DFS Group (DFS), the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, in partnership with Changi Airport Group (CAG), will present its ninth annual Masters of Wines and Spirits (MOWS) exhibition in Singapore during the month of March at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 Departure Transit hall. The exhibition will feature an exclusive collection of 59 of the world’s rarest and finest wines, spirits and champagnes from over 50 world-renowned brands and houses.

 

DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits is part of the DFS Masters Series, a signature program of exhibitions around the world. The Masters Series is a showcase of the pinnacle of DFS’ leadership and innovation in curating and creating exceptional experiences across its five pillars of luxury: Wines and Spirits, Beauty and Fragrances, Watches and Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories, and Food and Gifts.

 
Renowned for its bespoke curation of products, majority of which are limited edition or exclusive to DFS, Masters of Wines and Spirits is a celebration of the world’s finest industry expertise, as well as the vast knowledge of DFS’ merchant teams, who work throughout the year to develop product specifically for Masters of Wines and Spirits, deliver new brands and signature classics.

 

This year’s Masters of Wines and Spirits curated collection will be available for preview and purchase at DFS Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Transit, Main Store, Upper Level from March 1 2020.

 

DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits 2020 Collection
This year’s unique collection includes the Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve, an incredibly rich, fullbodied 40-year-old whisky that celebrates Master Blender Dr. Jim Beveridge’s 40th year – his ruby anniversary – at Johnnie Walker.

Limited to just 398 bottles, this exceptional whisky has been crafted using eight extremely rare whiskies, personally selected by Dr. Beveridge from some of the very finest casks in the Johnnie Walker reserves. This celebratory Scotch is Dr. Beveridge’s tribute to the whiskies that have left an indelible mark on his career. It follows Dr. Beveridge being awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen for his outstanding service to the Scotch whisky industry in October 2019. This is the first time that this product is available by a retailer and is presented in a golden red Baccarat crystal decanter, crafted using 24-carat gold powder.

 
Another first release for a retailer is The Macallan Exceptional Single Cask, an exquisite and delicate expression that was distilled in 1950 and released in 2018. Also available for the first time in Asia and distilled in 1966,

The Dalmore 51 Year Old’s vibrancy is testament to The Dalmore’s carefully composed spirit: complex and full-bodied.
Available exclusively at DFS, the Bowmore 1965 Washback Edition is the ultimate expression of the rare and undefinable house style of the Bowmore distillery. For this year’s DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits, Bowmore has partnered with Scottish cabinet maker, John Galvin to create two limited-edition wooden cabinets using authentic Oregon pine from Bowmore’s No.1 washback. Both limited-edition Bowmore 1965 Vintages will be available exclusively at DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits 2020.
The Rosebank Vintage 1990 was distilled three years prior to the closing of the distillery, and the bottling has been produced specially to mark the impending revival of the iconic Rosebank Distillery. Bottled in a bespoke Rosebank bottle with unique engraved rose detail and presented in a vibrant and rich red wooden cylinder with a bespoke certificate, these 200 are available exclusively in travel retail.
Specially created for DFS is The Compass Box Collection, a singular vision expressed in 114 inventive ways. Our largest collection ever showcases 114 individual expressions, Compass Box has experimented with every aspect of Scotch whisky’s flavor spectrum, expanding it in the process. DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits offers an unmissable opportunity to complement this one-of-a-kind Compass Box Collection perfectly.
This year’s collection also includes wines from Penfolds with the Special Bin 111A Clare Valley Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016 Methuselah, an altogether new style. Two special Shiraz single-vineyard parcels were blended together to make this wine beguilingly beautiful and different. Château Lafite Rothschild Double Magnum Collection 89, 99, 09 has been exclusively created for DFS and presents a rare opportunity to collect three of the great vintages produced by this estate. Another exclusive creation for DFS sees the Château Pichon Baron Double Magnum Collection 88, 98, 08 offers these describable vintages in double magnum.
Rare cellar release, Ornellaia Archivio Storico Collection 01, 04, 06 are the wines that have remained undisturbed in perfect cellaring conditions at the estate ever since their birth, and each bottle is individually packaged in an exclusive wooden box. A special collection created for DFS is the Shafer Hillside Select Magnum Vertical Collection 12, 13, 14, a perfect vertical in rare, limited-release large format bottles.
With only 12 released items, the limited edition Jérobo-Gem is an exclusive tasting table by Charles Heidsieck. This handcrafted luxury creation boasts a Jéroboam 1989 coming directly from Charles Heidsieck cellars and six Cristal glass specially chosen by the House Chef de Caves.

