A new chapter for TimeforWhisky.com, and a new team member!

Almost 11 years ago, I wrote about moving to Hong Kong, expanding TimeforWhisky.com into Asia, and Hendy joining the team to cover Australia. 2014 was a very different time in the world of whisky, and I was excited to join the burgeoning whisky scene in Hong Kong, at the time still very much in its infancy (Club Qing for example was still a restaurant, and there was only one whisky festival serving Hong Kong).

This was a time when you could still buy age statement Japanese whisky (easily) from any good bottle shop in Japan, a time when Karuizawa, Hanyu, 60s Bowmore and other rare whiskies seemed expensive (but were, looking back, a comparative bargain), when the auction scene hype was only just beginning, and when the phrase "cask investment" didn't invoke thoughts of shady scams.

A different world indeed.

Fast forward 11 years and the whisky world has changed significantly, with TimeforWhisky.com there every step of the way. It's hard to pick a favourite moment from the past 11 years (although the many media trips, including to Scotland (Macallan), Singapore (Bruichladdich), Shenzhen (Suntory) and Taipei (Highland Park) were certainly up there, as was being invited to be one of only 6 people in the Rosebank re-launch video), but ultimately, the thing that made the past 11 years so special was the whisky friends I made along the way. 

...but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and whilst those friendships will remain in perpetuity, my time in Hong Kong has come to a close, as Steph and I have recently moved back to Australia.

That doesn't mean TimeforWhisky.com is ending - far from it! In fact, just like when Hendy continued to run TimeforWhisky.com Australia when I left in 2014, a new team member has joined to continue running TimeforWhisky.com Hong Kong (whilst I re-join the Australian side alongside Hendy). Introducing...Andrew Davis!

A dedicated spirits enthusiast, Andrew is best known as the co-founder of Mezcal Mission, a charitable initiative based at the award-winning Hong Kong bar COA. Through Mezcal Mission, he has not only educated guests about the rich and diverse world of agave spirits but also raised significant funds for local charities.

Andrew’s passion for spirits doesn’t stop at agave. As a panel member for Tequila Matchmaker, he has developed deep expertise in tequila and mezcal, but over the past four years, that passion has expanded into the world of whisky—sparked, in part, by a chance meeting Andrew and I had at one of the first Mezcal Missions. 

Since then, Andrew has become a familiar face in the whisky community (that's him, front-left in the group photo above), continually exploring, tasting, and sharing his insights with fellow enthusiasts.

In his new role covering TimeforWhisky.com HK, Andrew brings his love for storytelling, education, and exceptional spirits to a broader audience. From uncovering rare drams to connecting with the local whisky community, he’ll carry forward our tradition of passion and expertise across Hong Kong, Asia and beyond.

So there you have it. Change, growth, whatever you want to call it - expect to see more coverage from Andrew, Hendy and I across the blog, Instagram & Facebook.

Cheers,

Martin.

Benriach 2013 Triple Sherry Cask / Easter Treats [Tasted #695]

I've always had a soft spot for Benriach. From their creative use of casks to their mix of peated and unpeated styles, they’ve always stood out as a distillery.

We’ve followed Benriach’s journey for years—through revivals, reinventions, and releases that surprise and delight the whisky faithful. From the distillery’s humble beginnings in 1897 under John Duff, to its dormancy post-Pattison crash and its spectacular rebirth under Billy Walker in 2004, Benriach has always carved its own path.

This Speyside distillery has long been known for its eclectic cask use, malting traditions, and its spirit of experimentation. Under the creative guidance of Master Blender Dr Rachel Barrie, the past few years have seen Benriach embrace that innovation with bold new expressions like The Smoky Ten, Malting Season, and The Twenty One—a favourite of mine for its complex peated/unpeated balance and four-cask harmony.

This year, Benriach is bringing something a little special to Aussie whisky lovers, teaming up with KOI Dessert Bar and The Whisky Club to create two Easter indulgences. One for the dessert lovers, one for the whisky drinkers (or, both!).

KOI Dessert Bar has reimagined the classic hot cross bun into something far more decadent (or rather bougie and sweet :)) – the “Scotch Cross Bun.” This Easter-only treat is made with rich vanilla mousse and whisky-soaked currants, featuring Benriach’s The Original Ten as its boozy backbone. Available in KOI stores across Sydney and Melbourne from 11 April, it’s the kind of thing that pairs perfectly with a good dram – or two.

