DFS MASTERS OF WINES AND SPIRITS 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

The following masterpieces are just a few of the select items that will be showcased at DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits 2019 in Singapore.
SPIRITS

SINGLE MALT

 

THE MACALLAN 72 YEARS OLD IN LALIQUE – THE GENESIS DECANTER ONLY 600 BOTTLES PRODUCED; OLDEST MACALLAN EVER RELEASED

The Macallan 72 Years Old in Lalique – The Genesis Decanter is the oldest whisky ever released by The Macallan in commemoration of the opening of its new Distillery and Visitor Experience. Presented in a bespoke limited edition crystal decanter handcrafted by Lalique, this exceptional whisky celebrates the collaboration of masters from across the fields of whisky, crystal, architecture, construction, and craftsmanship. Distilled in the 1940s, the peerless spirit is reminiscent of a time gone by, carrying an exquisite balance of strong, sweet oak with the peaty spirit shaping its refined character, ending with a lingering hint of rich fruits and sweet oak. Limited release of 600 decanters only. Specially curated for MOWS – a VIP experience inclusive of 2- way airport transfer, a guided tour of The Macallan Estate and New Distillery complimented with a private tasting, ending off with a whisky-pairing dinner followed by one-night accommodation in Easter Elchies House, the spiritual home of The Macallan.

 

THE MACALLAN FINE & RARE DECADES COLLECTION ONLY 2 SETS PRODUCED; SPECIAL COLLECTION DESIGNED FOR DFS

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan has since built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. Created exclusively for DFS, The Macallan is proud to present Fine & Rare Decades Collection, featuring 5 Fine & Rare vintages from 1938, 1947, 1954, 1965, 1976, each drawn from a single unique cask, denoting key historical events for the year. Exceptionally rare are the Fine & Rare 1938 and 1947, which are a few of the oldest expressions that have ever been released to the public in the history of The Macallan. A truly iconic showcase of liquid history, The Fine & Rare Decades Collection will be presented in a specially designed bespoke cabinet. The vintages included are: 1938 – Soft and inviting, exhibiting a rich mix of wood and peat, dried fruits and citrus orange. 1947 – Light fruits with bitter chocolate, wood spice, and a lingering peat smoke. 1954 – A harmony dark, dried fruits, spices, and treacle toffee, a classic expression of a well-aged first fill, Spanish oak sherry cask.1965 – An even aroma of matured wood and lights spices, yielding notes of citrus fruits and a late finish of toasted nuts. 1976 -Toffee apple, dates and vanilla pod overlay wood spices and smoke, leaving a trail of wood – smoke and polished oak finish.

 

 

PORT ELLEN 39 YEAR OLD ONLY 1,500 BOTTLES PRODUCED; OLDEST PORT ELLEN EVER TO BE RELEASED FROM OWNERS ‘ORIGINAL’ STOCKS

This elegant complex 39-year-old Single Malt Whisky, unlocked from the heart of Port Ellen is expertly married from a selection of ex Bourbon and ex Sherry refill casks. This is the oldest Port Ellen ever to be released to the public from the owners ‘original’ stocks since the distillery closed over 30 years ago. The limited offering of only 1500 bottles worldwide is the start of a new collectible series – The Untold Story of Port Ellen: “The Spirit Safe”.

 

 

CAOL ILA 35 YEAR OLD OLDEST CAOL ILA RELEASE TO DATE

With a fine freshness, cleanliness and precision for its age, this mature Caol Ila from refill Hogsheads and Butts is sweet, drying and well balance throughout with an unusual sense of completeness. It has a wonderful silky dry finish with lingering smoky warmth.

