No frills, no legends, no fluff, just Tomatin

Behind every great whisky brand, there is bound to have an awesome legacy of that product. As the title suggests, the Tomatin is a whisky made from the heart of the community of this distillery.

The Tomatin distillery sits high on the Scottish Highlands at 315m above sea level. Being one of the oldest distilleries since 1897, this proud distillery is acclaimed with several awards. Tomatin means "Hill of the Juniper bush" in Gaelic, yes, the same product that produces the berries for gin distillation.


As this distillery is located far from the coast and in a remote area, the Tomatin distillery is very much community driven where 80% of its workers live on site and with families working there spanning a few generations.

I had the opportunity to taste four of its core expressions. The Legacy (ex bourbon and virgin oak, 43%), the 12 year old (bourbon & sherry, 43%), the 14 year old (tawny port, 46%) and the 18 year old (oloroso sherry, 46%).

I found all four expressions interesting but the 18 was exceptional,  mostly because I'm quite a fan of whisky aged in rich oloroso sherry casks.

In our shores, the Tomatin range and brand is distributed by Drinks Connexion, importers of many other fine spirits and liqueurs.

- Jon

Lower East Side Whisky Officially Launches in Malaysia

Lower East Side Whisky was first introduced to Malaysia during the not so recent Whisky Plus held earlier in July... but the brand was just officially launched at the breathtakingly scenic view of Cielo Kuala Lumpur down at Changkat Bukit Bintang earlier this month. Cielo, if you are not familiar with the establishment, is part of the Werner Group’s latest foray brand under their portfolio of impressive outlets in Changkat Bukit Bintang stretch that includes The Rum Bar, The Whisky Bar, Opium, El Cerdo...

Liquid in glass contained only water for colour comparison...

We found out that Lower East Side Whisky apart from its name, the whisky has nothing to do with the New York reference. Tony Roberts, from the brand new Borders Distillery that owns this whisky, explains that the distillery is located at the ‘lower east side’ of the Scottish border to England about an hours drive to the border. The map on the whisky bottle is the Scotland map but the map grid pattern on the map is the map of New York. Scottish humour, he says (we didn't get it, haha).

Lower East Side Whisky is not a product distilled from its own distillery. Well, not yet, anyway. Barely 1 year in (officially opened early this year), it can't make the whisky yet and still call it scotch (needs to be at least 3 years old). What they have done is source the 6 single malts ( 2 highlands + 4 speysides) from friendly whisky distilleries and marry them instead.

It has light fruits and orange on the nose and twang of orange peel marmalade on the palate. Its a young blend without much of a finish bottled at 40% ABV. Expect to be retailed at around where the other cheeky blended malt whisky brand is priced as well.

The Borders Distillery (because it is near the border la) is already in production with a blended NAS and Gin.

Good Luck Mr Roberts and we will wait patiently to ‘Slainte Math’ with your other products soon!

-Jon

A Celebration of Heritage and Gastronomy with John Walker & Sons XR 21

John Walker & Sons XR 21 returns to celebrate its craft and Malaysia's legacy with the annual Mastery session.

This year, the Mastery Gala continues its celebration of Penang at the Colonial Penang Museum in Pulau Tikus.

The museum, rated as one of the top 10 museums in Malaysia by TripAdvisor, is an awe inspiring mansion that houses some of the oldest artworks in the country, some over 100 years old.

Perched on an Angsana tree in the front garden of the mansion was a  treehouse that fit only 10 people per visit. There, Johnnie Walker and Diageo Malaysia’s Jeremy Lee surprised us with the soon-to-be worldwide release of Johnnie Walker 28 year old “Midnight Blend”. We were the first few in Malaysia to sample this.

The 28 year old Midnight Blend contains, among others, two grain expressions from Cambus Distillery, whiskies from the Speyside region including Strathmill, Cylenish, Glenkinchie and Caol Ila. The end product has the sweetness of vanilla, butterscotch, citrus, fresh fruity notes a warm, smoky finish.



The Midnight Blend is a limited production of Johnnie Walker’s Private Collection series (only 3,888 bottles) bottled at 42.8% ABV.

