Artisan Casks Presents a Curated, Exclusive, and Exquisite New Era in Luxury Whisky Ownership

James Mackay

Experience the pinnacle of craftsmanship with the Artisanal Spirits Company’s private cask programme.

Over the past few weeks, whisky collectors, connoisseurs, and the curious have been part of a fine whisky experience, launched on a luxury yacht in Monaco, at an all-villa resort in Singapore, and at one of the swishest clubs in Hong Kong (where we at Robb Report Hong Kong were the only press invited to the event). How could we possibly say no?

Particularly to the familiar charms of James Mackay—no stranger to Hong Kong—who may have left our post-typhoon-Wipha-whipped shores years ago for the bucolic adventures of village life in Edinburgh, but the city’s gritty fibres remain in his arteries.

Mackay, a rare whisky and fine spirits specialist with three decades of independent consultancy and positions with industry leaders, is an easily recognised and award-winning figure. He once had a popular drinks column in Hong Kong when he was a resident. His in-depth features read like a friend explaining the glories of vine, wine, wood, and cask as he took more than a passing interest in the exquisite drinks that arrived in the city. He left some time ago but stayed in the news: In 2022, he was made a Keeper of the Quaich, a lifetime honour recognising outstanding contributions to the Scotch whisky industry, and in 2023, he became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.

 Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Expedition Whisky Presents a Bold New Chapter in Whisky Exploration

Embark on a journey of whisky exploration with Expedition Whisky’s inaugural Macallan 33-Year-Old release.  

In the world of whisky, where tradition reigns supreme, a new independent bottler has emerged to challenge the status quo: Expedition Whisky. 

Founded in 2023 by father-and-son duo Garth and Dave Dooley, this pioneering brand arrives with a fresh perspective, inviting connoisseurs and newcomers to embark on a journey of whisky exploration, storytelling, and the joy of discovery.

Expedition Whisky’s inaugural release, the Macallan Aged 33 Years, distilled in 1990 and matured in a PX Sherry Hogshead cask, is a remarkable introduction to this adventurous spirit. Bottled at 47.7 percent ABV, only 249 bottles will be available worldwide, making this expression not just a drink, but a rare piece of liquid history. 

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

A Rare Middle Eastern Private Wine Collection Featuring Pétrus and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Vintages Is Heading to Auction at Bonhams Hong Kong

Exquisite wines, rare Cognacs, and statement Scotch and Japanese whiskies are all lined up.

In a groundbreaking event for wine connoisseurs, Bonhams Hong Kong is set to unveil the first-ever Middle Eastern private wine collection at a live auction on 24 May 2025. Entitled The Oasis Collection, the headline auction showcases over 13,000 meticulously curated bottles, reflecting the refined palate and commitment to provenance of its unique collector. Accompanying this notable collection is The Vault of Legacies, another private collection that highlights the exceptional depth of an Asian collector’s acquisition.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

The Macallan’s Latest “Distil Your World” Release Is a Tribute to Hong Kong

 

 

Funny how the bottle doesn’t say 852, and yet all the characteristics and character of the vibrant city has been captured—nay, distilled and bottled.

Releases by The Macallan are always a matter of peak interest, and the latest drop in its celebrated Distil Your World series, focused on Hong Kong, exemplifies this developing pattern that’s intrigued us since we launched Robb Report Hong Kong in 2023.

The Macallan’s decision to encapsulate the essence of this vibrant city in whisky form stems from a desire to connect with its unique cultural tapestry and dynamic evolution, says Euan Kennedy, The Macallan’s lead whisky-maker, in an exclusive interview with Robb Report Hong Kong. He shares that the inspiration for Distil Your World Hong Kong is rooted in the city’s duality, where its rich traditions are juxtaposed with modern innovation.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Robb Report Hong Kong and RR1 Hong Kong Members Celebrated the Grand Unveiling of The Glenrothes 51 in Hong Kong

As the famed expression goes, membership has its privileges, and what a privilege to be gathered among whisky connoisseurs for the first look of The 51 in Asia.

