Whisky culture shifts toward casual social drinking at Gateway Mall

Insider Spotlight

• Emperador and The Araneta Group partner to introduce a dedicated whisky destination
• The concept aims to make whisky more accessible through highballs and premium pours
• The move reflects growing demand for social, experience-driven drinking occasions
  
  

Whisky is increasingly being positioned as an everyday social drink rather than a spirit reserved for enthusiasts or special occasions, reflecting a broader shift toward more casual, experience-led consumption in the local food and beverage industry.

That trend underpins The Whisky Bar at World Kitchens inside Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City, a concept born from the partnership between Emperador Inc. and The Araneta Group. 

The collaboration aims to create a dedicated space where consumers can discover whisky in a more approachable setting while complementing World Kitchens' dining experience.

Why it matters

Consumers are seeking venues that combine premium beverage options with relaxed, social settings, prompting operators to rethink how traditionally niche spirits are presented. The partnership also reflects how food and beverage companies are working with property developers to create destination-led lifestyle experiences.

"The Whisky Bar offers a vibrant space for after-work drinks, dinners, celebrations, and meaningful gatherings. This new concept reflects our continuing commitment to creating experiences that allow more people to discover and enjoy whisky in new and exciting ways." Emperador president and CEO Kevin Tan said in a Facebook post.

The details

At the center of the offering is a menu of whisky highballs, a Japanese-style serve combining whisky with a mixer to create a lighter drink. 

The bar uses Charles & James Whisky paired with citrus-forward and lightly sweet mixers designed to suit Filipino tastes. Guests can also order whisky neat, on the rocks, or through classic whisky cocktails.

Beyond highballs, the venue serves premium whisky brands including Tamnavulin, Jura and The Dalmore, alongside cocktails such as the Mojito, Negroni and Sangria. 

Its location inside World Kitchens also allows customers to pair drinks with a variety of cuisines available from the dining destination's food concepts.

By the numbers

World Kitchens houses 15 global show kitchens operated by international chefs and incorporates AI technology for ordering as part of its dining experience.

The backdrop

World Kitchens was created by Singapore food and beverage entrepreneur Andrew Tan Hock Lai as a dining destination offering international cuisines under one roof. The addition of The Whisky Bar expands its beverage offerings while reinforcing the venue's positioning as a lifestyle dining destination.

What's next

The Whisky Bar operates daily, with split service from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and continuous operations from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday through Sunday. —Vanessa Hidalgo|  Ed: Corrie S. Narisma