The final part of the event was a scrumptious dinner that featured local delights with a twist to pair with the XR21.

For more www.johnniewalker.com and www.facebook.com/JohnnieWalkerMalaysia

My take on last year's XR 21's Mastery session at Khoo Kongsi here.

We had a great time as usual. Thank you, Diageo Malaysia!

- Jon

#XR21Mastery #XR21
(Images: Diageo Malaysia)

The Macallan Edition No. 4 - Launched in Malaysia

Ever since the scarcity of aged statement whiskies from an Asian upsurge of consumption some years ago, The Edrington Group to which owns the Macallan whisky brand among others went on the offensive to meet the explosion in demand. Which brings us their The Edition series - a yearly limited edition no-age statement series where Macallan plays around with a wide range of wood for the series.

The No. 4 of the Edition Series is their, you guessed it, fourth edition of the series.

The No.4 is aged in a combination of seven different cask types. These include (deep breath guys); European/American Oak refill butts, European/American Oak refill hogsheads, American Oak first fill Vasyma hogsheads, European Oak first fill Diego Martin Rosado butts, European Oak first fill Jose Y Miguel Martin butts, European Oak first fill Tevasa butts/puncheons and European Oak first fill Tevasa hogsheads.

Different from the previous three edition which were more focused on the taste and aroma, master distiller Nick Savage developed Edition No. 4 to reveal the 'structure of the whisky', inspired by the construction of their swanky, newly constructed, £140 million distillery, design by the team behind London's Millennium Dome, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

Image: Macallan

6 years in the making. 36 copper pot stills. This colossal distillery is quite a sight to behold... at least that's the feeling I'm getting from its video - https://www.themacallan.com/en/the-journal/new-distillery/

The tasting notes for the No. 4 is quite a departure from the usual Macallan signature (sherry, sherry baby). This one had bright orange zest with grapefruit, berries, hazelnuts and some spice. The finish is short but what I liked was what felt like a burst of sunshine.

There were plenty of people at the launch which described this as smooth - which is not exactly a flavour per se but hey, who am I to tell someone how to enjoy their whisky?

At the point of writing, it's RM600 a bottle.

More: https://www.themacallan.com/en/whisky/single-malts/limited-releases/the-edition-series/

- Jon

Rampur Select debuts in Malaysia

The Irish claimed to be the first, the Scots made it famous, the Americans made it different, the Japanese refined it into an art, Taiwan's mad about it.... and now, India is jumping into the foray.

After John Paul and Amrut established names of single malt whisky brands from India, Rampur makes an inroad to our shores as the 3rd and latest brand of single malt whisky from India. This brand has been floating on retail for the last few months now but only last 29th Aug, in a cozy little media launch, I managed to sample a little of this latest pride from India.

Rampur Select is produced by Radico Khaitan. The distillery that sits on the foothills of the Himalayas in a little town called... can you guess it.... Rampur. Radico Khaitan is no stranger to the liquour industry in India. Having been around since 1943, it's known to be the largest spirit producer in India.

On the nose is a crisp whiff light fruity notes. On the palate, you can taste the youth of the liquid, not much body, more fruity notes and ending with some spiciness. Overall, an uncomplicated whisky to enjoy.

It's hailed by Whisky Advocate magazine as no. 5 of its top 20 whiskies of 2017 with 93 points. Bottled non-chilled filtered and at a 43% ABV, it retails here at RM345. You can buy this online at StayThirsty.

For more: http://rampursinglemalt.com/

- Jon

(image: StayThirsty)

Taste Almost 50 types of Whisky And Spirits at Whisky PLUS!

Whiskyphiles, block 28 July 2018 on your calendars for the upcoming WhiskyPLUS 2018.

What is it:
A whisky and spirits tasting event, organised by the TEG Media Group. Whispers tell me that this could be Malaysia's answer to Whisky Live Singapore!