 

 

SPIRITS

JOHNNIE WALKER MASTER’S RUBY RESERVE, AGED 40 YEARS FIRST TIME AVAILABLE BY A RETAILER

In celebration of his ruby jubilee at Johnnie Walker, Master Blender Dr. Jim Beveridge and his team of whisky experts have created an expertly balanced, incredibly rich and rare 40-year-old whisky. From the very finest casks in the Johnnie Walker reserves, Jim has sampled and selected eight exquisite whiskies, including expressions from the ‘ghost’ distilleries of Cambus, Carsebridge, Pittyvaich, and Port Ellen. These rare whiskies are perfectly balanced with highly aged expressions from the distilleries of Talisker, Royal Lochnagar, Glendullan, and Cragganmore. The result is a rich, full-bodied, and perfectly balanced whisky – a fitting homage to some of the finest casks from Jim’s earliest days at Johnnie Walker, and the liquid proof of his passion, leadership, and boundary-pushing alchemy. This extremely limited release of just 398 bottles is presented in a beautiful, golden red Baccarat crystal decanter, handcrafted by carefully fusing clear crystal with 24-carat gold powder to achieve the emblematic colour that is both a tribute to Jim’s ruby anniversary and a hallmark of Baccarat’s most exceptional pieces.

 
THE MACALLAN EXCEPTIONAL SINGLE CASK 1950 2018/ESC1683/13 FIRST TIME AVAILABLE BY A RETAILER

The Macallan has unveiled the latest release in the Exceptional Single Cask range – an exquisite and delicate expression that was distilled in 1950, a significant period in the history of The Macallan. This single malt is the centerpiece of the 2018 release from the unprecedented range, inviting consumers to explore the legendary Whisky Makers’ bench at The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience on Speyside. The discovery of this American first-fill sherry butt cask was a special moment that conjured intense and memorable aromas and flavors. The unmistakable combination of antique oak and subtle peach with lingering peat warrants this cask being treasured in its own right, with only 336 bottles available globally to savor. This exclusive range of single cask whiskies showcases the depth and diversity of The Macallan. Each whisky revealing a particular character, a subtly different flavor or an aroma in the background making each one truly unique and never to be repeated.

 
THE DALMORE 51 YEARS OLD FIRST TIME AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN ASIA

“A noble malt of rare profundity.” Distilled in 1966, this whisky peaked at 51 years of age. Despite its long maturation, its vibrancy is a testament to The Dalmore’s carefully composed spirit: complex and full-bodied, it is perfect for long aging periods. Only the most exquisite casks have been chosen to create this whisky. Its journey began in ex-bourbon casks. It was then apportioned between prestigious Port Colheita 1938 casks, Matusalem sherry casks, and first-fill bourbon casks. It was finally brought back together in specially-selected bourbon barrels before being bottled. This iconic expression is as flawless as a brilliant-cut diamond when it radiates such beauty of juicy El Dorado plums, succulent sun-kissed raisins, ginger cake sprinkled with Demerara sugar, and Madagascan vanilla pod. Beautifully pure and expressive as the hand of time that has molded and crafted this iconic spirit to perfection.

