Straight from the Cask

I’m pretty excited about a new find at Ion Orchard, Singapore.

Vom Fass, or “from the cask” in German, is a unique merchant that allows you to buy exquisite oils, spirits, vinegars and liquors straight from the cask. Aptly put, it’s like an “Aladdin’s Cove” for gourmets, evoking a sense of intimacy harking back to the days when customers bought directly from producers.

The shop is situated beside ThreeSixty Marketplace, my fave place at Ion. The floor area of Vom Fass is pretty small, and you feel like you’re entering a little treasure trove of glass balloons and clay barrels. Customers are welcome to sample any product that catches their interest.

The buying process works this way:

- Sample and decide how much you want to buy.

- Pick a bottle and cork. The 50-ml bottle was the smallest, but cost over $6 due to a fancier design, whereas the no-frills 100-ml bottle – which I picked – cost $1.50.

- The attendant will pour the required amount of liquid straight from the cask into your selected bottle, and mark the product by scribbling its name and quantity on the bottle.

I checked out Vom Fass after dance class yesterday. Mildly embarassed at permeating the shop with scent of my sweaty gym gear, I quickly sniffed at epicurean oils like avocado and grapeseed oils, but declined tasting.

Happily, I emerged with a freshly-filled bottle of truffle oil. I picked a no-frills 100-ml bottle as it would be stored out of sight in the fridge anyway.

I know there is a debate on the authenticity of many truffle oils, but I was definitely a pleased lady last evening. The oil is fabulously aromatic, and I know how I’m going to use it first!