What can you expect:
About 50 brands of whiskies and spirits to try including: the Arran, Balblair, Bruichladdich, Benromach, Bunnahabhain, Bushmills, Chivas, Deanston, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Hazelburn, Kilchoman, Ledaig, Longrow, Maison Du Whisky, Mars, Monkey Shoulder, Nikka, Octomore, Paul John, Port Charlotte, the Glenlivet, SMWS, Ancnoc... and these are just the whisky brands. Check out the full list here: http://www.whiskyplus.my./#brands

Format:
There are 2 sessions to choose from (12pm - 4pm & 5pm - 10pm) and number of tickets for each session is limited for crowd control so hurry!

Pricing:
Ther are 2 ticket types are available -  Gold (Standard) or Black (VIP).

1) Gold passes vary from RM135 - RM188, depending if you're bulk buying (cheaper) and if it's the 1st vs 2nd (the longer and therefore pricier) session.

The Gold ticket gets you:
- access to the main tasting floor, with unlimited sampling of whiskies and other spirits
- light bites provided by the hotel
- a Glencairn-style whisky tasting glass to bring home
- complimentary F&B vouchers for Hilton KL restaurants
- a free cocktail by guest bartenders

2) Black passes go for RM268 and RM298 (in additional to the gold ticket access, you get other exclusives like the cigar lounge access, VIP premier tasting room, and an upgraded goodie bag) (sold out!)

BONUS! If you are a Dram Full - Malaysia member (why aren't you already?? tsk tsk), you get discounts ranging from RM10 to RM40, depending on the session and the type of pass chosen. CLICK HERE.

More: 
- Purchase-by-the-dram whiskies at the Collector’s Corner to sample private collectors’ rare and expensive bottles.
- Discounted promo codes for MULA e-hailing rides home

- Selected bottles for sale at discounted prices.

For more details on #WhiskyPlusKL2018 and ticket purchase, visit www.whiskyplus.my.

Don't say I bojio!

P/s: I am running a Facebook giveaway contest for a pair of tickets worth RM270!

How to participate?

1. Share this post on your Facebook.
2. Include this in your post "l want to go for #WhiskyPlusKL2018 with (tag your friend) because...."
3. Comment below so I know you're participating. Make sure your FB profile is public otherwise I can't keep track. If I can't see your profile, you're automatically disqualified okay! :)
4. Get the highest number of likes on your post.
5. Win 2 tickets!

Contest ends this friday, 5pm. good luck!

Go go go: https://www.facebook.com/ang3ltini

The Chivas Regal Mizunara Comes to Malaysia

The Chivas Regal Mizunara is said to be the "the world’s first Scotch whisky" that is finished in  Japanese Mizunara oak casks. First unveiled exclusively in Japan in 2013, it was afterwards made available in France and Thailand - now it's come to Malaysia.

What goes in there? Selected Chivas Regal whiskies that get finished in  Mizunara oak casks.

If you're a Japanese whisky fan, the mere mention of Mizunara may get your mouth watering.

Mizunara is an oak tree which are indigenous to Japan. It is known to be extremely scarce (evidently, the tree needs to be at least 200 years old before it can be made into a cask) and has a distinctive porous nature.

While the latter makes the wood more difficult to work with, it also allows for imparting "more flavours" of the wood into the whisky at a shorter time - lending a whisky that's aged in it a distinct flavour profile of subtle vanilla, fruity and flower scents with a spicy finish - which you'll also find in the Chivas Regal Mizunara.

Official tasting notes of the Chivas Regal Mizunara:
Nose:    Rich and fruity, with pear and orange notes
Palate:  Smooth and rich with a honey sweetness and a trace of hazelnut
Finish:   Long, with a touch of Mizunara spice
Colour:  Warm amber

Image: PRM

You can experience the Chivas Regal Mizunara which will be available in limited quantities in selected F&B outlets, bars and supermarkets across Malaysia from March 2018. Prices start from the high side of RM3XX onward, from what we've observed.

Pernod Ricard Malaysia Brand Manager Benedict Yong and Sebastien Mouquet, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Malaysia among the rest of the PRM crew, launching the new bottling at Pernod Ricard Malaysia's HQ bar - Bar des Embiez (Image: PRM)

FA and I enjoyed this so if you manage to get your hands on one, don't forget to jio!

