Cover Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard is an invitation-only society celebrating exceptional wines and spirits through bespoke experiences across sports, arts and gastronomy (Photo: Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard)
Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard is an invitation-only society celebrating exceptional wines and spirits through bespoke experiences across sports, arts and gastronomy (Photo: Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard)
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From rare spirits and exceptional gastronomy to an intimate conversation with Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur and exclusive access to the Singapore Grand Prix, Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard brought conviviality to the fore, on and off the track
Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard is an invitation-only society that opens the door to exceptional wines and spirits, alongside bespoke experiences spanning sports, arts and gastronomy. Since its inception, it has gathered members around carefully curated encounters designed to linger in the memory. This Formula 1 weekend, it did so once again, welcoming select members from across Asia-Pacific and South Africa to an exclusive Singapore Grand Prix experience, both on and off the track.
The weekend opened at Jiak Kim House, where three master blenders of Martell, Royal Salute and Midleton came together for the first time. The restaurant became an immersive showroom, with dedicated archive walls showcasing centuries-old stories of the distilleries’ heritage and history.
Bringing together the worlds of cognac, Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey, were master blender Eric Durand, master blender emeritus Sandy Hyslop and master distiller Kevin O’Gorman, who shared their expertise to the rare gathering that celebrated generations of craftsmanship and the stories behind some of Pernod Ricard’s most exceptional expressions. Thereafter, Durand presented the Limited-Edition Martell 60 Year Old, a cognac of remarkable depth and elegance, followed by Hyslop’s introduction of the Royal Salute King Charles III Coronation Edition, whose richness and complexity reflected the house’s tradition of blending excellence.
Royal Salute King Charles III Coronation Edition, Limited-Edition Martell 60 Year Old, Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter Six
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The final expression was Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Chapter Six, a 50-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey presented by O’Gorman. As the final release in a six-part series, it carries the legacy of the now-silent Old Midleton Distillery, preserving its story through a spirit shaped by time, tradition and generations of expertise. For O’Gorman, the release also speaks to the importance of passing craftsmanship on to future generations.
Adding another dimension to the afternoon was a private fireside conversation between Pernod Ricard Asia Pacific CEO Ludovic Ledru and Fred Vasseur, team principal of Scuderia Ferrari, which offered members a closer look at the man leading one of motorsport’s most storied teams. The candid exchange ranged from the demands of the Marina Bay Street Circuit and the pressures of running a Formula 1 team to Ferrari’s progress this season and what to watch for on track. In an intimate setting, members gained insight into the strategy, teamwork and split-second decisions that define the sport. It was the ideal prelude to the evening, as guests headed to Casa Ferrari to watch Saturday night’s qualifying session from trackside.
Master blender Eric Durand, master blender emeritus Sandy Hyslop and master distiller Kevin O’Gorman
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Rare Encounters on Cask Ownership
On Sunday, the programme was held at Somma, the modern Italian restaurant helmed by chef-partner Mirko Febbrile, for a rare opportunity to explore three exceptional cask expressions brought to Singapore exclusively for the occasion. The experience began with a dramatic reveal, as uniformed handlers opened each bespoke crate, evoking the anticipation of an auction preview. As each expression was presented, the respective masters introduced the cask and its story while the spirit was poured for guests. These one-on-one tastings offered a closer appreciation of how time, oak and the art of cask selection shape a spirit, and each expression revealed its own character and provenance with every sip.
The first was Les Fûts Uniques de Martell – Grande Champagne 30 Years Old, a single-cask cognac from Grande Champagne, Cognac’s premier cru. Three decades of maturation had lent the spirit remarkable depth and a velvety texture, while subtle dried-fruit notes reflected the distinctive nuances of the individual cask. Next came Longmorn Distillery 30 Year Old, a rare single-cask archive release from Chivas Brothers. Its orchard-fruit character and creamy vanilla notes offered members a glimpse into the Speyside distillery’s spirit, shaped and elevated by 30 years in oak.
Above Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard members had the privilege to attend a one-on-one tasting with the master blenders
Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard members had the privilege to attend a one-on-one tasting with the master blenders
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The final pour was Midleton Very Rare Single Cask 19 Year Old, an expression of Irish whiskey’s innovative approach to wood maturation. Finished in a native Irish oak hogshead, it brought together pot still spice and honeycomb with the distinctive tannins of virgin oak, revealing another dimension of maturation and the influence of a less conventional cask on the finished whiskey.
With all three cask expressions brought to Singapore exclusively for the occasion, the tasting gave members a rare opportunity to experience the individuality of each cask first-hand and gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind every expression. These casks are reserved exclusively for Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard members and are not available to the general market. That said, owning one provides a unique insight into the choices that shape a spirit long before it reaches the glass.
The celebrations extended beyond the table. Across Saturday and Sunday, members gained access to Casa Ferrari and the Paddock Club, where they watched drivers take on the demanding Marina Bay Street Circuit from privileged vantage points. The race brought the weekend to a thrilling close, uniting rare spirits, craftsmanship and motorsport in a fitting finale to the Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard Singapore Grand Prix experience.
At its heart, after all, is a society that brings people together through a shared appreciation of excellence and craftsmanship, fostering meaningful connections and convivial moments across sports, arts and gastronomy.
Credits
Images: Pernod Ricard
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
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