Visitors to Singapore can view (and sample) some of the world’s rarest and priciest whiskies at the Grande Whisky Museum (TGWM), which was recognized by Guinness in 2023 for having (at the time) the world’s most valuable whisky/whiskey collection and the most valuable bottle as well, priced at approximately CDN$134 million and $3.8 million respectively.
Situated in the heart of Suntec City, the museum claims to be Asia’s largest rare and vintage whisky museum, spanning 840 sq. m. and showcasing over 7,000 rare specimens. The collection includes whiskies from some of the world’s oldest and still active distilleries, as well as some from closed distilleries, making TGWM one of the largest private whisky collections accessible to the public.
TGWM’s collection is housed behind steel vault doors, lending an air of rarity and intrigue.
Recognized by whisky enthusiasts for its auction-worthy special edition sets, the museum features house bottles that rank among the rarest globally. The museum’s collection resembles that of an art gallery, with handblown glass bottles, hand-painted porcelain one-run sets, commemorative whiskies in designer crystal bottles, rare finds from closed distilleries, and even bottles signed by Master Blenders and royalty. (Due to the exceptional nature of these whiskies, photography is not permitted within the museum).
Designed to offer an interactive and sensory experience, TGWM provides guided tours that take visitors through a maze of interconnected paths, allowing them to explore the whisky-producing regions of Scotland, from the Highlands to Islay, and then to Japan.
TGWM’s Whisky Ambassadors share lesser-known insights and stories, ranging from Scotland’s oldest and most experienced distilleries to the history of whisky production in Japan. The tour concludes with a limited-edition premier champagne collection, providing a fitting end to the immersive 45-minute to 60-minute whisky education. The museum boasts a range of brands from prominent distilleries in each region, with an overwhelming array of whiskies within the vault.
After the tour, visitors can participate in a curated Whisky Tasting Experience, featuring a flight of whiskies for sampling and experiencing the diverse flavors from various distilleries.
Visitors have the option to choose from different experiences: Introduction to Whiskies (including a whisky tasting experience) at S$88, Influence of Casks (including a whisky tasting experience) at S$148, and Depth of Whiskies (including a whisky tasting experience) at S$198. These experiences differ in the types, ages, and cask influences of the curated whiskies.
Each tasting session, led by TGWM’s Whisky Ambassador, lasts for 30-45 minutes, and is limited to groups of 12 to ensure an optimal educational journey for each visitor.
Lounge
The Grande Whisky Museum also has the region’s exclusive Saint-Louis House lounge for VIP members and a Museum lounge for the public. The bar offers a wide range of quality whiskies, including rare ones available for purchase as whisky flights. The selection includes blended whiskies and 50-year-old whiskies from Scotland and Japan.
Visitors to the lounges can also admire the beauty of bespoke and exclusive Saint-Louis (part of the Hermès group) crystal chandeliers, limited pieces of Chardon Potiche, and other crystalware, all handcrafted and imported from Europe’s oldest crystal glassmaker with roots dating back to 1586.
Ashlynn Loo, Director, Attractions, Entertainment and Tourism Concepts Development, Singapore Tourism Board says, “STB welcomes the addition of The Grande Whisky Museum to Singapore’s growing range of unique experiences. We hope that the museum will become a must-visit destination for whisky-lovers from around the region.”
The Grande Whisky Museum is located at 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-455, Tower 5, Suntec City, Singapore and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, including public holidays, with tours available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. (last tour). The bar and lounges remain open until 11 p.m. daily.
For details of The Grande Whisky Museum Tours and Experiences, visit https://www.grandewhisky.com/tours
With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:
If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning. It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.