- Jon

The Hidden Tropicana Bandar Utama trifecta: Maze, Lavo and Chaze

There is really not much to shout about for fun in Bandar Utama with the exception of the 2 malls, One Utama and Centrepoint. So where would you go if you’re knackering for an adult beverage? If you’d ask me that last year same time, I’d tell you to head to Taman Tun.

But much to my delight, there are now 3 legit watering holes at Menara Lien Ho, Tropicana Bandar Utama under the M Group of companies. They are:

Maze

In the afternoons, Maze is a chic afternoon hi- tea / Coffee saloon that resembles the decadent 70s and when the sun goes down and the lights go up it transforms into a gin parlour. Maze boasts 200 Gin focused labels and gin cocktails. The ambience befits the arrival of certain super spy in a dapper suit that would casually sit down on one if the plush couches and say, ‘Martini, shaken, not stirred”.

Maze got in Adam Westbrook, Esq, previously the head bartender of the Skullduggery group, to revamped beverage menu. So there's a new set of gin-based cocktails ranging from the fruity and easy-drinking to the spirit forward, featuring local ingredients and localised flavours.

There will over 200 available labels to try, and 70 labels to order by shot like whisky. If you order a bottle of gin, a push cart of cocktail condiments and garnishes comes with it for you to customise your own G&T.

Maze also has a not-so-secret door that leads you into...

Chaze

With Maze being chic, Chaze is the the masculine counterpart with its dim lighting, leather lounge and a back bar filled with whiskies. Bar bites, beers and signature cocktails are also served here but opening bottles is very common here too.

Different themes and DJs are the feature daily within a week. What's extra - a ping pong table placed smack right in the middle of the dance floor in the early hours of the night.

Lavo

Strategically located on the ground floor of Menara Lien Ho, Lavo is a resto bar that serves a delightful menu of western, local delights and bar bites while boasting an extensive wine list of more than 1000 labels. They also have brands from the Heineken Malaysia on tap, cocktails and spirits to boot.

While Maze seems posh, Lavo is the chilled sibling and is kid-friendly. Smoking is only allowed outdoors and a kids eat for free weekend promo is available.

Lavo also caters to events and special requests.

Stay tuned on this spot. As you read this, another outlet is in the pipeline to open soon. .....oriental style tapas anyone?

- Jon

Welcome to Malaysia, Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

We recently saw the official launch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) in Malaysia for Christmas. Heads up - this is actually an open secret society.. but it's nothing sinister like a triad or a cult, of course. :)

However, one might just mistake it for a cult when members get together, imbibing on spiritual liquids and then with their eyes closed, enter into trance-like state while spewing random words like - heady phenols. robust palate. second fill. virgin cask. pencil shavings.  complex yet mellow. oily coating. short finish. etc etc etc. Well, do not be intimidated by that. Those are just hardcore whisky geeks at work.

A post shared by Fireangel (@fireangel80) on Dec 13, 2017 at 4:28am PST

But I digress. The point of this post is to share with you the 5 things you need to know about SMWS, because here in angeltini.com, we're all about the sharing!

1. What's with the brand name? 
Founded in 1983, the SMWS is exactly what it is, a subscriber-based club, created by whisky lovers, for whisky lovers.

2. So they make their own whisky?
No, they are independent bottlers. This means that they buy the whole cask from various distilleries across the globe, further kept to mature then and bottle it themselves at cask strength, before selling them directly to its members.

The bottling is approved only through consultation of independent panel of whisky geeks, so there is a fair amount of QC involved.

3. What's with the numbers on the labels? How would I know what I'm drinking?
The numbers on the label are their (open) secret codes. The first numbers before the decimal is the code of a certain distillery. For example 1, is Glenfarclas. The numbers after the decimal is the number of cask acquired from distillery. Thus 2.8 is the eighth cask bought from Glenlivet, which is also my birthdate, ahem!

But don't sweat it. Here are the cheat codes to decipher them. You're welcome!

4. What’s with the weird names on the bottle?
The names are based on the key characteristics of the whisky. The Tasting Panel that decides on which cask is good enough to be the chosen bottled one also provides a whimsical set of tasting notes which provide an indication of what flavours and textures the drinker can expect. So expect names such as 'Kissed up by sweet promises' or 'Intense menu of seduction' or even "Wasabi on a california roll".

