Breaking Scotch notions and inspiring new traditions was the theme of the night as some two hundred fifty of Manila’s finest gathered together to kick-off the #LoveScotch global movement in the Philippines.
#LoveScotch is a month-long festival to celebrate the world’s favorite whisky, and get the entire world talking, thinking, and drinking Scotch. At the center of #LoveScotch is International Scotch Day on February 10, a day when glasses will be raised – to a drink that deserves its own day of celebration.
“No other spirit in the world offers the same range of tastes, textures, and flavors as Scotch – that’s why it is well-loved in every corner of the globe, shares Diageo Philippines’ General Manager Vanee Gosiengfiao. “Drinking Scotch whisky is more than just having a drink – it is an experience that culminates the artisanship of the people that make it, the places in which it is made, and the generations it is made for. Trends come and go, but Scotch has been cool since forever and it is time to properly celebrate that.”
With a choice between two unique spaces – 20:20, the urban, earthy bar oozing with sophistication, and XXXX, the fraternal twin club bursting with hip and experimental magnetism – #LoveScotch saw scotch enthusiasts transported into two different worlds, each with their distinct style & vibe.
“People think there are a lot of rules when it comes to drinking Scotch. It’s time to break old Scotch notions cause if there’s one rule about Scotch – it’s that scotch has no rules,” added Gosiengfiao. “Scotch can be enjoyed in many different ways and occasions; it all boils down to individual style & taste – and that’s what we wanted to showcase tonight.”
The #LoveScotch kick-off party was led by critically acclaimed Hollywood actress Freida Pinto, together with TV host Raymond Gutierrez, Sunnies creative director Martine Cajucom, singer-songwriter Jess Connelly, and entrepreneur Nico Bolzico – five diverse personalities all coming together for their love for Scotch.
“I am a huge fan of Scotch and I was really excited to be part of #LoveScotch to help break perceived ‘rules’ and ‘traditions’ so often associated with Scotch,” shares Freida Pinto. “Scotch is made to be enjoyed with good company – whenever, wherever”.
“Scotch is always thought of as too masculine for women, or too serious to be a casual drink,” brand ambassador Jess Connelly says, “but I think Scotch is no longer just for men – it’s for ladies now, too.” Brand ambassador Martine Cajucom agrees, “what I love about Scotch is that it is so versatile – I can enjoy it on-the-rocks or in a cocktail, depending on my mood”.
“I only started drinking Scotch a year ago. I tried to drink it neat, but the taste was just too strong for me; but I discovered Johnnie Walker with ginger ale thanks to fellow brand ambassador Coco Rocha and it is now my go-to drink for celebrations,” adds Mond Gutierrez. Same goes for Nico Bolzico who discovered Scotch just a few months back, “I have a friend who is a Scotch lover and he introduced me to different whiskies. I am now exploring a range of blended and single malt Scotch whiskies – and I enjoy Johnnie Walker and Singleton,” shares Nico Bolzico.
The kick-off party also showcased a juxtaposition of style in music and in Scotch. World Class bartending competition winners AK Roxas and Michael Tubiera prepared a range of classic Scotch drinks in 2020 and Scotch twists in XXXX respectively, using some of the best Scotch brands – Johnnie Walker Black Label, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, and The Singleton 12.
Running from February 8 to March 15, #LoveScotch invites everyone to fall in love with the world’s favorite whisky – whether for the first time or all over again. Johnnie Walker invites everyone on February 10 to have a glass of Scotch and get involved by using the hashtags #LoveScotch and #InternationalScotchDay. There are a lot of exciting #LoveScotch events and special offers happening around the metro – check out the JohnnieWalkerPH page on Facebook for more details.
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