 

 

DFS EXCLUSIVE – BUNNAHABHAIN 39 YEAR OLD SPANISH OCTAVE FINISH ONLY 35 BOTTLES PRODUCED

This Exclusive Limited Edition will form part of the new Bunnahabhain Element Series. Crafted around the importance of various elements impacting on the character of each Bunnahabhain whisky, this first edition heroes the importance of the Charred Wood from the Whisky re-fill, Sherry Wood from the Spanish Octave & the Copper of the tallest stills on Islay.Thirty nine years maturation, and 6 months finishing in the Blender’s Spanish Octave , has produced this delectable dram of rich dark chocolate, coffee and the characteristic Bunnahabhain nuttiness. COLOUR: Deep Copper. NOSE: Rich dried fruit, fig, toffee and espresso, rich oak with hints of roasted nuts. PALATE: Sweet dried Pedro Ximénez influence, roasted nuts with hints of toffee and dark chocolate, developing into a rich oakiness. FINISH: Long and lingering hints of dried fruit, dark chocolate and wood spice.

 

 

DFS EXCLUSIVE – GLENFIDDICH 45 YEAR OLD ONLY 3 BOTTLES PRODUCED

A sublime and precious 45 year old malt, the Glenfiddich Rare Collection 1973 honors a whisky making tradition dating back to 1887, and is a true reflection of the passion and innovative spirit passed down through all five generations of the Grant family. Patiently nurtured on site for over four decades by our expert craftsmen and assembled by Malt Master Brian Kinsman, this is one of the rarest bottlings ever created, with only 3 bottles to be ever released. The result is a magnificent malt that is seductive and sensational, with a distinct oaky warmth and floral sweetness. Handbottled at The Glenfiddich Distillery, each numbered bottle is presented in a deep red Italian hand-stitched leather box. This incomparable single malt Scotch whisky has been exclusively created for DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits.

ARDBEG 1815 (33YO)

Distilled in 1975 and crafted from two parcels of stock laid down during a period when Ardbeg was saved twice from oblivion. The distillery entered the most turbulent period in its history closing between 1981-1989 and again in 1996. Thankfully, in 1997 a small number of casks were saved by those who prized the spirit and believed Ardbeg would be resurrected. In 2008, Dr. Bill Lumsden, Head of Whisky Creation, identified that the casks ‘had reached their best’ and bottled the liquid to preserve its perfection, decanting by hand so not a drop was lost. The whisky has been held at the Distillery ever since, awaiting an occasion worthy of its release such as DFS Master of Wines & Spirits 2019.

 

THE DALMORE – CONSTELLATION VINTAGE 1973 DRINKING CABINET ONLY 3 SETS PROEUCED; SPECIAL COLLECTION CREATED FOR DFS

Sharing an exceptional whisky with great friends can create many special memories that last a lifetime. The Dalmore Master Distiller, Richard Paterson has commissioned this very special bespoke and handcrafted cabinet which contains the drinking accoutrements that Richard believes will allow the connoisseur the opportunity to truly savour The Constellation Vintage 1973 (cask no.10) with friends. This exquisite vintage has been aged for several long years in the finest American white oak before being further matured in a hand selected Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrique from the prestigious Chateau Haut Marbuzet. From this noble cask, the whisky would draw seductive notes of grape, cranberries and black cherries, before its final refinement in a ‘small batch’ Kentucky bourbon barrel. The result is a whisky full of exotic and majestic flavours that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

 

DFS EXCLUSIVE – KARUIZAWA SINGLE CASK 1995 #5038 ONLY 124 BOTTLES PRODUCED

Possibly the last ever cask of Karuizawa Single Malt to be bottled in Japan, this whisky, distilled in 1995, only a few years before the closing of the distillery, has matured for 23 years in a Japanese red wine cask made from French oak. It has been bottled at cask strength in August 2018. The wine cask has added a unique richness and complexity and given the whisky a beautiful dark amber tone. This Single Cask whisky is a rare example of Japanese liquid history and it is being made available exclusively to DFS Masters of Wines & Spirits.

