If you consider yourself a whisky aficionado, then you probably already have a few dream destinations in mind for your next distillery tour. Scotland, Japan, and Kentucky are likely at the top of your list. But here’s a suggestion to add to that shortlist – Singapore. Yes, you read that right. Singapore is quickly making a name for itself as a great whisky destination, and The Grande Whisky Museum in Suntec City is a testament to that.

This museum is not your average whisky museum. It holds the world’s most valuable bottle of whisky, as well as the most valuable whisky collection, according to the Guinness World Records. The prized possession is a bottle of Laphroaig 40-year old from 1960, signed by none other than Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, now King Charles III and Queen Camilla. During their visit to the distillery on the Isle of Islay in June 2008, they took a moment to sign this exceptional bottle. According to the Guinness World Records, the Laphroaig is valued at a staggering $2.56 million U.S. dollars.

But it doesn’t stop there. The Grande Whisky Museum’s entire collection is valued at a jaw-dropping $91.12 million US dollars. It holds more than 7,000 rare and vintage whiskies, making it one of the largest private whisky collections open to the public. The museum received official recognition from Guinness a year ago, but the certificates were formally awarded during a ceremony on Oct. 25, 2023.

Walking through the 8,000 square-foot museum is like stepping into a whisky lover’s paradise. The collection includes whiskies from distilleries all over the world, including some that have sadly closed down over the years. The museum prides itself on offering visitors a glimpse into the whisky traditions of various regions, with a particular focus on Scotland and Japan. Guided tours are available, led by knowledgeable ambassadors who regale visitors with tales of whisky production and the history behind famous distilleries.

After the tour, guests have the opportunity to indulge in a Whisky Tasting Experience. For VIP members, there is a luxurious Saint-Louis House lounge where they can savor their drams in style. For the general public, a cozy lounge overlooking the impressive Suntec City Fountain of Wealth awaits. This bronze fountain, which was once the largest in the world, puts on mesmerizing music and light shows, further enhancing the overall experience.

Manjit Gill, the group managing director of The Whisky Trust Group, which owns The Grande Whisky Museum, emphasizes that their collection is not just valuable for its financial worth, but also for its artistic appeal. Hand-blown glass bottles, hand-painted porcelain sets, and designer crystal bottles are just a few of the exquisite artworks that whisky lovers and art enthusiasts alike can admire.

Guinness World Records has recognized various records in the world of whisky, and their endorsement adds a level of prestige to The Grande Whisky Museum. The oldest whisky on record, according to Guinness, is a bottle of Baker’s Pure Rye Whiskey distilled in 1847.

So, if you find yourself in Singapore and have a love for whisky, The Grande Whisky Museum is a must-visit destination. With its unparalleled collection, knowledgeable guides, and impeccable surroundings, it offers an experience that is second to none. Singapore may not have been on your whisky radar, but rest assured, it deserves a spot on your list of whisky destinations.