BOWMORE 1965 WASHBACK EDITION DFS EXCLUSIVE

The 1965 Vintage is the ultimate expression of the rare and undefinable house style of Bowmore distillery. The rich fruit and subtle smoke of this layered single malt is a hallmark made famous by the iconic Black Bowmore 1964 series. For this year’s DFS Masters of Wines & Spirits, Bowmore has partnered with Scottish cabinet maker John Galvin to create two limited-edition wooden cabinets using authentic Oregon pine from Bowmore’s No.1 washback. Embellished by inlaid sterling silver tree rings, this delicate wood has witnessed over 25 years of craftmanship, being soaked in alcohol and marked by the iron hoops which held it in place. The resulting cabinets are striking art pieces. The rich and vivid markings of the wood tell the story of Bowmore’s continued 240year pursuit of perfection. These two limited-edition Bowmore 1965 Vintages are only available at DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits 2020.

ROSEBANK VINTAGE 1990 FIRST TIME AVAILABLE BY A RETAILER

The Rosebank Vintage 1990 Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky was distilled three years prior to the heartbreaking closure of the distillery. This bottling has been produced specially to mark the impending revival of the iconic Rosebank Distillery. The unique combination of triple distillation and worm tub condensers gives the Rosebank spirit its exceptional fruity, floral style, for which it is renowned as ‘The King of the Lowlands.’ Only 200 bottles are available of this historic bottling, which is reminiscent of iconic Rosebank bottlings from years gone by, with its light fruit and subtle spicy notes. Bottled in a bespoke Rosebank bottle with unique engraved rose detail and presented in a vibrant and rich red wooden cylinder with a bespoke certificate, these 200 bottles are available exclusively in Travel Retail.

THE COMPASS BOX COLLECTION SPECIAL SET CREATED FOR DFS

 

 

A SINGULAR VISION EXPRESSED IN 114 INVENTIVE WAYS. Experience 20 years of creativity with The Compass Box Collection. No single bottle of Compass Box stands alone. Every flavor created over the last two decades has been an important step on the journey to take whisky to intriguing new places: from the coastal smokey and fruity notes of Eleuthera to the mouth-coating spiciness and wine character of The Story of the Spaniard, and each one a limited edition. Through 114 individual expressions, Compass Box has experimented with every aspect of Scotch whisky’s flavor spectrum, expanding it in the process. Yet to truly understand the world of Compass Box, you need to hear the stories behind every blend directly from their lead whisky maker. That’s why Compass Box founder, John Glaser, will fly to wherever you want in the world for a private tasting experience. An unmissable opportunity to perfectly complement this one-of-a-kind Compass Box Collection.

 

WINES

PENFOLDS SPECIAL BIN 111A CLARE VALLEY BAROSSA VALLEY SHIRAZ 2016 METHUSELAH LIMITED EDITION, ONLY 11 PRODUCED

“Penfolds Special Bin 111A Clare Valley, Barossa Valley Shiraz, is an altogether new style. At once ‘special’ – aromatically, structurally, texturally, cerebrally. Shiraz dressed differently.” – Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker. The 2016 vintage provided an ideal opportunity to create a bonafide Penfolds Special Bin, rare and true to the Penfolds ‘House Style’. Two special Shiraz single-vineyard parcels were blended to create something beguilingly beautiful and different. The impact of the much-touted 2016 South Australian vintage on two vineyards from time-proven Grange growers has produced a Penfolds Shiraz of superb structure, balance, and varietal definition. Both singlevineyard parcels reveal their own regional truths, highlighting the spoils of Clare Valley and Barossa Valley. This wine sensorially and structurally delivers more than the sum of its parts. Framed by French oak, the assemblage of Shiraz is altogether different. Indeed, an authentic Penfolds Special Bin that will reward and evolve with careful cellaring. Peak drinking 2022 – 2046.

CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD DOUBLE MAGNUM COLLECTION 89, 99, 09 SPECIAL COLLECTION CREATED FOR DFS

This Château Lafite Rothschild double magnum collection is a rare opportunity to collect three of the great vintages produced by the estate in big formats. The 1989 is a pure expression of Lafite. On the nose, it reveals a new oak and a spicy finish. It is quintessentially elegant and restrained, the understated style of Lafite. The vintage 1999 was made with four grape varieties, 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.5% Merlot, 6% of Cabernet Franc, and 1.5% of Petit Verdot, which is rare. Lafite Rothschild 1999 is very elegant towards the blackberry and graphite finish, with a long tail of citrus fresh blackberry and cedar on the finish. The 2009, with a blend of 82.5% of Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% of Merlot, and 0.5% of Petit Verdot, offers aromas of black currant, mulberries, kirsch, cigar box, and menthol. Elegant and structured, it has wonderful freshness and a long finish.

 

CHÂTEAU PICHON BARON DOUBLE MAGNUM COLLECTION 88, 98, 08 SPECIAL COLLECTION CREATED FOR DFS

Château Pichon Baron, Second Grand Cru Classé in 1855, is one of the great historic vineyards of Bordeaux. Château Pichon Baron exhibits elegance, intensity, and exceptional length on the palate. A rigorous selection policy in the vineyard and the cellars ensures the production of a Grand Vin, Château Pichon Baron, which is the pure expression of our unique terroir. Discover three vintages from three decades of Château Pichon Baron. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy the 1988/1998/2008 vintages in double magnum. These sets in the theme of “8” are specially made for DFS Masters of Wines & Spirits and come directly from the Chateau.

ORNELLAIA ARCHIVIO STORICO COLLECTION 01, 04, 06 RARE CELLAR RELEASE

One of the great pleasures of fine wines is to discover the nuances and character of historic vintages as they develop with time. The Ornellaia Estate has evolved with the passing years, and so have the wines lying in its cellar. Ornellaia Archivio Storico are the wines that have remained undisturbed in perfect cellaring conditions at the Estate ever since their birth, and this Cassa Collezione of six bottles of Ornellaia Archivio Storico vintage 2001, 2004 e 2006. To further highlight the uniqueness of these bottles, each bottle is individually packaged in a wooden box, and a Prooftag™ guarantees their provenance. The Cassa Collezione, made of solid oak and crafted artisanally in limited edition and engraved by hand, represents the chest for this treasure of evolved wines.

SHAFER HILLSIDE SELECT MAGNUM VERTICAL COLLECTION 12, 13, 14 SPECIAL COLLECTION CREATED FOR DFS

Robert Parker has hailed Hillside Select as “one of the world’s most prodigious Cabernet Sauvignons”, rating the 2012 and 2013 a perfect 100 point score, and the 2014 vintage a 98 point score. Hillside Select is sourced from a rugged, arid estate vineyard overlooking Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District. Meticulous, painstaking work in the vineyards and cellar produces a Cabernet Sauvignon of enduring power and elegance. A perfect vertical in rare, limited-release large format bottles.

CHAMPAGNE
THE JÉROBO-GEM. A TASTING TABLE BY CHARLES HEIDSIECK LIMITED EDITION WITH ONLY 12 RELEASED

Charles Heidsieck has devised a perfect tasting table – a complete handcrafted creation – for a beautiful moment of discovery. Dramatically enhanced like a gemstone inspired by the white stone of the House chalk cellars, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this luxury showcase is both a massive, elegant oak plated finish sculpture, precious in its raw simplicity, as well as a cabinet of secrets. Boasting sharp, faceted edges, it awaits the gesture that will unveil its precious content: a Jéroboam 1989 coming directly from Charles Heidsieck cellars and 6 Cristal glass specially chosen by the House Chef de Caves. Selectively released and today part of the House Collection of library wines – La Collection Crayères – this Vintage 1989 is waiting to be served as it deserves. After over 30 years of aging, this epicurean wine has reached its peak of aromatic fullness, ensuring full rein to both the senses and the mind — a rare moment, ‘Typiquement Charles.’