Connoisseurs will tell you that the perfect drink can transport you into another world, tantalising your taste buds to recreate an experience that is exclusively your own. Fans of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the rarest of the expressions created by the historied whisky brand, will avow that this blended whisky is one of these rare creations, elevating your satisfaction with its smooth signature taste.
As much as it takes pride in the plaudits it has received, Johnnie Walker, however, is always keen to enhance consumers’ appreciation of its Blue Label, which was what led to the conception of the Symphony in Blue experience. A fully immersive affair that incorporates sight, sound and, of course, taste, this one-of-a-kind spectacle débuted in London last year before moving on Monaco. Its third presentation took place over three nights in Genting Highlands recently.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the resort was, in hindsight, an inspired choice of venue. On the day I was there, the weather was chilly and the air, damp. A thick mist enveloped the entire hill top, lending it a mysterious air – cars and pedestrians seemed to appear out of nowhere. It almost felt like my last visit to the Scottish Highlands!
The happy coincidence of weather apart, nothing truly prepares you for the Symphony in Blue experience. The drama – for that, essentially, is what it’s all about – took place within a 20m high dome, specifically constructed for the event. You first step into a recreation of the original 19th-century grocery set up by John Walker in Ayrshire, Scotland, stocked with spices, fruits, honey and spices. This was followed by a ‘whisky woodland’, where, under an artifically lit blue sky, guests enjoyed cocktails made with Johnnie Walker Blue Label and canapés.
The main event took place further within, where all the disparate elements of Symphony in Blue were pulled together for a multisensory experience – a five-course dinner prepared by the chefs of Resort World Genting; a stunning 360° light and sound projection of the Johnnie Walker story; energetic performances by the Rouge Dolls, a burlesque troupe from Australia; the specially designed Flavour Conductor organ and the confident guidance of Johnnie Walker Global Ambassador, Tom Jones.
It is impossible to select a highlight from this theatrical event, as every meticulously planned detail worked to one aim – creating a deeper appreciation for the exceptional qualities of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The menu, for example, reflected the five elements of earth, fire, metal, wood and water to match the flavour profiles of the whisky. The projection – the one of a sail ship, complete with sounds of the waves and creaking wood, was especially impressive – emphasised how far the brand has gone in its nearly 200-year history, while the unique Flavour Conductor utilised the sensorial power of music to reinforce the various nuances of the whisky.
As experiences go, Symphony in Blue is pretty hard to beat. More than just a satisfying combination of good food, drink and company, it reiterates how singular Johnnie Walker Blue Label is – all the craft, heritage and rarity (only one in 10,000 barrels of whisky are deemed good enough for the blend) that went into the making of it. It is, ultimately, a carefully curated experience of the highest quality. Symphony in Blue is, simply, a magnificent celebration of that.
