Working in harmony
The new Whisky Exchange shop at London’s Vinopolis is part of a new project that shows how grape and the grain can make a harmonious blend. Kate Ennis reports
For fans of renowned mail order website The Whisky Exchange the news that proprietor Sukhinder Singh has opened a retail shop in central London will be music to the ears.
Before now, experiencing Sukhinderâs vast selection of whiskies was only possible by appointment at his showroom tucked away on the edges of London.
This new shop is part of a bigger whisky project at Vinopolis, a visitor attraction within the cavernous arches of a Victorian railway viaduct on Londonâs South Bank dedicated to the education and enjoyment of drink.
When the two and a half acre venue first opened in 1999, wine was its sole focus.
However, in the past two years Vinopolis has been ringing in the changes, fine tuning its contents and orchestrating new projects to incorporate spirits into its interactive tour.
Gin and absinthe were the first spirits to join, and now a new whisky area has been added. Included is âThe Still Roomâ, which was installed by Diageo and plays a key part in the venueâs educational tour. Itâs an informative display and tasting bar offering three Diageo whiskies to try. Next door is The Whisky Exchangeâs shop.
Vinopolis says this project is the latest fulfilment of a vision it has always had to promote the experience and enjoyment of both wines and spirits. For The Whisky Exchange, however, the project was more of a happy accident.
âThough weâd always thought it would be nice to have a shop in London, we werenât really looking,â admits Sukhinder. .....
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By Kate Ennis
Section : Whisky Trends
Page number : 52
