Who says you can’t go for second best? Diffusion lines (affordably priced merchandise created by high-end designers) are all the rage for the right reasons—they bear the designer’s trademark designs and philosophy, and you don’t have to rob the bank for them. Plus, they’re more casual and wearable too, with the likes of D&G by Dolce & Gabbana and DKNY by Donna Karan continuously delivering stylish ready-to-wear season after season. Here’s what’s in store from these coveted “second” lines for Autumn/Winter:

DKNY

While the ubiquitous Donna Karan’s original dapper and classic silhouettes are simply out of reach for the casual shopper, its diffusion line DKNY has been generating consistent sales since the 80s. Focusing on smart tailoring and classic silhouettes for the younger set, these elements are still in place this Autumn/Winter. For the men, modern military is the inspiration, with American classics and staples updated and streamlined for the times. Expect slimmer and more refined cuts featuring long-sleeve polo tees with fitting nylon trimmings and fine Merino turtle necks. Utilitarian hardcores should look out for the iconic Harrington trench coat or the three-in-one nylon bomber parka—all set in classic shades of concrete, ash charcoal and pewter. For the ladies, black, cream, navy and shades of grey permeate the V-neck cardigans, lean flare trousers and capes with silk pleats that will look great layered with everything else you’ve got. $69 upwards.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

The always flamboyant Marc Jacobs takes a backseat for now, as its diffusion Marc by Marc Jacobs gets all classy and serious for Autumn/Winter. The more dapper among you will be glad to know that Herringbone suits, trench coats, button-down shirts and ties take center stage for the guys, with a sophisticated 40s twist. But the girls needn’t worry that Jacobs has stopped having fun. Metallic leather jackets and culottes, jade green silk dresses and a printed silk jumpsuit show that the man has not lost his edge—these pieces are great if you’re looking for a fun night out with the posse. $129 upwards.

T by Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang’s collections have always been extremely stylish yet laidback, resonating with the contemporary men and women of today who enjoy fashion but still want that casual yet sophisticated look. His diffusion line, T by Alexander Wang, of pre-weathered cotton tees, tanks and T-shirt dresses, is no exception. With their stretched necklines and lowered armholes adding a touch of slouchy, rolled-out-of-bed edge to the label, we don’t think we’ve ever been more psyched about basics before. His Autumn/Winter 2011 collection continues to be versatile, monochromatic and uncomplicated but is made fresh with longer hemlines, plush fabrics and even a tinge of goth. $99 upwards.

D&G

Defying tradition with its bold colors and prints, this winter is looking unusually bright and cheery for D&G. Its Autumn/Winter collection is a mash up of trends from the 80s kept up-to-date with quirky and unconventional twists, featuring alphabet print tube dresses coupled with bat sleeve jumpers in striking neon hues. Other hot items to stock up on are the cool bomber jackets, cartoon printed cardigans and colorful wedge sneakers. $99 upwards.

A/X

Deemed to be the most accessible (and reasonably priced) of all Armani brands, Armani Exchange compromises on neither style nor comfort with its unique and sleek designs that manage to reflect sophistication and a charming ruggedness at the same time. Inspired by urban living and pop culture, expect to see elegant flowing dresses and smoky printed shirts that are wearable for day and night. Grey, a constant color throughout the Fall collection and meant to highlight the melancholy of the cityscape, can be a difficult color to pull off. But with splashes of teal and red creating a stunning and beautiful contrast, this collection just looks effortless. $89 upwards.

Imagine That

Diffusion lines we'd really like to see:

Maison Martin Margiela doing a line of basic tees that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

Comme des Garçons launching a new range of men’s and women’s shirts without that tacky Play logo emblazoned on any of them.

Louis Vuitton doing a series of collaboration notebooks that starving artists can afford.

Prada or Dior Homme doing a new range of mandals, not necessarily made out of leather (we’re fine with plastic), that we can wear to the beach.

Essentials

A|X Armani Exchange, #B1-02A/2B/03 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6304-1369
D&G, #01-08/09 & #02-09/10 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6733-9860
DKNY, #01-04 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6304-3551
Inhabit The Other Store, #02-16 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6836-8441
Marc by Marc Jacobs, #01-11 & #02-12 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6304-1376

Baguette

Forget your low-carb diet for an afternoon. Grab at least one, preferably two, wholemeal baguettes ($2.40) from La Tanglin Boulangerie. We’d be lying if we said they’re as good as they make ‘em in Paris, but there’s no arguing how healthy they are.

