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I’ve been going to Whisky Live Singapore for about four years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s to just fork out for the VIP pass. I know it’s a hundred bucks more, but hear me out.
The regular Connoisseur section is pretty much the same every year. For first-timers, there’s plenty to explore with hundreds of whiskies to try. But after a few visits, deja vu starts kicking in and you’ll recognise a lot of the same bottles and brands.
Most of the interesting stuff is in the VIP area anyway, especially the limited editions that would be really expensive to taste. Last year, I tried a Signatory Vintage Caol Ila 2013 that was so good for the value, I ended up buying a bottle. La Maison du Whisky’s ARTIST range has also been consistently worth checking out, with unique releases each time I visit.
This year, I’m particularly interested in the ARTIST Nikka Whisky collection, featuring eight single casks from Yoichi and Miyagikyo. There’s a 40-year-old Yoichi going for S$26,000, with only three bottles allocated to Singapore (but I highly doubt they’ll be opening that).
I’m not Crazy Rich Asian enough to blow S$26,000 on a whisky I’ve never tasted, no matter how rare it is. The 10-year-olds start at S$580, which is a lot more realistic. Still expensive, but at least within my range of a possible drunk purchase.
How to get the most out of Whisky Live Singapore
Get there at 12pm if you have VIP. I’ve found that’s the best time to go before the crowds arrive at 2pm. Some of the more exclusive bottles run out early, so don’t leave those till later. Same with purchasing: buy them early then head back to tasting. I missed out on getting a Chichibu Umeshu Cask because it was all snapped up!
My usual strategy is to head straight for the VIP area and taste the rare stuff first, then work my way through the main hall. After about 20 pours, my taste buds are pretty much useless anyway. No point paying extra for good whisky when I can barely tell the difference anymore. If you’re on the Connoisseur pass, brand highlights I’d personally prioritise first in the Whisky Hall are Amrut, Benromach, Nikka, Bruichladdich, Gordon & MacPhail or other brands you want to do a vertical tasting on. Some American Bourbons can surprise you, too.
Eat before you go. I’ve never been particularly impressed by the food at the event since shifting to EHL Campus. It’s expensive for what you get, and I’d rather spend that money on whisky.
Address: EHL Campus (Singapore), 3 Lady Hill Road, Singapore 258672
Dates: 21 – 22 November 2026
Getting there: Free shuttle from Newton MRT
Expected damage: S$120+ (Connoisseur) to S$220+ (VIP), before the bottle you swore you wouldn’t buy
