Glenallachie Tasting at D by Dirty

We had an educational tasting session with Andrew Mustard of The GlenAllachie recently who shared with us that the whisky was originally produced for blending (and has also been used in brands like Ballantines and Chivas). 

Director's Cut at TTDI

Whisky folks in the Klang Valley rejoice, for we are now blessed with the opening of a brand new whisky bar in Taman Tun.

Director's Cut is related to the Whisky Bar at Changkat Bukit Bintang - so you can expect for this bar to still have loads and loads of whiskies (bottles and by flights) for whisky lovers to explore.

Bar Terumi, Taman Paramount

Bar Terumi is a casual cocktail bar located at Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya.

Hosted by award-winning bartender Shirmy Chan (Omakase + Appreciate, 61 Monarchy) and accompanied by Caden Chua (Coley), expect nothing less than thoughtful and creative signatures with Japanesque concepts as well as classics.

"World’s Loudest Silent Whisky Tasting" with Joe Petch

Monkey Shoulder Global Brand Ambassador Joe Petch dropped by Three X Co for a visit to talk about the Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Championship and treated us with a few cocktails paired paired with a set of headphones last Wednesday. 

Lots of "monkey business" ensued! 🙈🙉🙊

Singleton 39 year old launch at The Chamber, Starhill Bukit Bintang

We had the honour of not just to be one of the first people to check out The Chamber which was newly opened in Starhill, but also to sample a new Rare and Exceptional expression by Diageo - The Singleton of Glen Ord 39 Year Old, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 

Bottled at 46.2% abv, this 39-year old is a limited expression curated by the distillery's master distiller, Maureen Robinson, using a 12yr old Gen Ord which then spent another 27 years matured in a combination of European oak casks that had previously held port, red wine, Pedro Ximenez, oloroso sherry, and then finished off in Bordeaux red wine casks. 

Launch of The Chamber at The Starhill, Kuala Lumpur

Last Thursday saw the official launch of The Chamber at The Starhill, Kuala Lumpur.

The Chamber launch party was hosted by the CEO, Justin Lim, with partners Joseph Yeoh and Michael Chai. The 37-year-old Justin aims to offer a large curation labels and brands from the best vineyards, distilleries and breweries from his global travels.

Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter

Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter is a 2021 limited-edition release based on Dr. Bill Lumsden’s experience being snowbound in a cabin back in 2019, evoking the feeling of sitting in front of a fireplace in winter.

The Glenlivet Illicit Still 12 Year Old

As The Glenlivet Guardians, we were so lucky to be able to get a taste of the first annual limited edition of this scotch which was inspired by its founder’s original and illegally distilled whisky (before George Smith licensed his distillery in 1824).

Glenfiddich's The Cosmic Voyage for CNY 2022

Glenfiddich recently unveiled an immersive experience and limited-edition gift pack to usher in the 2022 Lunar New Year. This would be the third and concluding chapter of the series which is based on the works of celebrated artist Rlon Wang that features Chinese mythical creatures and mythology. 

X by Glenmorangie

Moët Hennessy Malaysia recently introduced a new variant to the Glenmorangie core range -  say hello to the X by Glenmorangie.

The Singleton 38 Years old

By the time we hit publish, this limited quantity expression may have already been sold out in Malaysia. That's because Diageo only made 1,689 bottles of this 38 year old available worldwide with only 10% of this quantity (168, just in case...) made available in Malaysia.

Glenfiddich Celebrates the Chinese New Year with a Limited Edition Festive Box Set

Glenfiddich's Lunar celebration packaging is sure to bring you some festive cheer. 

Designed by the up-and-coming Chinese illustrator Rlon Wang, it tells a story of ‘The Great Homecoming’, inspired by the feeling of "balik kampung", ie - returning home to family for the festivities. The story follows on from 2020’s edition, where artist Wang first reimagined the royal stag icon and the journey of Charles Gordon (son-in-law of Glenfiddich founder William Grant) where he embarked for Asia with a few cases of whisky and a dream to bring the Speyside Scotch whisky to the world. The 2021 special edition bottle honours his return home to Scotland a year later.

The gift pack comes with a full bottle of whisky and 2 branded rock glasses as is available for the 12, 15, 18 and 21 expressions.

For more details on availability, follow @GlenfiddichSEA.

- Jon 

Johnny Walker 15 Years Sherry Finish Launched in Malaysia

Think Johnnie Walker and you'll probably be familiar with their colour coded brand range - Red, Black Green, Gold, Platinum, Blue....Yes the Walker family is popularly loved for their blended whiskies, and the newly launched Johnnie Walker Aged 15 Years Sherry Finish is no exception. 

Cardhu, Glen Elgin and Clynelish are some of the single malts that went into the making of the 15YO.

Balblair's Core Range Release in Malaysia

We were recently invited for a tasting and dinner to introduce the Bablair's core range aged expressions of the 12yr old, 15yr old and 18yr old.