Cheeses

A surpisingly decent variety of French cheeses can be found at Tanglin Market Place. An all-round crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with a mild and creamy camembert ($7.29 per 100 grams). Also try a slightly tangy ash-coated chèvre (goat’s cheese; $7.59 per 100 grams) and, for true blue cheese lovers, a pungent and robust Roquefort ($8.69 per 100 grams).

Tapenade

If you’re looking for this Provençal specialty, you’ll be pleased with the offerings at Littlé Provence. Both green and black olive-based spreads are sold, but our choice has to be the basil-accented black olive tapenade ($9.90). It has a nicely herbaceous fragrance and sumptuously briny taste.

Pâté and Rillettes

Arguably two of the most calorie-laden, decadent things you can devour, but still entirely worth it. Help yourself to Feyel’s duck pâté and rillettes ($17.95 and $20.25 respectively) from Tanglin Market Place.

Fig jam

A sticky, ambrosial spread bursting with fruity goodness and goes incredibly well with cheeses, especially the full-flavored ones. A jar of Provençal fig jam goes for $17.90 from Hediard Cafe-Boutique.

Pastis

Of course, no true Francophile would be without his/her pastis. If you’re in the mood for this star anise-flavored liqueur, you can’t go wrong with Ricard ($73.50 for 750ml). We suggest mixing it with some chilled water, although it’s not a crime to throw in some rocks (purists might disagree, but they’re not the ones calling the shots); available from Tanglin Market Place.

Strawberries

It may be summer in France, but it’s near impossible to get your hands on delectable fraises des bois or fraises gariguette (unless you happen to know the right people). No matter—grab some regular strawberries which will serve as a wonderful complement to the champers. $8.50 per punnet at Tanglin Market Place.

Champagne

We have a deep love and appreciation for the bubbly stuff, particularly on a hot summer’s day (which makes that every day here then). Trust us when we say it’s worth springing for the good stuff. A well-chilled bottle of crisp and refreshing Jacques Selosse Brut Initial Grand Cru NV ($213) from Artisan Cellars should do the trick. Vive la revolution!

Bouled Over

Playing that most quintessential of French sports, Pétanque, in the park is one thing, but if you want to get serious, have a word with the folk from Sports Boules Singapore (#01-02 Toa Payoh Swimming Complex, 301 Toa Payoh Lor. 6, 6356-5093). If you fancy a game, head down on Saturdays at 4pm. Prepare to fork out $29 for a one-year membership (equipment provided).

Essentials:

Artisan Cellars #B1-01 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6838-0373

Hediard Cafe-Boutique Tudor Court, 125 Tanglin Rd., 6333-6683.

La Tanglin Boulangerie #B1-01 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd.

Littlé Provence #02-K2 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6887-3842.

Tanglin Market Place #B1-02/03 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6734-0105.

Made of low-fired clay, the intricate statues brought over from Xian, China include a general (one of nine in the world), two archers, infantrymen, a cavalry officer, a charioteer, a strongman and a horse.

These and other artifacts like bells, cranes, amulets and weapons are all widely speculated by experts to be part of the recreation of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's court in his afterlife.

Possibly the greatest archaeological find of the late twentieth century, the discovery of the terracotta warriors possesses all the dramatic elements of an epic blockbuster film. Moreover, their fate has been intertwined with local, national, and international politics. All of this is poignantly and cleverly recreated in the tight confines of a gallery at the Asian Civilizations Museum.

Selena Wang, the curator affirms, “We were worried about the space of the gallery at 480 square meters; this is much smaller than a typical exhibition which requires an area of at least 800 square meters.”

“We spent time researching how to maximize the space by using black screens and photos as backgrounds. Moreover, the selection of statues with neutral colors was another conscious choice to create an illusion that the space is larger than it actually is.”

When you go (and you must), don’t forget to download ACM: Terracotta Warriors, the world’s first museum app to combine location-based gaming and interactive features into your iPhone to heighten the visit to the exhibition. The warriors and artifacts really do come alive in this exhibition.

Terracotta Warriors: The Fist Emperor and His Legacy runs through Oct 16. Asian Civilizations Museum, 1 Empress Place, 6332-7798. $3-10.

