Lush as lush goes

Some people have all the luck. But sometimes the remains of the day get whisked my way. Also helps to have a rep as a souse, I suppose. Why else would I receive an invite to Privé Luxury Club at the Fort Strip for the unveiling of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Collection in collaboration with the Porsche Design Studio? 

The invitation-only event on Jan. 18 saw the “pinnacle of blended Scotch whisky” launch a makeover, in terms of classy presentation. Upon entering Privé, immediately noticeable was a pedestal bathed in a soft glow, upon which was enthroned a stainless steel cube that had a sleek JW top-of-the-line bottle, surrounded by bespoke crystal glasses in crafted monogrammed leather casings, plus steel tongs. The cube cover becomes an ice chiller when set upright.

It’s only one of the prized items that compose the new collection produced by the famous design house from Austria. Speaking to one of the media hosts, I took a stab at how much the Cube would cost. Said it would probably be at least three times what the bottle itself fetches hereabouts, which is on the north side of about P7K. And I got it right on the nose!

As my prize, I was led to the Privé bar and given the extra privilege of deviating from the night’s offerings that were cocktails with Johnnie Blue as base. Shocking, went my thought balloon, even as I asked the initially reluctant bartender for a double of Blue, neat.

When the affable JW rep Andy Gaunt sat beside us in the media corner, I expressed the same reservation. But the charming Englishman now based in Australia quickly owned up to having been behind the seeming sacrilege, fluently rationalizing that the peak blend also lent itself to cocktail creations.

As Reserve Brands head of marketing for Diageo Asia Pacific, Andy has certainly earned his spurs, ascending into the position of ambassador for the exceptional craftsmanship of the No. 1 whisky blend in the world, as well as the custodian of Diageo’s luxury spirits portfolio.

He has worked closely with the Master Blenders and distillers in Scotland, developing educational programs for the Johnnie Walker House that highlighted the art of the blender. When I let on that I still preferred a choice among the variety of single malts of distinctive character, Andy eloquently deflected the challenge and launched into a spirited description of the blenders’ dedication to craft — as orchestra conductors or painters in the grand tradition who wielded their palettes with flourish.

At Privé, a toast to the pinnacle of blended whisky, with emcee Rovilsson Fernandez and Diageo marketing head Andy Gaunt flanking other Diageo representatives

Why, he almost echoed a passage in the literature provided in the media kit: “Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is handpicked by the Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years. It is the ultimate expression of whisky making today and a remarkable achievement for the modern era.”

I do know that whisky blends such as what the eminent JW House produces — Black, Green, Gold, and Blue — are indeed fine orchestrations of various single malt whiskies, which only the Master Blender knows, and calibrates. That night, taking at least three doubles neat of Johnnie Blue, I wouldn’t have defended my faith in the single malt distillery with the usual passion. The Blue is excellent, no doubt. And the rest of the night unfolded as entertainment of equally lush quality.

Emcee Rovilsson Fernandez did his part with panache, introducing Andy Gaunt and yet another Diageo Reserve honcho, who both spoke briefly to the elegant crowd. Leggy models appeared and paraded around with the distinctive bottles. A grand toast was conducted.

Other items in the Porsche Design collection are a Mini Cube and a stand-alone Chiller, both containing a bottle of the rare blend in an engraved case that mirrors the angle of the bottle’s label, at 24 degrees.

 Leading the collection is the exclusive made-to-order Private Bar said to be perfect for luxury homes, penthouses and yachts. Standing at 2.2 meters tall and crafted from brushed stainless steel, natural shagreen leather and Australian lace wood, it is a unique creation “by two iconic, visionary brands, sought after by men the world over and reflecting a shared commitment to heritage and modernity.”

State-of-the-art motion sensors activate its automated opening sequence, with sections effortlessly pivoting and sliding to display a magnum of cask strength Blue Label, two bottles of JW Blue regular, and four crystal glasses. Pressing a discreetly styled button causes a hidden chilled compartment to rise subtly out of the bar, revealing a bespoke crystal ice bucket, stainless steel tongs, four additional crystal glasses and a crystal jug of iced water.

Purchasing the Private Bar will also unlock the ultimate “money can’t buy” Johnnie Blue luxury two-day experience in Scotland, giving purchasers access to the secrets behind the Walker family’s blending art, as well as an exclusive visit to the Porsche Design Studio HQ in Zell am See, Austria.

Only 50 of these Private Bars will be produced for sale worldwide. The cost: one hundred thousand pounds or P6.7M. For interested buyers, contact the Diageo Philippines head of sales at 793- 8500 or e-mail Rommel.Turingan@diageo.com. The Mini Cube (P17,000) and Chiller (P9,265) will be available in leading modern retailers nationwide. A toast once again to the lush life, with neat Blue!