The event, held at the Eastin Hotel on September 9, drew a terrific crowd of enthusiasts eager to learn more about the world of whisky – and sample some of the dozens of brands on offer.

WhiskyPLUS, Malaysia’s Premier Whisky and Spirits Tasting Event, made a triumphant return with its fifth KL edition, offering a one-day extravaganza of whisky and spirits sampling that, in many ways, exceeded expectations. Held in the elegant Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur in PJ Section 16 on Saturday, September 9, 2023, this much-anticipated event featured two remarkable sessions, showcasing an impressive array of whiskies and spirits from brand owners, importers, distributors, and retailers.

Whisky was the star attraction, with Scotland of course comprising the lion’s share of the exhibited brands. But guests also enjoyed whiskies from Japan, Australia, Ireland, and the United States, among other countries.

Rums also found plenty of favour at the event, with this popular spirit representing nations from Jamaica and Barbados on one side of the world to Thailand and Cambodia on the other! Of course, there were a good number of premium gin brands to be found, as well, these too hailing from diverse lands.

The main tasting room, spanning a whopping 7,200 square feet, was a whisky enthusiast’s dream, offering unlimited tastings and an extensive selection of whisky brands and expressions to suit every palate. New to the 2023 edition were a number of 40-minute whisky tasting masterclasses presented by The Beverage Clique Academy team, adding an educational dimension for VIP guests to deepen their appreciation of the whisky world.

To enhance the tasting experience, guests indulged in specially curated set meal boxes and explored guided tasting sessions, VIP Lounges, and the highly sought-after Collector’s Corner. The Collector’s Corner showcased a unique collection of exceptional, purchase-by-the-dram old and rare whiskies, providing discerning connoisseurs with an unparalleled opportunity to savour these rare finds, which are almost never offered by the dram!

With over 80 brands and hundreds of expressions on offer throughout WhiskyPLUS for sampling, purchase, or both – including independent bottlings and new-to-market expressions –guests explored both familiar favorites and exciting new discoveries. For those seeking a quick break from whisky, a selection of non-alcoholic options from Monin, Mister Coffee, and Spritzer offered refreshing mocktails, premium coffee drinks, and ice-cold sparkling water. Gourmet Partner also delighted guests with imported cheese samples.

WhiskyPLUS was also proud to once again welcome the kilt-wearing gents from the St Andrew’s Society, bringing a wee bit of Scottish flavour to the day!

WhiskyPLUS was also generously supported by Bluestar AMG and Speyside Capital, both of whom were offering terrific lucky draw prizes!

The event itself also delivered an array of fantastic prizes to lucky draw winners, including an exquisite Oscietra caviar and super premium sake set, a litre-size bottle of The Glenlivet 12, several pairs of VIP tickets to our next WhiskyPLUS event in Penang, and a fantastic full Whisky Ambassador accreditation course from The Beverage Clique Academy.

Showcasing the finer things in life, WhiskyPLUS went beyond whisky with indulgent premium caviar tastings in the Royal Salute VIP Lounge, as well as an expansive cigar booth featuring carefully curated hand-rolled cigars, including Cuban and non-Cuban varieties. A certified senior cigar sommelier provided expert guidance for cigar enthusiasts. An inviting outdoor area with reserved seating allowed guests to enjoy their cigars in comfort.

Attendees could choose between Standard or VIP entry for each session, receiving a commemorative Glencairn-style whisky tasting glass adorned with the WhiskyPLUS 2023 logo. As an added convenience, guests received a complimentary whisky glass holder lanyard, perfect for whisky tasting events.

Organized and hosted by TEG Media, WhiskyPLUS 2023 took place in the grand ballroom of the well-known Eastin Hotel in PJ Section 16. While all guests enjoyed unlimited sampling of a wide range of spirits, VIP pass holders received exclusive access to premium whiskies, curated goodie bags, and three VIP Lounges, complete with surprises like bespoke caviar tastings, professional whisky masterclasses, and extra culinary delights.

To ensure an enjoyable and immersive experience, WhiskyPLUS controlled capacity, offering limited tickets for each session. Both Session 1 (12pm to 4:30pm) and Session 2 (5:30pm to 10pm) delivered similar experiences, however, allowing guests to choose the session that best suited their schedule.

Thanks to everyone who attended WhiskyPLUS 2023, spending the day in celebration and appreciation of the world’s whiskies and spirits in all their glory, providing both seasoned connoisseurs and enthusiastic newcomers with an opportunity to elevate their own whisky journey. It was a delightful celebration of spirits, shared with fellow enthusiasts and industry experts, set against the backdrop of a captivating array of whiskies and spirits that tantalized the senses.

For the latest information and updates on WhiskyPLUS and future events, visit www.whiskyplus.my and secure your place at the heart of Malaysia’s premier whisky appreciation journey. To be added to the WhiskyPLUS mailing list to learn about our events first, drop a line to [email protected]. (Your information will not be shared with any third parties.)

Special thanks to Ms Tina Frederick for her terrific photos capturing all the good vibes of WhiskyPLUS! To see more, keep scrolling.