And speaking of drams, the Benriach 2013 Triple Sherry Cask is a one-off vintage crafted exclusively for The Whisky Club by Master Blender Dr Rachel Barrie. This Speyside gem has been matured in a trio of PX and Oloroso sherry casks, offering a bold, rich and dessert-like profile.

The cask story here is a clever one—a triple sherry cask maturation that brings together:

1. A full maturation in Oloroso sherry casks,
2. A whisky that was first matured in ex-Bourbon casks and then spent five years in Oloroso,
3. And another parcel that began in ex-Bourbon, then rested for four years in PX sherry casks.

Each component brings its own personality to the mix—nutty dryness from the Oloroso, syrupy richness and dried fruit from the PX, and a core of honeyed vanilla from the ex-Bourbon.

As Dr Rachel Barrie puts it:

“You might find a cherry and chocolate torte… then into lovely almond, orange and deep tiramisu. And that is served with a delicious macchiato. So very rich, multi-layered, but still delicate. And that’s the beauty of Benriach.”

I had the chance to sit down with the Triple Sherry Cask, and it didn’t disappoint. It's a sherry bomb, on the nose, it’s fruit cake, rum and raisins, rich caramel and creamy tiramisu. The palate is rich, syrupy, follows through with tiramisu cake, cream puff, and some nutmeg and warming ginger spice.

The 2013 Triple Sherry Cask is a fantastic example of what the Benriach distillery does so well: bold flavour, clever cask work, and loads of character. Along with KOI’s Scotch Cross Bun and you’ve got the ultimate Easter indulgence.

Benriach 2013 Triple Sherry Cask [Whisky Club Bottling] (48.4% ABV, Speyside, Scotland, A$125)

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Nose: Fruit cake, rum and raisins, and a rich wave of caramel. There’s creamy tiramisu in there too, along with a hint of cherry—like a boozy dessert platter fresh from the kitchen.

Palate: It's a sherry bomb, all indulgences and very rich. Tiramisu cake, rum and raisin, cream puffs, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a warming hit of ginger spice. It’s very decadent and rich, with chocolate shavings, sweet date, and a slight tartness to balance things out.

Finish: Long, smooth, and warming. The ginger spice lingers beautifully, carrying the sweetness through to the end.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 92/100 (Hendy) 

Whether you’re after a unique whisky to sip on over the long weekend or just looking for something to pair with your Easter sweets, this is one release that hits the mark.

Cheers
Hendy

Spirit of Craft Awards return for 2025 - TimeforWhisky.com interviews two winners

Last August we post about Asia's new Spirits Awards focusing on smaller producers around the world - "Spirit of Craft Awards", launched in January 2024. At the time, we interviewed a number of the winners to learn about their fascinating journeys in distilling and marketing whisky..

With the 2nd edition of the Awards coming up (with entries closing in just a few days) we thought it would be fun to re-visit some of the winners and ask them some questions specifically about the market in Asia. Tania Unsworth (Co-Founder of Seekers Independent Spirits) and Allison Renfrew (Head of Marketing for Isle of Raasay) were good enough to answer our questions

1) How do you see / approach the broader market in Asia - and have you seen any shifts since the first awards? Are there any particular Asian markets you’re focusing on in the future?

Seekers Spirits: Asia is an incredibly dynamic and exciting region for craft spirits. There’s a growing appreciation for high-quality, locally produced spirits, driven by a younger, more adventurous consumer base that values both authenticity and sustainability. We’ve always taken a region-first approach, focusing on flavors and ingredients that resonate with Asian palates while ensuring that our products meet international quality standards.

SOCraft Awards launched at a time where there’s more curiosity and confidence in homegrown brands. Asian consumers and bartenders are increasingly looking for spirits that have a real sense of place rather than defaulting to imported brands. This plays to our strengths, as our spirits, from Seekers Mekong Dry Gin to Jason Kong Butterfly Gin, highlight regional botanicals and flavors. Looking ahead, we’re particularly focused on growing our market share in Thailand and Vietnam, where craft spirits are really gaining traction. At the same time, we’re looking to establish strong distribution partnerships in Singapore and Hong Kong, both of which have world-class cocktail scenes.

