Whiskey and common sense
One of my favorite quotes about whiskey is by Bill Murray, an adventure traveler and author who has visited over 120 countries. In his book Common Sense and Whiskey, he wrote, “You can handle just about anything out on the road with a believable grin, common sense, and whiskey.”
But, you don’t always have to travel very far. A hotel bar can offer the right amount of whiskey to test this theory.
Last Sept. 7, I visited the C Lounge at Conrad Manila for the launch of their whiskey nights, which is every Wednesday in September.
In this intimate event, Glenmorangie ambassador and Paris native Kevin Charuel spoke extensively about their whiskies, paired with three canapés. The experience made me reconnect with a much-loved spirit. But more than that, I appreciated the idea of a hotel bar again.
A hotel bar can be an education in liquor.
Charuel started with the basics: “Three ingredients are needed in the production of whiskey: barley, water, and yeast.” Then he added, “But you also need wood, time, and people.” A hotel bar is a place for a conversation, whether it be between couples, friends, strangers, or even bartenders.
Here’s a life hack: sit by the bar and chat with the bartender. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about the spirits and ingredients they use to make your favorite cocktail. Think of it as a spirits’ library, where you can sip through cocktails instead of books.
Ordering a flight can be a new experience.
There are two kinds of bar customers: one that orders their usual, and another that likes a surprise. So when a bar offers a flight, which is smaller pours of a spirit, don’t pass on the opportunity. Spirit companies like Glenmorangie have more than a hundred years of history. And now, you can try it with a flight of whiskey.
At C Lounge, their Glenmorangie whiskey flight includes The Original (aged 10 years), The Lasanta (aged 12 years), and The Quinta Ruban (aged 14 years).
The Original is a delicate whiskey that reminds me of an Italian garden with fruity notes like mandarin, lemon, apple, and pear. This pour is for those that like their whiskies light.
Next, The Lasanta was inspired by the sunset with its notes of spiced orange, sultanas, walnuts, and butter toffee.
And lastly, The Quinta Ruban is a reminder that Christmas is nearing with its notes of chocolate mint, pudding, oranges, and walnuts.
Each one gives a different aroma, taste, and finish. Progressively trying each pour provides any whiskey enthusiast with a new perspective on the spirit.
A hotel bar adds glamor to your night out.
The C Lounge stuns with its view of Manila Bay. You can’t help but stare at the floor-to-ceiling glass and laidback lounge chairs. The C Lounge is a hotel bar that makes you want to stay in the hotel. So many people from couples, families, friends, and colleagues were kicking off their Wednesday night at the hotel bar, but the place never gets too loud.
Nightlife is indeed back. But not everyone is rushing to crowded places. And a hotel bar is exactly that place that can revive your social life while giving you ample space to sit back, enjoy the view and hear each other talk.
So perhaps Bill Murray’s theory is right. All you need in life is a believable grin, common sense, and a flight of whiskey.
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Whiskey Nights prices start at P800++. For hotel inquiries or reservations, visit www.conradmanila.com, email conradmanila@conradhotels.com, or call +632 8833 9999.