(1) M.A.C Matte Lipstick

Color: Russian Red
Matteness: 9/10. Satin smooth when applying. Lips feel moist and have very little shine.
Durability: Since it’s pretty moist, everything touching your lips will stain easily during the first hour. The color stays fresh and eye-popping for over six hours, though.
Price: B800

(2) Cle de Peau Extra Rich Lipstick

Color: T4
Matteness: 2/10. We wouldn’t call this a matte lipstick at all. The texture is very glossy and leaves the lips looking plump. Not recommended for chapped lips but we’re totally in love with its glamorous nude shade.
Durability: Lasts less than an hour and leaves only the slightest hint of color after three hours.
Price: B2,500

(3) Nars Lipstick Semi- Matte

Color: Jungle Red, Honolulu Honey
Matteness: 7/10. Feels like a pure matte: not so sticky but can be a bit tricky to apply, especially without a pre lip gloss or a brush.
Durability: Leaves only slight traces on coffee mugs and the color stays lively for up to six hours.
Price: B950

(4) Revlon Matte Lipstick

Color: Really Red
Matteness: 10/10. Extremely light, non-shiny and non-sticky. Super easy to apply and doesn’t dry out your lips.
Durability: The vibrant pigments back a punch for at least three hours before they start to dull. It lasts for at least 8 hours, if you don’t mind the color fading.
Price: B239

(5) M.A.C Pro Longwear

Color: Love Forever!
Matteness: 9/10. A bit sticky and dry on application but doesn’t look quite as dry on the lips.
Durability: Stays fresh and eye- spanking for an hour, then the vibrancy slowly fades down.
Price: B850

(6) Make Up Store

Color: Pretty Baby, Mandy
Matteness: 8/10. Lips feel moist after application. There’s little sign of shininess but it does seem to dehydrate the lips within twenty minutes.
Durability: The vibrant color lasts for two hours, but you might feel the texture becoming much thinner after bringing a cup or glass to your lips. You’ll also see the color hint for up to six hours.
Price: B850

(7) Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte

Color: Sensual Red
Matteness: 9/10. Shows only a small shimmer with visible sparkles added to the texture. Lips moist after application and do not dry out, but it’s quite hard to apply and need a lot of gloss. Chapped lips likely to appear after the first hour.
Durability: Vibracy stays for an hour and fades down around the clock.
Price: B990

Essentials

M.A.C. G/F, Siam Center, 02-658-0282
Make Up Store. 2/F, Siam Center, 02-255-2082
Nars. 1/F, Central Chidlom, 02-252-6162
Revlon. Watsons, www.watsons.co.th
Shu Uemura. 2/F, Siam Discovery, 02-658-0263

Lip Tips

1. Exfoliate your lips by giving them a little scrub with sugar or salt. You can also softly brush them with a toothbrush on a daily basis.

2. Apply a thin coat of lip balm and let it sink in for 3-5 minutes.

3. boost up your lipstick application, apply the color by starting from the middle, then moving outwards towards the corner of your mouth. For tidier shape lines, using a lip liner and lip brush works great.

Essentials

Burt’s Bees. G/F, Emporium, 083-300-2554
Kiehl’s. 1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-7680
Pesachakorn. Pharmacies nationwide
Vaseline. Tops Market, www.tops.co.th

The folks: We’re proud to report that this wine comes from Nikki Lohitnavy of Granmonte in Khao Yai, Thailand’s first female winemaker. The estate is a Lohitnavy family enterprise through and through and has been making wine since 2001, but we can’t help but think that it’s this bottle—made with Nikki back from her oenology studies and apprenticeships and their very own, in-house winery—that’s begun to put Granmonte and Thai reds on the map. The 2009 Heritage Syrah won a silver medal at this year’s Decanter Awards.

The grape: Made from 100% syrah grapes (the same as what Australians and other New World winemakers call shiraz). Syrah is known for its complex flavors and aromas and its drinkability. Typical elements can range from spices to animal/leather to black fruits to coffee to smoke. It’s also a very rich grape with a great deal of color.

The look: A typical color for a youthful syrah. Clear, deep ruby red, almost purple.

The smell: Nice and complex with bits of leather, chocolate, black pepper and even a touch of smoke. The fruits are dark, like black cherries and plums.

The sip: Very nice indeed. A warmer-weather syrah, this wine feels big and juicy in the mouth, with prominent dark fruit flavors which is balanced by medium acidity (yes, red wine has acidity, too—just try a Chianti and you’ll see what we mean). There are velvety tannins and hints of sweet oak, too, so seasoned red wine drinkers will appreciate this wine, too.

The food: The acidity and body of this wine might hold up some Thai curries. We want to have this next with some grilled red meat, like lamb kebab or neua yang with jim jaew.