 

WINES

 

CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD DOUBLE MAGNUM COLLECTION SPECIAL COLLECTION CREATED FOR DFS

This Château Lafite Rothschild double magnum collection is a rare opportunity to collect three of the great vintages produced by the estate in big formats. The 1988 is a classic expression of Lafite. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavors and huge tannins, this backward, yet impressively endowed Lafite – Rothschild may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage! With a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, the 1998 Lafite Rothschild has gorgeous aromas of sandalwood and black pepper with touches of chargrill, dried herbs and mincemeat pie. Soft and plush on the palate, it has savory and plum preserves flavors and a very long finish, delicious now. Representing 40% of the production, this blend of
84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot the 2008 offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, earth and cedar. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, it is showing remarkable complexity and breed.

 

 

CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD MAGNUM COLLECTION SPECIAL COLLECTION CREATED FOR DFS

A classified First Growth, Château Mouton Rothschild spans 90 hectares (222 acres) of vines at Pauillac, in the Médoc. Its history is that of a magical encounter between a terroir and a man, the legendary Baron Philippe de Rothschild (1902 -1988), renovator of Mouton and a pioneering figure in the world of wine. Baroness Philippine de Rothschild (1933-2014) who owned the property, has continued her father’s work and reaffirmed the link between Mouton and art while ensuring the continued excellence of one of the world’s greatest wines. Now it is owned by Baroness Philippine children. Mouton Rothschild is also famous for its labels, commissioning world renowned artists to do annual paintings on the label. International masters who have produced such labels include Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, Pablo Piscasso to name just a few. A unique 6 vintage magnum set of exceptional vintages from 1988 to 2009.

 

 

PENFOLDS 2015 BIN 707 CABERNET SAUVIGNON IMPERIAL LIMITED EDITION

Bin 707 is one of the World’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignons and a true representation of the Penfolds ‘House Style’. Multi regionally blended to capture the most premium grapes from our South Australian vineyards, BIN 707 is the greatest expression of Cabernet in the Penfolds stable. Full-bodied and with proven cellaring potential, Bin 707 has shown its ability to age with grace and finesse since the first vintage in 1964. For Penfolds the bottling of an Imperial is a very special statement. The wines are a statement of significance; a significant and rare wine destined to be enjoyed at a milestone occasion. Only a handful of Imperials are ever bottled from our most notable wines and vintages. Most will age slowly and gracefully in our cellars to be showcased at events worthy of their unveiling so the opportunity to own one of these remarkable bottles is indeed unique. And to commemorate the 8th Year of Masters of Wines & Spirits, this Limited Edition Bin 707 Imperial has been numbered with ‘No. 8’.

 

CONTINUUM TIM MONDAVI LIBRARY VERTICAL SELECTION SPECIAL COLLECTION CREATED FOR DFS

All great wines begin with a great site. For Continuum it is a hillside site with the exceptional soils; volcanic and iron rich to grow wines of great structure, focus and agebility. This unique collection offers an opportunity to enjoy a vertical flight of Continuum vintages from 2010 through 2015. Delicious in its youth, Continuum has firm, supple tannins, richness, and length, and, with age, will evolve to express greater nuance, delicacy, and concentration. Each vintage has been highly rated, culminating in a 100 point score for the 2015 vintage.

CHAMPAGNE

RARE LE SECRET MAGNUM VINTAGE 1997 WITH EMERALD, RUBY, SAPPHIRE ONLY 3 BOTTLES PRODUCED FOR EACH JEWEL Rare Champagne, faithful to its exacting standards, now brings dedicated champagne enthusiasts Rare Le Secret, limited – edition series of cuvée, adorned by la Maison Mellerio. Inspired by the muse of both Maisons, Marie- Antoinette, Queen of France, Rare Le Secret High Jewellery is royally embellished with 1- carat precious stone, interwoven golden bands set with 510 diamonds. Presented in a majestic box, this spectacular edition has been secretly ageing for more than 20 years in the private cellar of Régis Camus, Rare Champagne’s Cellar Master. Thanks to its zero dosage and recently disgorging, Rare Le Secret achieves the incredible feat of being expressive, precise and complex, all at the same time. Unforgettable.