Whisky Live Manila 2025

This is the third year of Discovering Hospitality’s attendance at this annual event of fun and drinks. Here’s what’s new, different, and exciting about what went down at the Shangri-La The Fort on October 10 and 11. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Whisky Live, here’s what you should know about the event. First, if you want discounted tickets, it is best to buy them early. About a month or two before the event, they usually offer an early bird promo, which is worth checking out. You can easily purchase your tickets online to guarantee your entrance and a smoother registration process experience. 

On the night of your choosing, after registration and signing a waiver, you are given a whisky glass, a bottle of water, a brochure about the event, eight red chips, and a reusable bag, which will come in handy if you partake in the games or accumulate some freebies. You might be wondering what the red chips are for. Think of them as tokens for getting free drinks. When you find a drink or booth you find interesting, you give them a chip, and they’ll make you a cocktail or pour some straight whisky for you to taste. If you are one of the more seasoned drinkers around and finish all your chips early, and still want to continue, there is a way to get more. All you have to do is head over to the First Aid Station and take a breathalyzer test, and have the medical staff do a quick check on you. Once you’ve proven that you are not out of your mind just yet, then they’ll give you another set of chips to go enjoy. Of course, we’re all there to have fun, but for the safety of everyone and yourself, I do appreciate this system. The drinks and cocktails during the event are usually strong, and if you’re not an experienced drinker, there is a chance you might be feeling the effects more than others, and much sooner, too! That’s why it’s always important to drink responsibly. 

Speaking of feeling the effects, one good way to combat getting tipsy too quickly is to have a good meal before drinking. Just outside the Grand Ballroom, they had cocktail tables and a food area where you could purchase light refreshments or something a little heavier if needed. Although the choices were limited, the overall selection was good, and if I’m not mistaken, the same as last year’s event, or at least a very similar menu. Their choices were: Whisky Glaze Burger, Asian Street Chow, Pork & Barrel Fries, Wilson’s Tzukune, Nachos & Chile con Carne, and Taco Roll de Trompo Pastor. Although there was a booth inside giving out free sparkling water, if you wanted a non-alcoholic beverage to go with your meal, they also had a selection of sodas and regular bottled water. My personal favorite was the Asian Street Chow. It contains wantons, squid balls, and chicken skewers with a sweet chili dip. It’s easy enough to eat since everything is on a stick, a quick and fuss-free option. If you're looking for something heavier, consider the burger or Wilson’s Tzukune, which comes with rice. Carbs are generally the popular choice when it comes to battling the effects of alcohol. 

Now let’s move on to the booths and drinks. The overall setup this year felt smaller than the last couple of years. However, although it was smaller, the quality of the setup and drinks, and of course, the vibes were still great. There was a section by the stage wherein all the guests could vote for the Best Booth and the People’s Choice of Best Whisky. I think this is a new feature that wasn't available last year. You vote by severing a piece of your wrist band, which has been designed for this exact purpose, and you stick it on the board under the name or brand you want to vote for. It was interesting to see that there were some clear favorites, but also some underdogs or new names that were capturing a portion of the crowd. 

As you walk around the room, you’ll notice that in the middle area, there is a Whisky Workshop station. This is where you can take a class and learn more about whisky and certain brands from experts. This is in addition to the Master Class schedule that includes mentors and industry professionals such as Kris Ong, Ethan Chai, Takayuki Eguchi, and more. 

Aside from the classes and exploring the booths, you could also watch the competition between the participating schools. It was heartening to see students from hospitality, food and beverage, and mixology come together to support their colleagues, chanting their school names in unison. They brought a sense of liveliness to the space, and it’s nice that the organizers and event are giving young talents a chance to showcase and learn. Some of the participating schools were: De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, University of Makati, Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Marikina, among other well-known institutions. Hopefully, they continue the tradition of having a Cocktail Competition every year, as it adds to the fun and vibrancy of the overall event. 

Avid whisky drinker or not, Whisky Live is a great event to add to your calendar of activities. Whether you go alone or with a group of friends, you’ll be sure to enjoy. Each booth and brand has its own identity. They offer some fun games and freebies, and their staff are always ready to walk you through their products and drinks. It’s a safe space to enjoy and mingle as well as explore not just the world of whisky but also other spirits. There’s always a mix of big and small brands, so you’ll be exposed to many different stories, histories, flavor profiles, techniques, and such. On the official website, it says that there were 181 different Whiskies to try, which is more than enough for a night or two of tasting and exploring. 

If you discover a new favorite brand or spirit by the end of the night, you can always pick up a bottle or two at The Booze Shop, typically located near the exit. There may even be some special prices that you can see only during the event. Don’t miss out on next year’s event, and stay updated by following them on their social media platforms.