The reason they don’t put the name on the bottles is that the SMWS would prefer you to focus only on the flavour of the whisky rather than the age or region it is from.

5. Can I buy a bottle?
Ah, good question. As the whisky bottle suggests, these are produced by a society and only membership has its privileges. In Malaysia, the spirit geeks at Wholly Spirits Sdn Bhd are the official distributor of these bottlings. You may visit this site to obtain more information on SMWS Malaysia and its membership.

But just a little hint… I’ve seen these being sold in airport duty free (*cough* Singapore DFS *cough)..

So next time you get your hands on own of these babies, feel free to give me a jio!

Sláinte mhaith!

- Jon

Whisky Live Singapore 2017 - Bigger and Better.

I'm going to list down 3 top reasons why you and your family should drive to Singapore this school holiday weekend of 25th Nov 2016.

1. The missus will want to do Christmas Shopping
2. Universal Studios for the kids… and maybe you too!
3. Whisky Live Singapore 2017!!!!

If you don't already know, Whisky Live Singapore 2017 is South East Asia’s largest and premier whisk(e)y and spirits show. Now into its 8th installment this year, this year's exhibition boasts itself to be a bigger, better and more immersive and expansive experience than before.

I missed last year's but was there in 2015.

What’s new in 2017?
A new venue which is more accessible! This year, it will be held at the grounds of Theatreworks right smack in the heart of town.

Look forward to:
The event will, for the first time in South East Asia, unveil Nikka Coffey Gin, Nikka Coffey Vodka, an Old Pulteney 25-year-old and the 1983 vintage Old Pulteney!

Business as usual:
A cocktail and food trail will be dedicated for a celebration of cocktails and food to add to the festivity. Expect cocktail booths by spirit types – gin, tequila, rum and many more, and food by different cuisines.

This year will feature more than 50 brands and 150 expressions of whiskies and spirits.

Details: 
Date: 25th and 26th November 2017 (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 1.30pm – 8.30pm
Venue: 7213 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore 239007

Buy tickets:
Tickets are available for purchase via:
1. Peatix
2. Whisky Live 
3. Maison du Whisky at 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd., Singapore 239013

Last checked on its website, single day tickets are still available at SGD99 per day and going fast. VIP tickets is still available (as of 10th Nov 3pm). These were what whisky geeks were clammering to get their hands on; for the opportunity to taste some of the world’s rarest and private collection of whiskies in the private vault section.

A post shared by Fireangel (@fireangel80) on Nov 29, 2015 at 9:17pm PST

Last words:
Still not convinced to go? Simple math: RM300 for 150 expressions, you're looking at RM2 per dram per expression, what a steal!

Don’t say I #bojio!

For more:
http://www.whiskylive.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/WhiskyLiveSingapore/

Funky Fireball Friday @ Souled Out

If you're an American, this drink of the devil needs no introduction. If you're not,  a quick read about Fireball whisky on its website describes itself like this:

“...just imagine what it feels like to stand face-to-face with a fire-breathing dragon who just ate a whisky barrel full of spicy cinnamon. Live it, love it, shoot it – what happens next is up to you”

“Taste like heaven, burns like hell…”

Yup, it's pretty much a party drink.

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is a mixture of whisky, cinnamon flavoring and sweeteners.. The product originates from the cold depths of Canada in the mid-1980s, and for a long time was little known outside of Canada until recently. It is bottled at 33% abv and so sweet that American college frat boys chug this straight from the bottle. And now, it is available in this part of the world.


If you're wondering how to get yourself a taste of this, wonder no more as Souled Out Desa Hartamas recently launched its Funky Fireball Friday. What this means is that every Fridays, there will be Fireball whisky cocktails.  Of course, what's a Funky Fireball Friday without Fireball bottle and shots promotions? Go get it.

Get your happy on with the Fireball Mojito, Fireball Citrus and Fireball Espressotini.

The Funky Fireball Friday at Souled Out will run until 10th Nov 2017. So, the next time you have a party where shots and 5 second pours are in your agenda, try it with the Fireball. It's easy to chug because it's sweet and would probably hurt you less than tequila, gin or regular whisky. Win!

