DFS

APRIL 1, 2012 - Recently, 84 spirits, wine and champagne masterpieces converged in Singapore, in the sublime company of collectors, connoisseurs and lovers of fine spirits and wine. Brought together by DFS Group, the true masters behind each piece were onsite to delight guests with stories dating as far back as a hundred years. Master of Spirits II surpassed last year’s inaugural event in both scale and selection, with over 400 VIP guests from all over the world. By the end of the evening, over 60% of the pieces had been reserved by guests.

The day’s exciting program was kicked off by DFS Group’s Top Management. Group President of Merchandising and Marketing, Mr. Philippe Schaus, President of Global Merchandising, Mr. Harold Brooks, Director of Merchandise, Spirits, Ms. Brooke Supernaw, Managing Director of Asia South, Mr. Craig McKenna, and Global Vice President for Spirit, Wine & Tobacco, Food & Destinations, Mr. John Hoover, took the stage for the magic moment which officially launching the journey at Master of Spirits II. Mr. Harold Brooks also specially invited some of Asia’s premier Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), including, Edwin Soon, Peter Kwong, Denis Lin, Martin Hao, and Guo Wei, as well as brand ambassadors from Camus, Barriere Freres, Dalmore and Macallan for an informative discussion regarding prominent trends in the industry, making for an engaging and stimulating dialogue, full of unique insights.

Anticipation was in the air as a pair of majestic doors slowly opened to unveil the long-awaited Master of Spirits II Gala Event. Inside the luxuriously designed hall, 27 ambassadors and representatives from the world's most prestigious spirits and wine brands as well as the industry’s leading experts were onsite to offer connoisseurs and collectors a rare journey through the aromatic flavors of stunning vintages and limited editions—an ultimate paradise for the true lovers of the world's finest spirits. With Dom Perignon and Krug Champagne as the start of the tour, guests made their way between different areas dedicated to Spirits, Wine and Champagne and captured precious moments with brand ambassadors on camera. Dalmore brand ambassador, Richard Paterson, came dressed as a traditional Scotsman and charmed guests with his stories and knowledge about whiskey culture. “The way to appreciate whiskey is like the way a man must treat a woman. He must respect her and cherish her,” Paterson said. “Only after inhaling the aroma, sipping the blend, allowing the flavor to settle amongst one’s taste buds and finally letting it all in, can a man experience the true essence of this elixir of life.” His passion and wisdom left a lasting impression in the minds of all the guests he encountered.

Wine expert, Denis Lin, and whiskey connoisseur, Guo Wei, expressed, “The opportunity to appreciate such a magnificent collection of masterpieces in one venue is truly a dream-come-true for lovers of fine spirits and wine.” Oenologist, Edwin Soon, and wine master, Peter Kwong, added, “It is such an honor to interact face-to-face with the great masters of the field and join them in exploring the mysteries of the world of spirits and wine.”

DFS Group’s long-standing and mutually rewarding partnerships with these premium brands were apparent in the many rare special editions of spirits created solely for and only available at Master of Spirits II. Chabot, for instance, brought some of its oldest and most exceptional Armagnacs in the Chabot Paradis Collection, which included 100, 80 and 60 year old vintages. In the single malt whisky category was the Dalmore 1926 — the oldest, rarest and most exclusive malt produced by the Dalmore distillery and an incomparable masterpiece of taste and quality. At 300,000 Singapore dollars, the Dalmore 1926 clinched the title as the most expensive bottle on offer at Master of Spirits II. Other masterpieces were deeply appreciated by the guests through their commitment to humanitarian goals: The entire Glenfiddich 1973 Limited Edition Cask No. 9899, was bottled specially in support of the Hand in Haiti charity and is only available through DFS. Finally, rising to the occasion was the Dom Perignon Réserve De L'abbaye 1978 Magnums, an exceptional and rare vintage champagne, the perfect complement for a celebration.

Master of Spirits II is just the first phase of DFS Group's remarkable Master Series 2012 — an exciting series of events highlighting DFS Group’s expertise in the four pillars of luxury: Cosmetics, Fashion, Spirits & Wine and Watches & Jewelry, each of which will have its own dedicated exhibitions. The events kicked off the month-long Master of Spirits II exhibition at Singapore Changi Airport. Throughout the entire month of April, Terminal 3 of Singapore's Changi Airport will host Master of Spirits II, allowing global travelers an unrivaled and unprecedented opportunity to revel in the world's most luxurious and premium spirits. It is a rare opportunity for people across the globe to savor the palatable and subtle fragrances of DFS Group’s unforgettable masterpieces.