The damage: A very affordable B760 at Tops Supermarket or any of the Central Wine Cellars.

We all know how boring working men’s wardrobes can be—just look at those guys shuffling in and out of Shenton Way. But with a few choice accessories—from bowties to money clips to rings—even the dullest of wardrobes can look interesting. God, after all, is in the details.

Top Left: This pair of Calvin Evening boots by local label Sifr is versatile enough for both work and play. $259 from Know It Nothing.

Top Right: Checks never go out of style. Neither will this chic tie from Raoul. $89.

Bottom Left: Top off any ensemble with this classy black top hat by Uniform Experiment x Kangol. $220 from Ambush.

Bottom Right: Store all your prized possessions in this durable sling man-bag by Freitag. $590 from ActuallyActually.

Add a dash of finesse with this elegant and understated bracelet by Calvin Klein. $89.90.

Keep your cash safe with this simple but elegant money clip by Agnès b. $185.

This gorgeous (and very masculine) bronze ring with feather motif is a must for the style conscious. $85 from Agnès b.

Show ‘em who’s top dog when you put on these two cufflinks by M.C.L Store-in-Store. $690.

Turn heads with this snazzy document bag by Uniform Experiment around town. $510 from Ambush.

Even your iPad needs a little love. Spruce it up with this pseudo vintage book cover by Fourskin. $49.90.

This pink Raoul handkerchief will make you a hit with the ladies (and some men). $69.

This baby blue bowtie from Sophnet draws all the right kind of attention. $180 from Ambush.

Actually Actually, #02-01, 16 Purvis St., 6336-7002
Agnès b, #02-39 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6737-6276
Ambush, #03-14 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6836-7667
Calvin Klein, #01-204/205 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6304-3561
Fourskin, #04-33 Heeren, 260 Orchard Rd., 6734-9089
Know It Nothing, 51 Haji Lane, 6392-5475
M.C.L Store-in-Store, 2/F Takashimaya Department Store, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6738-1111
Raoul, #02-49 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6737-0682

All About Beer Ideal for brew fanatics, with all types of info about the hoppy goodness.

CityNomads Check out this local daily deal website for some fantastic offers on alcohol events such as BeerFest Asia and Whisky Live, as well as wine tasting events and dinners.

Cocktail Times Those of you looking for boozy recipes will love this site.

Liquor.com With everything from articles about the evolution of American whiskey to cheat sheets on gin, this website really gets into the spirit of things.

The Local Nose Sniff out great wine deals, tastings and events in Singapore at this site.

Sloshed! Even more cocktail recipes can be found at this website.

When friends ask you what you like to drink, chances are you have a ready answer. Perhaps you're a gin guy. Perhaps you only like fruit beer. You'll probably never touch tequila again. But how long has it been since your answer to that question changed? And when was the last time you tried drinking something different?

Of course, it can be intimidating to venture beyond your comfort zone, particularly here in Singapore where every other person seems to be a brand ambassador for some spirit you've never heard of. But a number of venues—some old, some new, some that might surprise you—are going out of their way to make learning more about drink easy, and fun into the bargain. Forget stuffy wine dinners or impenetrable talk of blends, proofs and varietals—just round up some open-minded friends and go try something different. You might be surprised by what you learn.

BEER | WINE & CHAMPAGNE | COCKTAILS | SAKE | TEQUILA | WHISKEY

BEER (3-9%)

It’s the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, with a remarkable range of styles and flavors. Thanks to the emergence of more microbreweries and bars that specialize in importing craft beers, there's now a real demand in the local market for specialty brews.

Brewerkz
Proving that being popular doesn't have to mean resting on your laurels, the reigning microbrew kings continue to change up their menu offering the kind of beers that ought to make you give up bland lager for good. If you just want a taste of what they have to offer on tap (there are over 12 beers to choose from), then try their very affordable sample sets, ideal for novice drinkers. Forget their predictable Tried & True set and design your own instead. Four 90ml glasses of your choice will set you back a mere $13, so mix and match favorites like India Pale Ale with limited edition numbers such as Black Rabbit and Long Zhu Ale. While it’s not nearly as academic as beer geeks might like, it's a perfect introduction to the world of real beer.
#01-05/06 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Rd., 6438-7438.