Let’s set the scene. The host: Robb Report Hong Kong. Our partner: Edrington. The location: The Garden Suite at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The occasion: The grand unveiling of The Glenrothes 51, a rare and exceptional bottle so precious that only one (of five total in all of Hong Kong) was in the room, guarded by the sharpest of eagle eyes. 

Anyone with HK$363,000 to spare for The 51 would join an elite club of just 100 worldwide, and be invited to fly down to Scotland, welcomed at the distillery, and learn about how this liquid gold is created in the finest casks for an unforgettable pour, swivel, sniff, and sip.

It was an exceptional evening as Robb Report Hong Kong played host to just a handful of VIP guests and distinguished RR1 Hong Kong members as a remarkable whisky, which has been meticulously matured for more than half a century, made its first appearance in Hong Kong, following successful unveilings in San Francisco, New York, and London.

Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by the breathtaking panorama of Victoria Harbour and the newly launched Best of the Best 2025 annual magazine by Robb Report Hong Kong, setting the tone for a night steeped in sophistication. Our by-invitation-only guests assembled, each eagerly anticipating the celebration of this extraordinary release.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

The Best in Wines & Spirits 2025, From Krug and Royal Salute to The Glenlivet and Domaine Des Lambrays

BLENDED SCOTCH
ROYAL SALUTE
62 Gun Salute Collection

In the thick of a balmy summer, Royal Salute unveiled its prestigious 62 Gun Salute collection, a tribute to the grandeur of British ceremonial honour. Comprising an exceptional trio of blended Scotch whiskies crafted by esteemed master blender Sandy Hyslop, this release embodies the regal heritage of the highly awarded brand.

Alongside the original 62 Gun Salute Reserve, two new expressions—the American Oak Reserve, characterised by vibrant tropical fruit notes, and the Peated Reserve, offering a smoky finish reminiscent of London’s evening skyline—provide flavour profiles that are at once harmonious and distinct. Each variant promises a profound experience, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that has defined Royal Salute for over four decades.

More at The Best of Wine and Spirits here at Robb Report Hong Kong. 

The Glenrothes Unveils Its Oldest and Most Ambitious Scotch Whisky to Date

And it comes with a hammer to break open the packaging.

Scotch whisky distillery The Glenrothes has unveiled its latest creation, the remarkable 51, and among aficionados and connoisseurs, this refined and highly anticipated edition is the talk of the town. Aged for an impressive 51 years, this release represents the distillery’s oldest and most ambitious offering to date. Founded in 1879 with a goal of crafting the most elegant whisky in the world, The Glenrothes has long been synonymous with quality and sophistication, and The 51 embodies this vision in its most rarified form.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

House of Suntory’s 2024 Tsukuriwake Series Presents Exquisite Japanese Whiskies in Four Chapters

Four drops for the season that we are coveting just before Christmas. 

Traditionalists, fervent aficionados, and connoisseurs know that Japanese whisky is nothing to sniff at. Wait, the premise of that may be wrong—it is something to sniff at, as the magical aromas of premium peat from distilleries from the East are things of marvel, and a level of perfection that perhaps only the Japanese can do with precision. Our esteemed bon mots wrote in Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of Wines & Spirits section, “As you would expect with Yamazaki, the golden-amber-coloured whisky is all about refinement, purity, and subtlety—there is no heaviness on the mid-palate and the finish is clean.”

Well, the House of Suntory that brought us one of last year’s finest whiskies has just launched its stellar 2024 Tsukuriwake Series, a limited-edition collection that epitomises the essence of innovation and diversity in whisky-making. Its latest offering not only continues the legacy of excellence but also deepens the narrative of Japanese whisky on the global stage.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

The Macallan Unveils the TIME : SPACE Experience in Hong Kong

In an extraordinary celebration of its 200-year legacy, The Macallan has launched the “TIME : SPACE Experience” at Pacific Place, Hong Kong. 

