Singapore's GrandeWhiskey Museum

By John DeMarco - 

Exploring The Grand Whisky Museum in Singapore

Singapore is home to many unique experiences, but for whisky lovers, The Grand Whisky Museum is a must-visit. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just someone who enjoys the history of whisky, this place offers an incredible deep dive into the world of rare and vintage spirits.

A Beautifully Designed Space

From the moment you step inside, the museum’s layout invites you to sit, relax, and enjoy a pour. The space is thoughtfully designed to showcase whisky’s rich history while providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

I signed up for the Introduction to Whiskies tour, which is the entry-level experience and typically lasts about an hour. However, since I was the only person there that morning, I ended up spending nearly three hours in the museum—almost two of those inside The Vault, the heart of the collection.

Inside The Vault: A Whisky Lover’s Dream

The Whisky Museum Vault houses over 7,000 rare and vintage bottles, along with some extraordinary Cognac and Champagne selections. It also holds two Guinness World Records—one for the most expensive collection of whisky and another for the most expensive bottle of whisky.

Unfortunately, photographs and videos are not allowed inside the vault, but that only adds to the sense of exclusivity. Seeing so many rare and unique bottles in person was incredible. The collection is valued at over $100 million, and while many bottles are purely for display, several are available for purchase—if you’re ready to spend big. One of the more “affordable” options was a 40-year-old Ghost Distillery bottle priced at over $3,000.

Some of the most impressive things I saw in the vault included:

• Dozens of rare 50-year age statement single malts
• Over 50 bottles from 1965, spanning more than a dozen distilleries
• The oldest age-statement offerings from iconic distilleries like Macallan, Bowmore, Highland Park, and Dalmore
• Nearly the entire Macallan Fine & Rare Collection—though notably missing the legendary Macallan 1926
• The Macallan 81-year-old bottle, a true piece of whisky history
• An extensive Japanese whisky collection, showcasing some of the rarest releases

I won’t spoil the surprise of every bottle inside, but let’s just say that for whisky lovers, it’s a jaw-dropping experience.

The Tour and Tasting Experience

While my tour guide was knowledgeable about the museum and collection, they were relatively new to whisky itself, so many of my questions went unanswered. That said, I fully acknowledge that I signed up for the Introduction to Whiskies tour, which is designed for those newer to whisky. If you’re looking for a more advanced experience, I’d recommend one of the higher-tier tastings. The 2 top ambassadors are both incredible with decades of experience and whisky knowledge and will make sure to book with one of them next time just through what I have heard and read up on about them.

For my next visit, I plan to return for either the Influence of Casks or Depth of Whiskies tasting, which should offer a deeper dive into whisky’s complexities.

The Bar: A Whisky Haven

Beyond the tour and vault, The Grand Whisky Museum also features an extensive bar with a highly skilled staff ready to guide you through their vast selection. You don’t need to take a tour to stop in for a drink or flight—though I highly recommend scheduling a tasting in advance to get the full experience.

No surprise that the bar has a fantastic selection of whiskies from which you can choose. You can create your own flight or tasting with nearly any bottle they offer—the only limit is your budget. Whether you’re looking for a rare dram or just a casual pour, the bar is worth a visit on its own.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit for Whisky Enthusiasts

The Grand Whisky Museum is a destination for anyone who enjoys a good scotch or simply appreciates whisky’s rich history. Whether you go for the vault, the tasting experiences, or just a casual drink at the bar, there’s something here for every level of whisky enthusiast.

If I lived in Singapore, I would absolutely join their membership club, even at a lower level. They offer exclusive tastings, special offerings, and other member-only benefits, making it a great option for locals or frequent visitors.

This visit was just the beginning for me. I’ll definitely be back to explore the Influence of Casks or Depth of Whiskies experiences on a future trip. If you find yourself in Singapore and love whisky, put this place at the top of your list—you won’t regret it.