- Jon

#funkyfireballfriday

The Whisky Society 2017 (Win Tickets!)

Back for its 3rd year, The Whisky Society event is an intimate tasting session for anyone remotely interested in whiskies.

It first started off in 2015 as a private whisky tasting session for 150 people, serving just 10 scotch labels. In 2016, over 400 guests sampled more than 30 types of whiskies from all over. This year will feature not only whiskies, but also other spirits like rum, gin and sake.

The Whisky Society 2017 will be held on 28 October 2017 (Saturday) from 2-10pm at the SOCIALMEX Hall (13A, Jalan Pelukis u1/46B, Temasya 18, Glenmarie).

Price stated below includes a complimentary tasting glass:
Standard ticket (whisky only) : RM129
Premium ticket (whisky +  other spirits) : RM159
Buy 3 premium tickets free 1 : RM450
*Selected premium drams also available at the individual booths for an additional fee.
Purchase your tickets here.
Promo code: TWSANGELTINI for rm30 off the standard or premium tickets. 

For more:
About Whisky Society: https://www.facebook.com/whiskysocietyMY 
About the 2017 event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1905453843039978/

Drink responsibly and stay safe okay! See you then!

WIN TICKETS TO THE WHISKY SOCIETY 2017!

Contest time! Win a PAIR of the premium tickets for you and your friend. Simply follow these steps for a chance to win:

On Facebook:
1. Like my Facebook page (if you haven’t already!)
2. Tag a friend on my page and comment why you'd like to go.

Contest ends at the end of the week - 22 October 2017  and other T&Cs apply (ie: I say so!). Winners will be PM-ed for personal details – so make sure your Facebook page is accessible for me to PM you!

The Singleton of Glen Ord - Forgotten Drop Series

The happy Singleton family (Image: MHDM)

A group of us were whisked off to Genting's exclusive Ltitude to check out the launch of The Singleton's Forgotten Drop Series which is an annual release drawn from the brand’s rarest whiskies.

Before the main event, we were plied with the loads of 12 year old (the legal sort, of course) straight or via the bar's own Glen Sour (Singleton 12, lemon juice, maraschino cherry, gula melaka, dark walnut bitters, orange peel oils and egg white) which was like having dessert before the mains (so naughty!). The 15 and 18 from the core range was also served.

Thanks for feeding us and making sure that we drink responsibly (Image: MHDM)

Of course, we can't drink on an empty stomach. We were fed with a full 4 course meal, curated by Steven Chou Yu Liang, the Chef De Cuisine at The Olive to pair with the whiskies.

The supporting star of the night was the 18 Year Old Cask Strength, which is also newly launched in Malaysia to celebrate the distillery’s 180th anniversary. Bottled at 58.4% ABV it is only made available selectively with the starting price of RM 624.00.

On the nose, I get coffee, some creme brulee, dark fruits, a hint of sulphur. With some water, the vanilla opens up. On the mouth, viscous, oily... It feels like it's evaporating from the moment it touches my tongue.

With our stomach lined, and appetite whetted, the star of the show was finally presented - The Singleton of Glen Ord 41 Year Old. It's limited to 600 bottles worldwide and only 24 bottles in Malaysia. Bottled at 49.9% ABV, it retails at RM 15,193.00 per bottle.

Matured in a refilled American oak (which is quite unusual for the Singleton), I get nangka fumes on the nose... some marzipan... fruit cake, perhaps?

What a treat!

Rajesh Joshi (MD of MHDM),  Ervin Trykowski, (The Singleton Global Scotch Whisky Ambassador) and
Chou Yu Liang, (Chef De Cuisine at The Olive) joined the party too.  (Image: MHDM)

Contact diageoinfo@mhdm.com.my if you're interested in getting any one of these babies and if you get it, as usual, don't forget to jio!

Thanks for the lovely time, guys! Slainte!