Isle of Raasay: Asia is an exciting and rapidly evolving market, it offers a broad and diverse landscape of tastes, preferences, and cultures that provide great opportunities for Raasay Distillery. The growth of craft spirits and whisky culture in Asia, especially among younger, more discerning drinkers, has been a key development we’ve observed. SOCraft was a fantastic platform for showcasing our whisky and is a real credit to the hard work from our dedicated team on Raasay. The positive reception of this award has helped build awareness with consumers and we have found that awards like this really grab people's interest to try and explore new brands. Looking ahead, we’re working closely with markets like Japan and Southeast Asia. Interestingly, we will be attending our first whisky show in Singapore this year which we are really looking forward to.

2) What’s some advice you could give for brands looking to get into Asia, or specific markets in Asia?

Seekers Spirits: Absolutely. Asia is not a single, homogenous market—it’s a complex mix of cultures, drinking preferences, and regulatory environments. My main advice would be to take the time to understand each market individually. What works in Singapore may not work in Cambodia or Japan. Find strong local partners who understand the trade Platforms like SOCraft are invaluable because they provide validation, exposure, and access to industry professionals who are genuinely passionate about craft spirits. Winning an award at SOCraft isn’t just about a medal—it’s a signal to bartenders, distributors, and consumers that your product meets a high standard. The media visibility that comes with it also helps open doors to new markets.

Isle of Raasay: Entering the Asian market requires patience, cultural understanding, and an adaptable strategy. My advice would be to first do thorough market research to understand the local drinking habits, trends, and regulatory requirements for your category. Each country has its own preferences and unique challenges. For example, Japan has an established whisky tradition, whereas Southeast Asia may have a more experimental consumer base. Brands should prioritise building relationships with local distributors, bars, and restaurants, as these partnerships are critical to getting your product in front of the right audience. Networking with local influencers, industry professionals, and participating in events like SOCraft are great ways to introduce your brand, establish credibility, and create long-term connections.  SOCraft has helped us showcase our whiskies quality and credentials, so I would recommend it.

3) How do you balance between addressing the needs of customers looking to use your spirits in cocktails, against those looking to drink neat / straight? In terms of promotion, events, working with on-premise etc..?

Seekers Spirits: For us, it’s about versatility without compromise. We design our spirits to work beautifully in cocktails while still standing strong on their own. For example, Seekers Mekong Coffee Liqueur has enough depth and complexity to be sipped neat but also integrates perfectly into an Espresso Martini. Our wood-finished Mekong Gold Gin, works beautifully as a whiskey substitute in traditionally whisky based cocktails, but is exceptionally smooth and complex and can be enjoyed just on the rocks. When it comes to promotion, we work closely with bartenders to showcase the versatility of our range. We host masterclasses, tasting events, and brand collaborations that highlight the full potential of our spirits.

At bars and restaurants, we encourage venues to include a range of serves, ensuring different consumer preferences are catered to.

Isle of Raasay: At Isle of Raasay Distillery our aim is to make whisky consumption enjoyable and accessible to all, so showing variety of ways to consume allows us to do so. We primarily focus on enjoying the whisky neat but at events and on-premise we have the opportunity to be creative in the serves. For example, we recommend trying a Draamhattan which uses our Isle of Raasay Single Malt, The Draam instead of american whiskey. For those who prefer to drink our spirits neat or straight, we emphasize the quality, craftsmanship, and distinctive flavour profiles of our whiskies, highlighting our unique distillation process of using peated and unpeated spirit.

For the on-premise, we work closely with bars and restaurants, and provide training and support for staff on how to best use our products in mixed drinks. At events, we like to offer tastings that reflect who we are as a brand. We like to bring fun and engagement into the learning experience.

4) What has winning your award(s) last year meant for your brand?

Seekers Spirits: Winning at SOCraft was a great moment for us. It reinforced that what we’re doing—both in terms of liquid quality and sustainable production—is resonating with the industry. The recognition helped us build credibility in key markets, opening up conversations with distributors and bars that might not have been familiar with Seekers before.

It also validated our approach to craft spirits in Asia. We believe that local production, premium ingredients, and sustainable sourcing can compete at an international level, and the SOCraft awards proved that. It’s given us even more motivation to push forward, continue innovating, and showcase what Asia has to offer to the world of spirits.

