Longing for a dram? Perhaps a fine single malt evocative of the wonders of the Scottish Highlands, preferably enjoyed within a stone’s throw of a cache of sherry seasoned casks perfuming the air with angel’s share?
It’s entirely possible. One doesn’t even need to hop on a flight into Scotland to call in at one of its distilleries.
Those keen to immerse in The Macallan story — a journey typically underscored by a visit to postcard-perfect Speyside for a glimpse at the distiller’s copper stills and oak barrel regime — can do so in our very own backyard.
Opened during this pandemic year and set amidst the colonial grandeur of the Raffles Arcade, The Macallan Experience at Raffles Hotel Singapore is the whisky-maker’s spiritual home in the island-city — replete with a barrel room and a gallery archive of the oldest and rarest bottlings.
As Francois Saurel, regional managing director for Asia-Pacific at Edrington (The Macallan’s parent company), explains: “The Macallan Experience is far more than a brand exhibition; it has been curated entirely to bring our stories and heritage to life through a narrative that takes drinkers into the depths of The Macallan, revealing what makes it the exceptional single malt it is today.”
The Macallan Private Dining Room Experience
A flight of The Macallan whisky can even be enjoyed alongside a delightful multi-course menu from one of three highly-rated dining establishments at the iconic hotel: La Dame de Pic, 藝 yì by Jereme Leung, and Butcher’s Block.
Accessed via a hidden door — in what certainly sets the tone for an indulgent evening out (whilst adhering to safe-distancing measures) — The Macallan Private Dining Room is an elegant space with suspended bubble-shaped lamps, a glistening refectory table and an equally chic ante room.
A partnership between Raffles Hotel Singapore and the single malt-maker, the Private Dining Room offers exclusive whisky-paired dining packages that change monthly.
November and December’s sold-out dinner dates featured plates by 藝 yì by Jereme Leung and Butcher’s Block, while in January, the menu rotates over to La Dame de Pic, which reflects Michelin-starred Anne-Sophie Pic’s search for aromatic complexity, combinations of flavours and powerful tastes that evoke emotions. In February, it is again the turn of 藝 yì by Jereme Leung; this time to put on a curated Lunar New Year Reunion Dinner menu.
The Full Macallan Experience
While it could be difficult to secure reservations for the Private Dining Room Experience — it has shown to be that hot a commodity — fret not. There is another immersive experience to be had.
Conceptualised with the help of a “neuroexperience” agency, the adjoining exhibition space, cinema, lounge and retail space have also been designed to engage our five senses.
The Macallan Experience is far more than a brand exhibition; it has been curated entirely to bring our stories and heritage to life.”
Francois Saurel
The journey begins in an Instagram-worthy tunnel lined with barrels that perfume the air with warm earthy notes accented by vanilla and spice. The experience then takes us to Jerez de la Frontera in Southern Spain, where the casks used by The Macallan are constructed and toasted over an open flame in the cooperage.
After taking in an exhibition tracing the acorn-to-glass journey by award winning photographer Steve McCurry, stop by The Macallan’s state-of the-art Sensory Cinema. The short film weaves awe-inspiring personal stories — of freediver Marese Secades and eye doctor Reeta Gurung — into The Macallan’s own compelling narrative as one of Scotland’s first legally licensed distillers. The film’s message? Choose the risks worth taking.
While a ticket is needed to enter the Sensory Cinema, it’s well-worth the $28, as proceeds are donated to the Water and Healthcare Foundation (WAH), which helps rural communities in Cambodia.
Finally, peer into the distiller’s library of old and rare whiskies, such as The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique and The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection, or kick back and relax in the lounge where a range of fine single malts and curated cocktails await.
The Macallan Experience featuring the Sensory Cinema opens for a limited period until 10 February 2021. For more information, or, to make reservations for The Macallan Private Dining Experience, click here.
Raffles Arcade at Raffles Hotel Singapore, 328 North Bridge Road, #01-04 to 10; ; instagram.com/themacallan_singapore; facebook.com/themacallan.sg