Maker’s Mark is proud to announce the continuation of its Wood Finishing City Series in global travel retail – a collection which captures the unique character and flavours of the world’s most dynamic cities for whisky fans travelling the globe.
The successful series made its debut in 2022 with the New York City and Sydney expressions, followed in December 2023 by the Frankfurt City Edition. Now the iconic Kentucky bourbon brand has unveiled the Singapore Edition, available exclusively at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4, in partnership with Lotte Duty Free. This exceptional collection will be extended with one more city edition later this year.
To create this latest expression, Maker’s Mark partnered with Singapore-based tastemakers Willin Low and Aki Eguchi, who together have brought the city’s vibrant, tropical vibes to Kentucky. Just like the diverse culture of Singapore, this release delivers a wide range of flavours, moving from bright to spicy, incorporating notes of cacao and nutmeg. And just like the city that inspired it, this unique whisky blend never stops surprising.
THE TASTEMAKERS’ VISION
Lawyer-turned-chef and restaurateur Willin Low is one of Singapore’s most recognisable personalities. In 2009, The New York Times named him as one of three chefs to change the local culinary scene. The following year, The Financial Times selected Willin as one of Singapore’s best chefs.
Aki Eguchi is Bar Director at the award-winning Jigger and Pony, renowned for its fresh interpretations of classic cocktails, and its signature hospitality within the food and beverage landscape in Singapore.
Aki commented: “Drawing inspiration from the vibrant diversity of Singapore, our special Maker’s Mark whiskey offers a captivating and unique tasting experience. Crafted with a blend of flavours reminiscent of the lush tropical paradise, aromatic notes of pineapple and mango create a delightful burst of exotic fruitiness.”
He continued: “To add depth and complexity, we’ve carefully balanced these tropical elements with a subtle touch of warming spices, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon, making each a journey through a harmonious fusion of flavours that celebrate the spirit of Singapore.”
Willin exhorted connoisseurs to “savour the exhilarating warmth of this spicy bourbon, as bold flavours dance on your palate, creating an unforgettable Singapore symphony for the senses.”
WOOD STAVE FINISHING
Achieving the unique taste visions of each release in the City Series is made possible through the brand’s innovative wood stave-finishing technique, which explores and enhances distinctive characteristics already present in Maker’s Mark Bourbon. To craft each custom expression, the brand finished fully-matured, cask strength Maker’s Mark in a second barrel with a custom selection of wood staves, based on the tastemakers’ ideal flavour vision. The barrels rested in the Maker’s Mark limestone bourbon cellar, allowing the cask strength bourbon to interact with the staves to develop the expression’s unique flavour.
Bottled at 54.9% AVB, the Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series Singapore Edition is limited to 720 bottles, with an RRSP of S$132/US$95 for 700ml.
THE AIRPORT ACTIVATION
The launch is being supported by a high-profile experiential activation space which pays homage to Singapore, featuring a tasting bar, impactful brand imagery, tastemaker information, uniformed Maker’s Mark ambassadors and exclusive screen-printed tote bags. The activation is running at Singapore Changi Airport from 20 January until 29 February.
“We have been thrilled with the performance of the previous editions of our Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing City Series Editions, and are confident that our latest Singapore Edition will receive the same enthusiastic reaction,” noted Beam Suntory Brand Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Manuel Gonzalez.
“We are proud of the strong Sense of Place focus we have incorporated within this limited-edition release, which offers Singapore’s travelling consumers the opportunity to purchase a truly unique whiskey imbued with a personalised emotional connection to the location that inspired it.
“We are excited to partner with Lotte Duty Free to showcase this latest addition to our premium American whiskey portfolio, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to create innovative, enticing products and engaging retail experiences.”
“Our collaboration with Maker’s Mark Singapore Edition exemplifies our commitment to offering unique and premium experiences to travellers,” commented Lotte Duty Free Singapore Managing Director Jeff Jeong Soongyu. “This partnership not only enhances Lotte Duty Free’s whiskey portfolio, but also celebrates the rich, vibrant culture of Singapore, making it a memorable addition for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.”
