Spirit Forward is a series documenting the latest releases in the world of drinks. In this edition, we check out the latest offerings from Johnnie Walker with the Blue Label Ice Chalet whisky, Octomore, and The Macallan.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet
When one thinks of après-ski—the French term used for after-ski socialising and drinking to warm up—the typical drinks that come to mind are mulled wine, hot toddy, Irish coffee, and Aperol spritz. Whisky on the rocks? Not so much. Johnnie Walker aims to change that and set a new standard for après-ski with the launch of their latest Blue Label Ice Chalet whisky.
This isn’t just any regular Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky—it’s a new blend crafted by Master Blender Emma Walker using whiskies sourced from distilleries located in the highest elevations in Scotland, inspired by the snowy mountains that skiers are on. This results in a velvety, smooth blend with aromas of creamy vanilla, spiced apples, plum, and gentle wood spice. Upon first sip—they recommend freezing the bottle before serving to get the full experience—you’ll get notes of apples, berries, spices, and soft wood with a hint of smoke. There is a lingering finish of fruity spice and a touch of smokiness, perfect to warm you up after a day at the slopes.
Alongside this new bottling is a flacon and puffer bag designed by Perfect Moment, a luxury ski-wear brand. The bag, which fits the electric blue bottle, can also be reused as a crossbody bag once you’re done with the whisky.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet is available in Malaysia at RM1,790.
Octomore Series 15
Every year, fans of the peat look forward to the release of the Octomore Series 15, and last year’s did not disappoint. Within the series are three variations: 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3. In terms of robust peatiness, the Octomore 15.3 takes the cake with 307.2 phenol parts per million (PPM), distilled using locally-grown and harvested Islay barley and bottled at a cask strength of 61.3% ABV).
If the 15.3 feels a bit too much to take on, then direct your attention towards the 15.1, which has a good balance of smoke and flavour at 108.2PPM, matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks and reused, re-charred ex-bourbon casks. It’s a single malt, distilled from 100% Scottish barley and bottled at 59.1% ABV with a flavour profile of mango, banana, and apricot jam rounded with earthy, peat smoke.
Then, we have the Octomore 15.2. Similar to the 15.1, it is distilled from the same batch of Scottish barley but uses a combination of second-fill wine and second-fill bourbon casks before being finished in first-fill cognac casks. It is bottled at 57.9% ABV and boasts 108.2PPM with vanilla custard and caramel, alongside black pepper on the palate.
The complete Octomore 15 series is available for purchase at Single & Available (Bangsar Shopping Center), Single Cask (Georgetown & Butterworth), and MH Wine & Spirits (Johor Bahru).
The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak
Another year, another addition to The Macallan’s Harmony Collection. This year—which also happens to be the brand’s 200th anniversary—they combine the spirit of the old and the new with Vibrant Oak by way of richness of flavour, creativity, and sustainability. The whisky is matured in American oak seasoned with sherry, bringing forth aromas of vanilla bean, lime, and sweet sherbet. It is luxurious on the palate with vanilla panna cotta, shortbread, toasted coconuts, crisp apple, and sweet oak. In terms of sustainability, the packaging reimagines oak chippings, byproducts of the distillery’s cask-making process.
As part of the launch, you can experience the whisky for yourself in an immersive cocktail experience at select bars across the Klang Valley: Jao Tim, Wildflowers, Penrose, PS150, The Cabinet 8, and Astor Bar in The St Regis KL.
Additionally, you can purchase your own bottle at The Chamber, Cellar 18, and Hank’s B.I.G.
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