Join The Movement: #LoveScotch

Diageo leads the global movement of Scotch Whisky appreciation as it joins the worldwide Scotch celebration, #LoveScotch, with a series of events around the world and in the metro. There is probably no other spirit in the world that can offer the rich range of flavors and textures, made the same way for over hundreds of years, as the "water of life." It's a celebration that continues long after World Whisky Day last May 21, 2016, sparking a renewed love affair with Scotch Whisky and igniting the same level of passion among a new generation of whisky drinkers. Love Scotch? Read on...

Considered the universal drink for celebrations around the world, it's pure liquid gold in a bottle. Diageo kicks off the worldwide celebration of Scotch Whisky with their iconic labels, The Singleton 12 year-Old and The Singleton Signature (L); and the Johnnie Walker Black Label and Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve (R).

Diageo's Master of Whisky, Ewan Gunn, conducted a Master Class at Desiderata Lounge, explaining the finer points of whisky appreciation with a nosing and tasting session. With over 16 years of experience, Ewan Gunn has been spreading the love for whisky and teaching enthusiasts all over the world the best way to appreciate whisky. "We have seen the Philippines' amazing love for Scotch, and we want to elevate this further by educating Scotch drinkers on the finer points of drinking," said Gunn. "Basically, if the way you drink Scotch makes you happy and you're enjoying it, then you know you're consuming it the right way for yourself. But with #LoveScotch, we will heighten the Philippines' experience: we want to let Filipinos know what goes behind their drink and how they can best take it." Each dram of Scotch has its own unique stories, and Ewann Gunn shared the storied history behind Diageo's iconic distilleries. Desiderata Lounge's head chef, Borja Duran, created four uniquely flavored dishes for the food pairing, each one complementing the flavors of the four Scotch whiskies. "When you understand the palate of your drink, then you can find the food to best go along with it," explained Gunn. "This makes your drinking experience richer and, consequently, gives you all the more reason to appreciate Scotch wherever, whenever," said Gunn. Now I'll drink to that...

Upon arriving at Desiderata Lounge, guests were served a refreshing Johnnie Smash, a soothing cocktail with the vibrant notes of citrus and mint blending with the deep, rounded and smoky notes of Johnnie Walker Black Label. Like a mint julep, garnished with fresh mint and a lemon, the Johnnie Smash gets you in the groove in no time. 

"One's relationship with Scotch is more than just infatuation--it is the kind of love that is built on a storied history, fostered over hundreds of years," said Diageo Philippines' General Manager Jon Good (L), joined by Diageo's Master of Whisky, Ewan Gunn (R) in the worldwide celebration, dubbed #LoveScotch at Desiderata Lounge. 

Our session began with the Johnnie Walker Black Label, also known as the "iconic blend," and recognized the world over as the benchmark for all other deluxe Scotch blends. Its rich blend is sourced from all four corners of Scotland, using only whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years. Appreciating Scotch Whisky is a total sensory experience, starting with its aroma followed by its velvety smooth flavor and finish. And good Scotch Whisky should draw out memories and experiences, bringing it back to life with each and every sip. The subtle layers of complex notes weave in and out in a seamless blend, with a finish lingering long after the first sip. The bold notes of dark fruits, sweet vanilla, and signature smokiness come with each sip, combining for rich, complex, yet perfectly well-balanced flavors.

Next, the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve was served. Known as the "celebration blend," the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is highly regarded for its signature creamy smoothness, punctuated by a burst of delicate nectar followed by a whisper of smokiness combining for honeyed, sweet fruit notes and finishing with lingering oakiness. A pair of single malts followed, starting with The Singleton 12 Year Old, a balanced, well-composed, and fruity single malt with its own depth and fullness while remaining light and smooth. The Singleton Signature has more pronounced fruity and spice notes, with hints of apples, cloves, and nutmeg. Both single malts are best served neat with a drop of water to bring out even more flavors.  

Chef Borja Duran's curated dishes were then served, with the Tuna Tataki, with smoked sake, dashi quinoa and organic salted egg, paired with Johnnie Walker Black Label; the Rossini Qua, a Beijing-style grilled bun with Wagyu entrana and seared foie gras paired Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve...