WhiskyPLUS makes its return to Kuala Lumpur!

Malaysia’s premier whisky and spirits tasting event is back! Following the success of last year’s inaugural WhiskyPLUS event, which saw hundreds of enthusiasts coming together to sample the whiskies of the world, the second edition is set for June 15 of this year! With dozens of brands being showcased at WhiskyPLUS, hailing from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, and more, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

But if you’re still wondering why you should buy your entry pass, here’s a quick round-up of (mostly) whisky-focused reasons. Check this list out, then head over to www.whiskyplus.my to reserve your place at Malaysia’s Premier Whisky and Spirits Tasting Event, happening on June 15 at the brand-new, luxurious Pavilion Hotel, located in the Couture wing of Pavilion KL.

Entry to WhiskyPLUS is capacity-controlled to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone, so once the limit for each session has been reached, ticket sales will end – so don’t wait too long! All passes include unlimited tasting of dozens of brands, an included set meal box, a complimentary WhiskyPLUS Glencairn tasting glass, and a great way to spend a few hours, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and increase your knowledge and appreciation of the whiskies of the world!

1. Best Sellers

Though one of the best things about a big whisky show is discovering new and lesser-known labels, you can rest assured you’ll be seeing quite a few familiar faces, too, giving you the chance to see what some of the powerhouses of the spirits industry are up to, and of course a chance to taste their output and see just why these whiskies are so globally popular. As a key example, the world’s number 1 and number 2 single malts – Glenfiddich and Glenlivet – will be on hand and pouring the good stuff, and introducing a couple of special new expressions, too.

2. One Cask at a Time

Both the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and The Single Cask (UK) will be presenting a tempting range of very special bottlings, each derived from only one cask of whisky. Most single malts are bottled as a marriage of various casks from a single distillery. Single cask bottlings, however, contain spirit uniquely from one barrel, and it’s that cask that’s really done most of the work. Only the best are chosen for these extremely limited release bottlings, and you’ll get to sample a few at WhiskyPLUS. In addition to these two coveted independent bottlers, you’ll also get to check out offerings from Douglas Laing, That Boutique-y Whisky Company, and Malaysia’s very own Eiling Lim, the country’s first independent bottler!

3. Collector’s Corner

Once again offering a stunning line-up of old and rare malts, the WhiskyPLUS Collector’s Corner gives connoisseurs the chance to purchase and sample some truly special whiskies by the dram. This unique opportunity is separate from the unlimited tasting on the main floor, so it’s chargeable (starting at just RM20), but for real enthusiasts, it’s a tremendous chance to savour from some two dozen coveted and hard-to-find whiskies without buying the whole bottle. Among this year’s line-up are two of the most sought-after (and near-mythic) brands in the world, a Pappy Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon and a 32 year old Redbreast Dream Cask Irish Whiskey. Both of these labels release their special editions to feverish demand every year. In fact, in the recent release of the 2019 Redbreast Dream Cask, the 924 available bottles – which are offered exclusively to the distillery’s members’ club at €380 (RM1,777) per bottle – sold out worldwide in 14 minutes!

4. Spirit of the Rising Sun

Japanese whisky is enjoying an extended run of global popularity that has sent supplies of aged whiskies tumbling and prices, subsequently, soaring. WhiskyPLUS will feature several different whisky brands from Japan, including a couple that you may not have heard of, so if you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, here’s your chance to find out.

5. Islay’s Maverick Spirit

The small Scottish island of Islay is its own whiskymaking region, and home to some of whisky’s most legendary distilleries. But even on an island of whiskies that don’t always conform to more typical Scotch profiles, the Bruichladdich distillery proudly embraces ‘challenging convention’ as their tagline. Come have a dram or two of what they produce – from the Classic Laddie to the heavily peated malts of Port Charlotte right up to the coveted limited-edition Octomore – and you’ll understand what they mean.

6. Campbeltown Line-up

There are six whiskymaking regions recognised in Scotland, all of which will be represented this year at WhiskyPLUS. Campbeltown may be the biggest curiosity for whisky drinkers. With only three active distilleries now, this small Scotch whisky region is certainly not as well-known or well-represented these days as the Speyside and Highland regions, but WhiskyPLUS still has it covered with Hazelburn and Longrow single malts. What is it about Campbeltown that earns it getting a recognised whisky region all of its own? Come and find out!

7. A Sweeter Touch

Apart from whiskies, the PLUS part of WhiskyPLUS invites you to sample a few special rums, including Venezuela’s pride, Diplomático, and Thai favourites Mekhong and Phraya. Diplomático is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest rums and the brand turns out a range of labels, from rums well-suited for top shelf cocktails to sublime spirits that command slow sipping and savouring. It’s a similar tale for super-premium Phraya, frequently named as one of the best rums from Asia. Mekhong, meanwhile, adds a bit of rice spirits to its molasses-derived rum base, and the result is a hybrid spirit that’s perfectly suited for both food pairing and craft cocktail creation.

8. Beyond the Brown

Scotland is best-known for its whiskies, but turns out some pretty special gins, too. WhiskyPLUS is proud to showcase two of these, The Botanist and Caorunn. Distilled at the Bruichladdich distillery, The Botanist boasts 22 herbs and botanicals, all foraged from the gin’s home island of Islay. Caorunn, meanwhile, touts its small batch credentials in this Speyside-distilled craft gin.

WhiskyPLUS will also feature an excellent Cigar Corner with a curated selection of hand-rolled Cuban and non-Cuban cigars for purchase. With whiskies from around the world, complemented by a selection of other quality spirits, included food boxes for all guests, and a guaranteed great time, WhiskyPLUS is one event you don’t want to miss! Take a look back at last year’s fantastic inaugural edition.

WhiskyPLUS, brought to you by the team at TEG Media, is being held on Saturday, June 15 at the Pavilion Hotel Managed by Banyan Tree, located in Couture Pavilion KL. Kindly note that brands and expressions are subject to final confirmation by exhibitors, and all images herein are for representative purposes only and not necessarily indicative of that specific brand or label being available. For the latest details and to reserve your place, visit www.whiskyplus.my. Enjoy responsibly – don’t drink and drive.