If you were to ask us to talk about The Distillers Library in a professional manner, we’d tell you that it’s an exclusive, invite-only space (aren’t most of them?) that houses some of the rarest and most legendary bottles from the Grant family archives. If you asked us about it in the usual way we write, then we’re going to tell you that it’s the flyest place to be if you’re a hardcore whisky fanatic.
Instead of trying to convince you, Regional Managing Director of William Grant & Sons SEA and Australia, Satya Sharma takes us through the library itself here.
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Hello Satya, we usually start off most of our interviews like this — you have to pitch what you do in ten or less words (kinda like your life… depends on it).
I ensure that our business is respected, brands enjoyed and legacies shared.
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Was there a reason why Singapore was chosen to house The Distillers Library? Do we happen to drink a lot of whisky?
It has always been important to us to bring the William Grant & Sons’ family archives and the stories that accompany them from their home in Scotland to the rest of the world. Asia is a key market for us as we recognise that there is immense opportunity in this part of the world.
Even statistics paint the same picture. In 2020, Asia became the top region for luxury sales by value according to Bain & Company. Findings from Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2021 also show that Asia is predicted to see the largest percentage growth in the number of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) between 2020 to 2025, at 33%, above the global average of 27%.
It’s no secret that in Asia, Singapore is a hub for connoisseurs and collectors. We therefore chose to launch The Distillers Library in Singapore to offer whisky lovers and this growing community of passionate collectors access to ultra-rare liquids from the Grant family archives. It’s been really great to see Singaporeans respond so positively to the launch of The Distillers Library and we’re really excited for more conversations with whisky enthusiasts at the space.
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What can we actually do in The Distillers Library — beyond just wondering if we should spend our paycheck on a bottle?
The aim of The Distillers Library is to create space to facilitate a meeting of the whisky minds and cultivate a community of thoughtful luxury, through soul, substance and storytelling. Each visit will be reminiscent of a visit to the Grant family home, with invited guests experiencing the utmost hospitality and getting the opportunity to appreciate the many treasures accumulated by the family over the decades.
Each session will be curated with the guest in mind, allowing them to immerse themselves in the many unseen wonders of the Grant family archives. They will be hosted by James Ting — head of direct to consumer — South East Asia and a team of Brand Ambassadors who have been meticulously trained and are experienced in the art and science of whisky.
As an added bonus, we are also able to hold virtual sessions with our malt master Brian Kinsman, all the way from Scotland.
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What do you happen to think is the most interesting bottle housed?
Every single precious bottle housed at The Distillers Library has been thoughtfully pulled from the Grant family archive and tells a tale of heritage and tradition. Personally, I find the limited-edition Ladyburn 1966 Edition One collection most interesting because there’s such an interesting story behind the collection. It comprises 54-year old bottlings from the “ghost” distillery Ladyburn.
The Ladyburn distillery was the shortest-lived distillery in history, only in operation for nine years between 1966 and 1975. It was one of the most technologically advanced single malt Scotch distilleries of its time but unfortunately, the economic crises of the decade forced the distillery to close in the mid-1970s. Its stills went to The Balvenie and Glenfiddich, along with all of its knowledge and learnings.
Each bottle in the collection features an image by the famed British photographer and icon of the 1960s, David Bailey. Each bottle depicts a scene from London’s East End during the 1960s, a decade of social and cultural change. A true capsule in time, Ladyburn Edition One is a highly collectible and compelling piece of history.
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What is the oldest bottle then? Is there some kind of strange or interesting tale behind it?
The oldest bottle we currently have in The Distillers Library is a Balvenie Vintage 1961, matured in an Oloroso Sherry cask. It is one of a 5-bottles set of the DCS Compendium Chapter 3 and is the oldest The Balvenie has ever released at 55 years old.
What makes this particularly interesting is when you understand the complexities which goes into the making of a high-age Whisky. It is a constant fight against what is referred to as the Angel’s Share which relates to the evaporation of liquid from the cask at the rate of about 2% a year.
The 1961 Oloroso Sherry Cask speaks to the experience and skill of David Stewart MBE, who at the time of bottling this liquid, had served with WG&S at The Balvenie for 55 years.
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What was the most important decision made with the decoration and construction of The Distillers Library?
When designing The Distillers Library, the most important consideration was bringing together the best of Singapore and Speyside to create a truly intimate space for all guests to revel in the stories that each bottle has to tell.
The space was inspired by the William Grant & Sons legacy, the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle and Singapore’s rich local heritage. It was important to us to create a warm and encompassing space to allow guests to enjoy the whiskies while taking in the spectacular views of the Singapore coastline. The result is an elegant, inviting space, thoughtfully curated to present the perfect setting for guests to connect and find inspiration through our beautifully crafted whiskies.
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How do we score an invite?
The Distillers Library is an exclusive, invite-only space for passionate whisky collectors to come together and share their perspective on our bottlings. We hope to engage a client pool with an interest in collectible and rare whiskies. Interested guests can get an invitation through referral or reach out to James Ting at james.ting@wgrant.com.
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Lastly, what’re you working on this year? Will anything be happening at the library?
Over the course of the year, we will be inviting guests to visit The Distillers Library to preview seasonal, strictly private releases of the rarest whiskies.
We are committed to constantly updating the portfolio at The Distillers Library with exceptionally rare expressions from some of the oldest, deepest and most comprehensive reserves in the world, so that guests can make new discoveries with every visit.
Once you’re done with this story about Satya Sharma and the charm of The Distillers Library, click here to catch up with our June/July 2021 issue!
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