But is Balblair's new? The answer is.... not really.

Previously, Balblair was originally introduced as a whisky bottled by "vintage" like, wine. The Balblair 95 for example; was bottled in 2015.

What made them change? Well my guess would be, like every other brand going NAS, stamping Balblair as an aged expression is a way of changing their game plan for meeting demand. So, if you can get your hands on their vintage variant though, do it.

Image: The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt

If you're curious, you can read about their change here:
https://scotchwhisky.com/magazine/latest-news/25093/balblair-removes-vintages-amidst-revamp/
http://www.thewhiskybusiness.com/2019/03/balblair-distillery-launches-new-age.html

Of the 3 new expressions released, which one do I like? To be honest, all 3 make for a decent everyday easy-drinking dram. The 12 yr old was a nice dram to start the evening with the 15 yr old makes a decent after dinner dram, and the 18 yr old was a good way to end the night.

For more:
https://www.balblair.com/
https://www.facebook.com/asiaeurogroup/ (main distributor in Malaysia)

Thanks for the jio, AsiaEuro.

- Jon

WhiskyPlus 2019 Does Penang

Here's one for the whisky lovers in Penang - WhiskyPlus, arguably Malaysia's largest whisky event, will be coming over to you!

WHERE:
Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort

WHEN: 
Saturday, November 30, 2019 (Session One 12-5pm; Session Two 6-10:30pm)

PRICING: 
Entry passes for attendees range from RM178 (regular entry) to RM298 (VIP entry).

Just some of the whiskies featured at the recent WhiskyPlus 2019 KL event

WHAT DO YOU GET: 
Unlimited samplings of whiskies and spirits to try, from the familiar big names to independent bottling and even new expressions, a Glencairn-style whisky tasting glass, and a food box to line yout tummy! VIP entry pass will receive additional privileges and goodies, including access to the older and higher-end expressions of whiskies poured by each exhibitor.

DISCOUNTS:
1) Be a Dram Full - Malaysia member on Facebook (free!) and you get RM40 off the ticket price.
2) If you're a The Glenlivet Guardians member, you'll also get RM40 off the ticket price.
Both requires a special code to redeem your discount. :)

Some more of the good stuff featured at the recent WhiskyPlus 2019 KL event

FOR MORE: 
Email info@whiskyplus.my or head on to www.whiskyplus.my

WIN!
We've got 2 pairs of tickets worth RM356 each to give away. All you have to do is participate in our little contest on Facebook and Instagram!

Don't say we #bojio!

AD Ratttray Whisky X Mooncake Pairing

Thanks to Thirstmag, we had some whisky and mooncake fun at Pullman KLCC's Blu Bar & Cigar in conjunction with the upcoming mid-autumn festival.

AD Rattray is an independent company that bottles whisky ans has been around since 1868. AD Rattray buys spirits and whiskies in casks, then age and blend them into their own label's expressions.

Ben Ng of Drinks Alliance (Also Dram & Leaf, also Mish Mash) took us through the tasting.

His advise for a good pairing is to pick mooncakes which are not too sweet, has subtle flavours, and the texture shouldn't be too wet or sticky.

We sampled:

• Stronachie x lotus paste mooncake - the whisky is like a blank canvas that intensified the sweetness of the mooncake
• Cask Orkney 18YO (Limited Edition) x roselle and berry mooncake - surprisingly, this combination of the tart and sweet mooncake with the salty slight peatiness of the whisky
• Cask Islay x green tea mooncake - FA's favourite, the combination has a creamy toasty ice cream flavour that works so well.

Thank you Chef Jeffrey of Red Chinese Cuisine in Pullman KLCC for showing us some love in your handmade mooncakes.

- Jon

Launch of Cigar Bar KL @ Naza Tower

If you’ve been stalking us on instagram or Facebook,, you’d know that we're starting our cigar appreciation journey. Well, should't really come as a surprise as whisky and cigars go together like cheese and crackers... or rum and raisin... or steak and wine.. .. you get the drift!

We were recently honoured to witness the launch of The Cigar Bar KL which is located on the ground floor of Naza Tower Platinum Park.

Image: Cigar Bar KL

Image: Cigar Bar KL

The bar’s co-founder and director Jay Walia is an avid cigar enthusiast.

The bar stocks many Cuban and non-Cuban options including new world special editions as well which are available by the stick.

What makes Cigar Bar KL different from other cigar lounges? It’s not just a lounge, it's also a bar and what Jay wants you to experience is not just cigars but a curated experience marrying cigars with the flavors of whisky or rum, chocolates and salt to bring you a whole different flavour experience through his curated pairing menus ranging from RM55 to RM130.

Cigar Bar also offers a variety of whiskies, rum, brandy, wine and beer too.

