When I visited Changi Airport on a quiet weekday afternoon, I expected a ghost town due to the lack of travel—and I was right. But at Terminal 3, one bar was nicely filled with patrons enjoying wine and whisky over animated conversations. 8 by Bottles & Bottles is a brand-new watering hole nestled conveniently next to Tai Cheong Bakery (a dram with your egg tart, anybody?), marking the first drink-in concept by homegrown wine and spirits retailer Bottles & Bottles.
Anchored by an extensive selection of wines, spirits, and sake at bottle shop prices, the venue features dark wood furnishings and shelves, along with semi-circular frames defining the shop’s periphery. There’s a sense of elegance and intimacy to the communal tasting table and counter with their rounded edges. The name 8 alludes to the idea that it’s always 8 p.m. somewhere and therefore prime time for a satisfying tipple. Drinks aside, there’s a bar grub menu featuring snacks like beef cubes in red wine sauce and cheese platter, as well as the option to order in from other F&B establishments at no additional cost. Considering the wide variety of choices at Terminal 3, from 4Fingers to Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen, drinkers will be spoilt for choice.
Wine lovers will appreciate the rotating collection of wines, which includes both accessible and premium ones across New World and Old World selections. Among the store exclusives are Australian wines like Domaine Natualiste from Margaret River to Eperosa from Barossa Valley. Heritage wines from wineries such as Bodegas Faustino and the family-owned Champagne Cattier are also available. New to the brand is a selection of sake, including exclusives from Kunimare—a Hokkaido brewery that’s been around since the Meiji era.
As a whisky afficionado, I particularly enjoyed the Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt, a Scottish-style Japanese whisky featuring spicy notes with a creamy mouthfeel. For something a little unusual, go for the Benromach Contrasts: Organic, which happens to be the world’s first certified organic single malt whisky since 2006. Light and easy to drink, with pronounced sweet and malty notes, the whisky paired well with savouries like meat and cheese. Those who fancy peaty whiskies can go for the Teeling Blackpitts or the Kavalan Solist Peated Singapore Edition. The former is a smoky Irish whisky, whose triple distillation process renders a smooth texture, while the latter is bottled at cask strength for all-rounded warmness with fruity and floral notes—no wonder it’s been called the “Rolls Royce” of whisky.
Another great reason to drink here? There won’t be any extra charges on products purchased and opened at 8 by Bottles & Bottles. Glassware, buckets, and ice are also available without charge.
More information here.
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