This immersive exhibition invites connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike to embark on an immersive journey through time, space, and nature, offering a rare insight into the brand’s unparalleled whisky-making philosophy. 

At the heart of this initiative lies the TIME : SPACE COLLECTION, which features two exclusive releases honouring The Macallan's bicentennial. This collection is emblematic of the brand’s spirit of exploration and innovation, which has shaped its identity for two centuries. 

The exhibition’s theme, the Circle of Life, encapsulates the cyclical rhythms inherent in both nature and whisky production, showcasing how The Macallan harmonises tradition with innovation in crafting its exceptional offerings. 

Central to the experience is the TIME : SPACE Mastery—an exceptional single malt whisky that embodies The Macallan’s storied past. This remarkable expression is distilled from 14 unique cask types, including European and American Oak sherry-seasoned casks, each contributing to its intricate layers of aroma and flavour. 

The whisky is presented in a meticulously crafted circular vessel, symbolising the exhibition’s theme and featuring 200 spikes, a tribute to The Macallan’s enduring legacy and the protective embrace of nature. The exhibition promises a multi-sensory journey, enriched by a captivating display of flora and fauna that reflect the brand’s deep-rooted connection to the natural world. 

Among the highlights are the peacock, thistle, hedgehog, and oak cask—each representing vital aspects of the whisky-making process and the protective qualities of nature. Furthermore, exclusive tasting sessions will be available via pre-booking, allowing guests to savour The Macallan’s craftsmanship first-hand. 

This unique opportunity enables attendees to immerse themselves in the artistry behind The Macallan’s renowned single malts, crafted with unparalleled precision. 

This exhibition is not just a celebration of whisky mastery; it is an invitation to explore the intricate relationship between nature and The Macallan’s legacy. Visitors will gain invaluable insights into the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence, as they journey through its illustrious past and promising future. For further information and registration, interested parties can visit The Macallan’s official website.

The TIME : SPACE Experience at Pacific Place runs from 18th to 31st October 2024, open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM. 

The Glenlivet Celebrates Its 200th Anniversary With a Limited-Edition Single Malt Whisky

 A milestone year for the distillery, the bicentennial festivities begin with the first sip of a commemorative whisky during the best of times.

Marking The Glenlivet’s remarkable 200th year, there are several initiatives, innovations, events, and celebrations in the works, but it all begins here in Hong Kong with the launch of its 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition, but what’s special about the 12-year-old single malt is that the release features a hand-selected, golden-amber liquid matured in first-fill American oak, presenting an original take on The Glenlivet’s classic 12-year-old expression.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong .

Talisker Releases a Limited-Edition Single Malt Whisky For Ocean Conservation

 

Ever tried a whisky inspired by the sea?

Among aficionados, Talisker is famously familiar to and adored by the palate; numerous gentlemen in the whiskey business, columnists, reviewers, writers, and buyers suggested that Talisker even might be their favourite, if not a top 10 pick—now that’s high praise.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

The Macallan Has Released a Five-Age Colour Collection, But You’ll Have to Travel For It

 

It’s available exclusively at airports and travel retailers only.

Last week, The Macallan unveiled a striking new bottle set, The Macallan Colour Collection, available exclusively at Hong Kong International Airport and other such retailers around the world. In fact, while in transit at any major airport in the region, look for the impressive five-age statement collection of 12-, 15-, 18-, 21-, and 30-year-old whiskies (naturally, with similarly escalating prices ranging from HK$625 from HK$34,750 per bottle).

Read the entire feature only at Robb Report Hong Kong here.

The Macallan and Bentley Motors Partner for a Sustainable Future

 

Collaborations have always been a great way to bring a new and refreshing perspective to more established brands, and this couldn’t be truer for The Macallan and Bentley Motors, who announced that they are joining forces to build their vision of a more sustainable future. Now, this is an initiative that we can get on board with.

Read up my first feature upon return at PrestigeOnline here.