Tiger Brewery Tour
We’re not big fans of organized tours, but this somewhat patriotic one is great fun. You can see for yourself how Singapore’s national beer goes from the kettle to the keg with tour guides who will take you through the whole brewing process, from malting to mashing, hopping, boiling, fermenting, filtering and bottling/canning/kegging. You can sample the entire range of Asia Pacific Breweries’ products, including Archipelago craft beers, at the classy Tiger Tavern. There’s also a souvenir shop and an informative museum display featuring old bottles and photographs to fill you with nostalgia. The tour takes place at 10:00am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm and 5pm from Monday to Friday and costs $16 per person. Advance bookings are essential.
459 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, 6860-3005.

WINE & CHAMPAGNE (9-16%)

There’s a snobbery attached to wine drinking that understandably puts people off. But there’s no shame in admitting you know nothing, or not as much as you’d like. With these operators you can be sure of making some great discoveries in good company.

Les Amis
Forget overly-formal wine dinners with pompous strangers, the Simply Black blind tasting wine luncheons are the way to go if you want to challenge your palate without any pressure. The premise is simple, simply select three ($70) or four ($88) courses of chef Armin Leitgeb’s divine fare for your meal, and Les Amis’ sommeliers will pair the wines accordingly (additional $45 and $60 respectively). The key to the equation is that all the wines are served in dark, opaque Zweisel 1872 Gourmet Collection wine glasses, so you can’t use your sense of sight to “cheat,” but have to rely wholly on your senses of smell and taste to make your guess about vinous region, grape varietal and even the individual chateau. It's a tongue-in-cheek approach that's surprisingly effective. At the end of your meal, a sommelier will come over for the big reveal.
#02-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 6733-2225. Sat noon-3pm.

Wine Exchange Asia
A great option if you're looking for a casual yet informative Champagne tasting session is with the folks of Wine Exchange Asia. Aside from the wine dinners they conduct, they also do champers events every so often at venues such as Speakeasy (54 Blair Rd., 9759-5111). The relaxed vibe of a bubbly Sunday brunch (think blind tasting with three sets of four different Champagnes, that's 12 total) with notecards for you to record your personal notes is hard to beat.
Log on to www.wineexchangeasia.com to find out about other upcoming events.

Lim Hwee Peng School of Wine
If you're a true blue wine aficionado (or hoping to be one), go the more serious, academic route and enrol yourself in a course at Lim Hwee Peng School of Wine. Be warned: This three-month program requires real dedication and even has an exam at the end of it. Pass and you'll be deemed a Certified Specialist in Wines (CSW), so you can flaunt your credentials at the next frou-frou event you attend and impress even the most stonefaced of critics.
Log on to www.winecraftmktg.com or email [email protected] for more details.

COCKTAILS (12-18%)

Everyone fancies that they can make a pretty mean cocktail, even if it’s just their own spin on the G&T. Once you see one of these masters at work, however, you’ll realize just how little you know—and be thirsty to learn more.

Drink Culture
This relative newbie is a great after-dinner spot. If you want to do a proper class with director and mixologist Ethan Leslie Leong, you’ll need to round up five friends for a two-hour session ($150 per person; add another $50 for a take-home mixing kit) and book two weeks in advance. He’ll run you through how to prep and make three different cocktails, such as a basic mojito and dry martini, with recipes to refer to. If that’s too much work, just rock up and grab a few seats at the bar so you can talk to Leong about different drinks and watch him make them as you do an informal cocktail tasting.
49/51 Kreta Ayer Rd., 6557‑0538.

Néktar
The ideal combination of chic without the stuffy, even if you just drop by after work. You’ll want the best (and most coveted) seats in the house, at the bar of course. Be sure to call ahead and lock those down. Executive bar chef Raveen Misra can do a casual cocktail appreciation class by tailoring bespoke drinks based on your preferences, each with a different spirit base and flavor profile, so you can sample a range of booze casual one. Head over from 5-8pm and get the most bang for your buck at happy hour, with 30 percent off all cocktails. Alternatively, arrange for a private cocktail class with Misra, if you’re keen on learning the basics so you can show off the next time you have a house party. You’ll need to arrange it at least a week in advance, and come along with seven like-minded folk. Be prepared to shell out $150 apiece (includes a starter kit and a recipe list to take home) for an interactive, hands-on, two-hour session that will cover three classic cocktails with a twist, such as a fruity rendition of a Collins, a brandy cocktail and perhaps an espresso martini.
Annex Bldg., 31 Scotts Rd., 6836-9185.

SAKE (15-20%)

Even if you're Japanese, Nihonshu can be a bit of an acquired taste. But approach it with an open mind and you're bound to find the right rice wine for you.