For more: https://www.facebook.com/cigarbarkl/ and http://cigarbar.my/

- Jon

WhiskyPLUS KL 2019 - Game Plan

Malaysia’s Premier whisky and (some spirits) tasting event returns for its second year.

Some of whiskyplus kl 2018's offerings.

It is going to be bigger and better with even more brands than last year. Expect 50 participating brands including independent bottlings and new expressions to the market.

Some important details:

Where: Pavillion Hotel (next to Pavillion Mall)
When: 15th June - Session 1: 12-4pm, Session 2: 5-10pm.
Discounts available to: The Glenlivet Guardians Malaysia, Dram Full Malaysia members, bulk purchases
Expect: A set meal, a tasting glass, access to the main tasting floor, opportunities to join masterclasses, pop-up bars, a VIP Lounge to access a selection of premium whiskies (for VIP pass holders),  the return of the popular Collector’s Corner (featuring a special selection of exceptional purchase-by-the-dram old and rare whiskies), complimentary F&B vouchers for restaurants at Pavilion Hotel and its sister Banyan Tree property, a Cigar Corner in the main tasting room (and you can smoke your cigar at the Whisky Cove lounge!)
Ticketing & more info: Check out https://www.whiskyplus.my

Some strategies on how to get through the event:

1. Your ticket purchase comes with a set meal - please make sure you eat and line your stomach if you want to last the session.
2. Strong tasting foods will affect the taste and scent of your whiskies, so maybe not have them before the event. Also note that curries and chillies will hurt your nostrils IF you puke.
3. 50 whisky brands, with a few expressions each. 4-5 hours. Pace yourself. Head for the ones you’ve never seen or heard first. 
4. Spam your body with lots of water. Water will be made available everywhere for free. Take this opportunity to "rinse" your glass in between your tasting so that your next dram won't be affected by your previous tasting.
5. I’d STRONGLY advise you to not go home driving - Grab the MRT or a cabby/e-hail ride please. 
6. Don't lose the given tasting glass otherwise how on earth will you get the exhibitors to pour you some whisky? Well, if in the event that you do, you can purchase another at a very cheap RM15 each.
7. Stay classy and don't be a nuisance please. Don't be that idiot that causes a scene and then get viralled for all the wrong reasons. We deserve nice things! Also - there will be no-nonsense security guys stationed all over so you wouldn't want to be messing with them, trust me.
8. Lastly, have a swell time. For the price you pay, you're getting fed, so much whisky, a tasting glass, discount vouchers, chance to taste some rare stuff, and hang out with classy like-minded people. What a treat!

See you there!

So don’t say I bojio! If you do recognise us, do hit me up and slainte mhath with me.

See you then!

- Jon

P/s: We have a pair of Gold Pass tickets to giveaway. How? 
1) Share this post on your Facebook timeline
2) Tag the person you'd like to bring & tell us why you want to go.
3) Leave a comment on https://www.facebook.com/Ang3ltini so we know you're participating.

A new beginning: The Port Charlotte 10

Bruichladdich relaunched its classic range of heavily peated single malt whisky Port Charlotte in Malaysia by unveiling Port Charlotte 10 on the 14th March 2019 at APW, Bangsar.

Before Bruichladdich Distillery created the world’s most heavily peated single malt (the Ocotomore), or Islay’s first dry gin (the Botanist), resurrected growing malting barley locally, or dabbled in quadruple distillation, they distilled Port Charlotte Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt. The very first in a long line of experiments, this ‘peat with elegance and finesse’ offered an alternative to the medicinal malts for which Islay is famous.

The Port Charlotte expression is not new - this is actually a relaunch of sort for the Port Charlotte range which includes the Islay Barley 2011 and the introduction of the 10 year old.

The PC10 packs quite a punch bottled at 50% abv. Weighing in at a phenol level of 40ppm (the Octomore range weigh in upwards of 133-165 ppm,fyi). While the bite of the peat is rather subtle on the nose, lots of fruits come through on the nose. It is cask strength and thus sip with caution. The strength of the whisky dulls down the peat in the mouth.

A few drops of water opens up more flavours. One of the reasons why this product imparts so many flavours comes from the variety casks it has matured in, predominantly 2 types of American whiskey casks and French wine casks.

But wait. It cannot be called a range with only 2 expressions. There are another 2 expressions introduced that night. The Port Charlotte MC: 01 2009 and MRC:01 2010.

The MC:01 and MRC:01 expression are codes. MC is in reference of a cask used called Marsala cask that makes Italian marsala wine. A similar version would be port.The MRC:01 code means this expression has been mellowing in a special curated cask previously filled with a certain French red wine. If you are a wine connoisseur , you'd recognise that wine to be one of superbly high acclaim value, the ones only crazy rich Asians will buy.....

For more:
https://www.bruichladdich.com/

Official Distributor:
http://singlemalt.com.my/single-and-available
https://www.facebook.com/singleandavailablewhisky/

- Jon

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