All senses go
As whisky aficionados will know, learning the story behind the origins of the ‘water of life’ further enriches the experience when knocking back a glass of the amber liquid. After all, there’s a reason why visits to the lineage of alcohol are always so highly raved about. Whilst hopping on a plane to Scotland for a distillery tour might not be a feasible option at this moment, we can still learn the backstory and origins of one of the most exceptional single-malt Scotch whiskies in the world, right here on our island.
Enter The Macallan Experience at the Raffles Arcade, hosted amidst the longstanding elegance of Raffles Hotel. Expect a grandiose brand experience of The Macallan through an enticing multi-sensory storytelling expression. Begin your journey with an Instagram-worthy passageway lined with Macallan oak casks. Admire the craftsmanship of the casks — essential for the optimum depth of flavour in whiskies — and snap a few photos for the ‘gram before moving further along your journey into the next room.
A single cask awaits you here, where you’ll be transported to Jerez de la Frontera, Southern Spain, via a film showcasing the process of cask making at The Macallan. Smoke, heat, and the subtle scent of a distillery will accompany you on your journey as you discover the work behind handcrafting oak casks. The cask journey continues as you proceed into a photo gallery room. Decked with shots by legendary photographer Steve McCurry, the photos lining the room will give you a closer look at The Macallan’s whisky production process.
After, take a seat at the luxurious Sensory Cinema where you’ll be offered two drams of whisky, The Macallan Double Cask as well as The Macallan Sherry Oak, to savour as a film plays out on screen. Don’t be too hasty to start sipping on your whiskies here — you’ll be guided by a bartender through the film on which corresponding whisky to taste. The 6D experience is further augmented while you relish the whisky, through which scents from the respective whisky notes will be released into the cinema to complement each taste. Contrary to belief, the 12-minute short feature isn’t a drawn-out Macallan advertisement but rather two narratives inspired by true stories.
When the film draws to an end, head over next door to The Whisky Bar & Lounge. A replica of the bar featured in the film, you’ll be able to partake in a list of The Macallan whiskies whilst enjoying the quiet lavishness of the whisky bar. For those seeking an intimate experience, private masterclasses and tasting experiences are also available for bookings.
For the whisky enthusiasts, immerse yourself in the whisky archival gallery showcasing rare collections such as The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique, The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection, Masters of Photography and the Raffles Hotel Singapore Edition. When you’re getting ready to leave, head to the connected retail space and pick up a bottle from an expansive selection. The includes The Macallan Edition No. 6, the final release of The Macallan Edition series, housed in a gorgeous robin blue bottle.
If you’re seeking an exclusive dining affair, Raffles Hotel Singapore has partnered with the brand for a private VIP Dining Room experience. Set in an opulently swanky private room, relish in a curated menu by award-winning chefs such as Pierre Burgade, Executive Chef of Raffles Hotel Singapore and his team of Chefs de Cuisine from La Dame de Pic, 藝 yì by Jereme Leung, and Butcher’s Block. The menu is refreshed each month, and naturally, dishes from the exclusive menu will be perfectly paired with The Macallan whiskies.