Single Malt Whiskey Offers Multiple Delights
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
While Koreans are notorious for drinking to get drunk, there are also those who seek quality alcoholic beverages for a little more than to be just a tippler.
That's why there is an increase in the consumption of single malt whiskey, which has started attracting drinkers to its pure yet varied flavors. But the problem is that as single malt whiskey is still comparatively unknown and rare here, it is hard to find a good place to enjoy it.
So it is definitely good news that the Library Bar & Lounge at the Shilla Hotel Seoul is holding a single malt whiskey promotion event.
The bar specializes in single malt whiskey, having a total of 70 different brands, the largest number in town. The selection even includes 13 different single malt whiskeys that Michael Jackson, Britain-based, award-winning drinks and spirits writer, praised as the best single malts in the world in his classic reference books.
``In the past, you could easily see people drunk at a bar even in a hotel,'' CK Park, manager of the bar in the Shilla Seoul. ``But now more and more people want to have a tasteful drinking experience, avoiding binge drinking.''
Park, who has been working in the field for more than 10 years, believes that single malt whiskey is one of the more popular choices, which has led a recent change in drinking tradition and culture.
The recently renovated bar is filled with people in their 30s and 40s, who are gathered to drink and listen to live jazz music. For those who want to have a more cozy and private experience, VIP rooms are also available.
``Customers come here alone or in small groups. They appreciate and study the tastes and flavors of what they drink. Sometimes they know more about single malt whiskey than we do,'' Park said.
Single malt whisky is distilled at a single distillery, completely from a single type of malted grain, traditionally barley. Single malts are produced all over the world, but those from Scotland, Ireland and Japan are best known for their superb quality.
Single malt whisky is matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years. Most single malts are matured for longer. The bar has Macallan 1946, which costs around 6 million won.
What would be the best choice in such a selection?
Park advises that there is no such a thing as there is the right malt for each individual, at different times and places, and in different moods and moments.
But if you are not sure what to start with, you can choose a special menu available for you to sample three different kinds of single malt whiskey _ the 10-year old Ardbeg, the 18-year old Glenlivet and the 18-year old Highland Park _ for 70,000 won.
During the promotion period, which continues through the end of June, you can enjoy popular single malt whiskey brands at a 10 percent discount. For more information, call (02) 2230-3389 or visit www.shilla.net