Orihara Liquor Shop & Bar
They’ve traded the Four Seasons concept (TOO clever, perhaps) in favor of four more descriptive flights: Refreshing, Rich, Amai (sweet), and Karakuchi (dry). You get three cups filled to the brim for $30, and if it’s not too busy (get there before 8pm) the server will describe the origin and characteristics of each type of sake. Otherwise, you can read about them in the tome-like menu. We like the Refreshing set. But why take our word for it—just try all four. Then pad your stomach with an awesome bowl of oden or yakitori from next door. In addition to the unbelievable selection of sake, addictive bar snacks and friendly service, we like the selection of ceramic and glass cups you get to choose from when you open a bottle.
#01-02 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity St., 6836-5710.

TEQUILA (35-40%)

Outside of Mexico, tequila still has something of a bad rep. But trust us, there's much more to it than shooters and student misadventures.

Café Iguana
If you're game for a little nostalgia, Café Iguana offers three-shot tequila samplers. The sets highlight the differences in flavor between blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas from two brands. The more well-known Partida goes for $13, while the artisanal Oro Azul set will cost you $22. Although you won’t get a formal explanation, there are short tasting notes for reference.
#01-03 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Rd., 6236-1275.

WHISKY (40-55%)

Forget the notion of whisky being the preserve of old men in tweed. Put yourself in the right hands and you’ll discover why exploring different malts and varying vintages becomes a lifelong passion for so many people.

The Auld Alliance
Helmed by Emmanuel Dron, one-time regional manager of La Maison du Whisky, The Auld Alliance claims to have Southeast Asia’s largest collection of whiskies with over 1,000 beauties. Oozing old world charm with dark timber, distinguished leather couches and a menu about as thick as a mid-length novel, you’ll also find four different tasting sets, each showcasing four malts: Whiskies Around the World ($30), Lands of Scotland ($30), Four Laphroaig Cask Strength ($80) and Tullibardine Vertical Tasting ($85). We reckon the first two are better suited to whisky newbies, while connoisseurs will appreciate the nuances of the latter two. The elegant stemware doesn’t hurt either. If you can manage it, grab yourself a seat at the bar so you can chat with Dron and draw on his encyclopedic knowledge about whiskies. Hardcore enthusiasts should sign up for The Singapore Whisky Club, which meets once a month for a private tasting session. At $250 per month, exclusivity doesn’t come cheap. The next one, Five Decades of Macallan, happens on Jul 5, and will showcase five different vintages of the Scottish single malt—1955, 1966, 1974, 1983, 1991.
#01-07/08/09 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria St., 6337-2201.

Quaich Bar
This is a decidedly less swanky spot than The Auld Alliance, but its homey, laidback vibe and friendly staff (who have been trained in Scotland) make it most appealing. They also have eight different tasting sets that vary from $38 to $80, so everyone is well-catered for. While they carry a range of whiskies, the attention here is clearly on scotch. A good starting point for introducing beginners to whisky is the Regional Malts of Scotland ($30) sampler, which includes four glasses each filled with 15ml of malt from distinct regions (color-coded with a sticker). For those familiar with whiskies, we suggest the Bunnahabhain Vertical Tasting ($80) featuring three vintages. Since all sets come with tasting notes and explanations, you have the option of taking your journey with the bar staff or finding a quiet corner and doing it on your own, with friends or that special someone you’re dying to impress.
#01-09/10 Waterfront Plaza, 390A Havelock Rd., 6732-3452.

Take your alcohol education to the next level. Head over to these online resources.

Heard of home brewing? Find out how you can do it too.

ATLAS This boutique has stations for testing the latest from brands such as Accuphase, Ad Notam and Noo’ance. #01-14/15, TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Rd., 6339-0966. Open daily 11am-8pm.

Bose@MW Test the brand’s trademark Wave sound systems as well as surround sound headphones at the multiple booths located here. #01-35, Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6339-0966. Open daily 11am-8pm.

Vertu Boutique Play with the latest in luxury hand-crafted mobile phones. #B1-91/91A/92, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7887. Open Sun-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight.

LG LIVE Stocking everything from cordless speakers to air conditioners, this interactive showroom is your one-stop destination for all your home electronic needs. #B2-47/48, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7341. Open Sun-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight.

Loewe Gallery The renowned fashion label also does a range of home entertainment systems with multimedia docking options, which you can experience first-hand. #01-01A Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6631-9452. Open daily 11am-8pm.