The urge to splurge and collect exquisite liquor is a passion hard to dampen and is a hobby only few can keep. Travel & Lifestyle brings you two savant whisky worshippers in town and finds out what makes them the Bacchus of our times.

Whisky explorer

For Yogeshwor Amatya, renowned singer, producer, and actor, whisky defines indulgence. His thirst for whisky remains unquenchable even after all these years of indulging in the drink of a gentleman. He recalls serving his classic collection of whisky to many people of prominence in the country. Thus, his continuous extravagant exposure to whisky has turned him into a whisky aficionado, he believes.

Q&A with Amatya

What’s your collection like?

I have inherited some of my father’s collection. Also, my wife buys me whisky from duty free shops at airports, especially Heathrow. I also have my own buys included. To name a few, I’ve Ye Whisky of Ye Monks, Old Forester, Glenfiddich 18, 21, 25, Black Label, Blue Label, Cointreau, Armagnac, Le Pichet, Drambuie, et cetera.

Which is your favourite one?

Ye Whisky of Ye Monks and Munro’s King of Kings as they are difficult to come by.

What do you look for in a bottle you buy?

I look at the date of manufacture. The older, the better. I prefer single malt for its smooth taste and texture.

What makes for a good barrel of whisky?

The ageing and the cask it’s aged in.

Photos: Sanu Maharjan/ THT

Reward in excellence

For Ashok Sherchan, CEO of Prabhu Bank Limited, collection of different brands of whisky gives him a sense of satisfaction. He enjoys collecting them more than consuming them. He is a collector of antiques and whisky is among them. He started collecting whisky when he first saw an impressive collection at one of his friend’s house. Whisky, he says, inculcates in him excellence, perseverance and maturity.

Q&A with Sherchan

What’s your collection made of?

I’ve a variety of whisky in by bar which includes Johnny Walker Series, Seagram Series, Jack Daniel, Single Malt, Ballantine, The Macallen among others.

Your favourite one?

I rarely drink but if I am to choose I would go for Blue Label for its rich taste.

Most expensive collection…

It’s Blue Label from Myanmar and it’s worth Rs 29,000.

What makes you invest so much in them?

It’s a hobby and I enjoy it no matter the cost involved.

Photos: Qb Maharjan/ THT