to enjoy a nice and neat shot of single malt than with Oakroom Lounge & Bar's Whisky Appreciation Series. Take a sip, and learn more about your favorite single malt from an expert.

Located at the sixth floor of the Oakwood Joy-Nostalg Center Manila in Ortigas, the Oakroom Lounge & Bar offers a wide selection of single malts from all over the world, and you'll get labels with "whisky" and "whiskey" and know exactly where they come from after the Whisky Appreciation Series. And there's a world of difference...

The Accredited wine and spirits educator, Gerald Savigny (R) of European Wine & Spirits Management takes you on a journey of discovery with his expert and insightful knowledge of this highly regarded elixir, or liquid sunshine as a close friend described it. He'll also tell you to use "whisky" when in Scotland, and not "whiskey"...

And just to set the record straight, the appelation "whisky" denotes Scotch whisky and Scotch-inspired liquor, while "whiskey" is used for all other liquor not from Scotland, usually American and Irish whiskey and the rest of the world. It's these informative bits that give you a better appreciation of single malt, and Gerald Savigny has even more to share with his engaging presentation at Oakwood Lounge & Bar's Whisky Appreciation Series. As the shot glasses were prepared, my Whisky Apprecation then began with a soothing sip...

That evening, Gerald Savigny shared three distinct and classic single malt Scotch whisky labels, the Glenmorangie 10 Year Old from the Scottish Highlands, the Glenmoray 12 Year Old from Speyside, and the Springbank 10 Year Old from Campeltown. Each region has its own unique notes, giving each single malt its own flavor.  

My flight began with the Glenmorangie 10 Year Old, the Original, and backbone of the Glenmorangie range, made from Scotland's tallest stills and matured in American white oak casks. The fragrant notes of citrus and vanilla are followed by a delicate, almost fruity sweetness, and that soothing and sharp bite for a perfectly balanced finish. Bold, fresh, and clean notes, and the perfect starter to your single malt tasting flight. Next, the smooth and elegant Glenmoray 12 Year Old, matured in ex-bourbon casks, with its sweet and nutty cereal notes. There is a distinct velvety smoothness that just coats your palate and slides down easily, making this one a keeper, and one of my favorites for the evening. Finally, the Springbank 10 Year Old was served, matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, with its deep, smoky and rounded notes with hints of caramel lingering long after the first sip, and another favorite.

In between shots, we were served tasty bites from the Nostalgia Dining Lounge, light yet flavorful appetizers that paired well with the evening's flight of single malt Scotch whisky (for more on the Nostalgia Dining Lounge, see my previous posts here on the formal launch, their previous international food festivals, and dinner specials).

The Whisky Appreciation Series is a great way to step up your game and gain deeper insights with your favorite single malt whisky, allowing you to appreciate every sip even more. And it's also great to discover the subtle nuances from each region, as Gerald Savigny takes you through each dram of single malt at your own leisurely pace. 

And if you want to experience the best of Japan, let Gerald Savigny guide you through its legendary honeyed sweetness and delicate notes with the Japanese Whiskey Appreciation Night on March 17, 2016, 7:30pm to 10:00pm at the Oakwood Lounge & Bar for only P 1,500 net per person. 

Gerald Savigny (L) and Kerr C. Brown (R) of Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila  share a toast and a few rounds of whisky with guests. Don't miss the next round of Oakwood Lounge & Bar's Whisky Appreciation Series set for March 17, 2016 featuring premium Japanese whiskies for yet another taste of this legendary elixir, this time from the other side of the world. And now that you know the difference between "whisky" and "whiskey", go have a flight of Japanese whiskey...at Oakroom Lounge and Bar.