For more: https://www.malts.com/en-gb/our-whisky-collection/the-singleton-of-glen-ord/

#TheSingletonMY 
#TheSingleton

John Walker & Son’s XR 21 Mastery

Johnnie Walker is arguably one of the most popular blended whisky brand in the world. Any whisky drinker worth his/her salt has probably drank a Johnnie Walker product if not started with one.

Many exceptional blends have been produced by Johnnie Walker & Sons and the XR 21, produced as part of their premium Prestige line of products is one excellent product.

The XR 21 is a product inspired by Alexander Walker II to honour the commemoration of his knighthood he received in 1920. Alexander Walker II was a master blender like his father and his grandfather before him, who devoted his life to making exceptional whiskies. Inspired by Sir Alexander’s own hand-written notes, it is blended from the exclusive Johnnie Walker reserve of rare whiskies, all of which have been matured for a full 21 years.

I was lucky enough to enjoy an a gastronomical experience with XR 21 recently.

We were transported to the elegant Khoo Kongsi in Penang, one of the prestigious UNESCO heritage clan houses in Malaysia owned by the Khoo (surnamed) clan. Against the backdrop of lighting, the Khoo Kongsi was transformed into a courtyard of entertainment, where we dined from the stage of the opera house overlooking the temple.

The 4 course delectable menu meal served was selected with the highlight of local (Penang) ingredients and tastes made Chef Spider Kong, chef owner of private dining restaurant, Soul Food in Penang, and Chef Jeffrey, the Head Pastry Chef at Metisser Dessert Parlour in Penang.

Balanced and elegant, the XR 21 has intriguing layers. Sweet honey, fruits and spices with smoke coming through. At 40%ABV, with a splash of water, the fruitiness is even more pronounced.

At the later part of the night, another surprise was revealed to us. A special tasting was arranged for another exceptional whisky; the Mortlach 21 - which is one of the whiskies blended into the XR 21, lending it its honey sweetness.

The XR 21 Mastery is a platform created exclusively for Malaysia, featuring local hidden gems and culinary experts to pair with the XR 21. For more information on the XR 21 Mastery, contact diageoinfo@mhdm.com.my

What a great mini holiday this was. Slàinte mhath Diageo!

- Jon

Diageo Classic Malts Tasting Session

Diageo recently held a tasting session featuring some of its Classic Malts collection which include Clynelish 14 Year Old, Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old, Oban 14 Year Old.

The highlight of the evening was the Benrinnes 21 Year Old from Diageo’s Casks of Distinction.

What is “Diageo’s Casks of Distinction”? It is a limited program where customers can purchase the entire casks from selected distilleries, and then choose to either bottle it or continue ageing it for bottling at a later date.

Event: The Whisky Society 2016 - Win Tickets!

TLDR: 2 pairs of The Whisky Society event tickets worth RM229 each up for grabs. Find out how to win them at the end of this post.

What is this?
Back for its second year, The Whisky Society is a mini Malaysian whisky tasting festival which is especially ideal for people who want try a whole bunch of whiskies but don't really want to  commit to full bottles of too many different expressions.

Event: Toast the Macallan

What is it?
Finally coming to our shores after dropping by Singapore, Taiwan & Thailand, Toast the Macallan is a pop-up experiential event by The Macallan to showcase their range of whiskies & history through an exhibition & tasting session; hosted by The Macallan Brand Trainer, Keith Nair and Brand Advocate, Randall Tan.

The Macallan will also be unveiling its newest series, the Trilogy, which consists of:

The Macallan: Edition No.1 Sample & Rare Cask Malaysia Launch

Macallan has been actively moving away from age-statements and are now putting all their focus on wood.

So expect to see new NAS bottlings and even more geekery about their casks.

I'll be featuring 2 of them in this post, as they were all shared with me during my hiatus back in January - but better late than never eh?

(Re)Launch: Johnnie Walker Green Label Datang Lagi!

Johnnie Walker Green Label is back!

Heart were broken, (manly) tears were shed, shelves were emptied and basements were filled up with green boxes (YOU BLOODY HOARDERS) when Diageo decided to discontinue selling the Green Label back in 2012 (except in Taiwan, because you know, where, instead of oxygen, they inhale single malt whiskies) to introduce the Gold Label and Platinum Label.