Isle of Raasay: Winning the SOCraft award last year was an incredible recognition for Raasay Distillery. It validated the hard work and passion we put into every bottle, and it gave us increased credibility in a competitive market. It reinforced that we are producing something special, and we are very proud of that.

Many thanks to Tania & Allison for taking the time to answer our questions, and to the team at Foodnews Singapore for making the interview happen!

Cheers,

Martin.

Benromach Contrasts range - Unpeated and Virgin Oak [Tasted #693 - 694]

We've been pretty fortunate here at TimeforWhisky to try some old and incredibly rare Benromach releases over the years. The last we tried was a 46yo single cask from 1972 (one of only 75 bottles) and the one before that a 41yo single cask from 1974. One thing we found with each of these was that they were incredibly delicious, well-made whisky, bottled at just the right time.

The thing is, "delicious" and "well-made" seems to be something that applies across the Benromach range, right down to the entry level 10 Year Old. I've referred to Benromach as a distillery who just make incredibly good, honest whisky, and I still stand by that today.

...which brings us to the "Contrasts" range, aiming to present a different (or Contrasting) view of Benromach, via a core range consisting of "Peat Smoke" and "Organic" , and a number of "Guest Contrasts" including the two we're tasting today - "Virgin Oak" (10yo and fully-matured in Virgin American Oak casks) and "Unpeated" (9yo and matured in a mix of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks).

Benromach Contrasts Unpeated (46% ABV, Single Malt, 9yo, Speyside, Scotland)

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Colour: Light gold

Nose: Light, with hints of heather, oatcakes, pear, stewed fruits and just a lovely classic fruity Speyside nose.

Palate: Consistent with the nose, with a touch of herbaceousness, dried apricot, red apple and some salted caramel.

Finish: Floral and lifted, with some ginger notes through to the end.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 88/100 (Martin). 

Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak (46% ABV, Single Malt, 10yo, Speyside, Scotland)

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Colour: Orange gold.

Nose: Oak and citrus spice, with some banana chips and bacon.

Palate: Sweet, less spiced than the nose suggests, more herbal and savoury, with some hints of smoked oranges.

Finish: Butter Menthol lozenges and mature oak.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 90/100 (Martin). 

Cheers,

Martin.

Diageo Special Releases 2024 [Tasted #685 - 692]

A belated Happy New Year! What better way to get into the 2025 swing of things than with Diageo's "Special Releases" set (from uh, 2024, LOL). This year I'm trying something new with some quick-fire IG reel video reviews (the first here) which may well continue throughout 2025, but for those who like our lengthier written reviews, they'll continue too. Read on...

For those unfamiliar with Diageo’s Special Releases, they've been around since 2001, but have become somewhat different in recent years. Longer term whisky fans will recall the series being focused on well-aged examples of popular Diageo malts and grains, some from closed distilleries. However as the demand, scarcity (and of course price) for those rose - especially Brora and Port Ellen - Diageo took them out of the Special Releases in 2018 and put them into other series (like Prima & Ultima) and some one-off releases (like Port Ellen Gemini & Brora Triptych).

Hendy and I have covered Special Releases for a while now, having seen this evolution first hand (see our 2016, 2018/2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 articles), and at times we've even been lucky enough to try the rarer malts that are no longer in Special Releases, like this 41yo Port Ellen and this 40yo Brora. Despite the changes, we always get a thrill from new Special Releases, and it's always fun to see well-known (and not so well-known) whiskies in a new light.

So, what do we have in the 2024 lineup? 

8 whiskies, all from operational distilleries, spanning 8-21yo (and one NAS). We have mainstays of the collection (like Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength and more recently, Talisker 8yo) but some more unusual releases too, like a 21yo Benrinnes, the second ever release of Roseisle, and an unpeated Caol Ila!

(We even have a dram finished in "stone spun" casks, and no I had no idea what they were either...)

Let’s get into them…

Roseisle 12yo "Origami Kite II" (Diageo Special Releases 2024) (55.6% ABV, Single Malt, 12yo, Speyside, Scotland, $1,080HKD / £112.50)
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To be honest this was probably the one that interested me the most last year, as the inaugural release from this Speyside distillery that only opened in 2010. It didn’t disappoint (quality-wise) so I’m eager to see how this second release fares, especially as it shares age and cask types in common with 2023’s. I really appreciate that despite the focus of the range, Diageo have kept this one simple without fancy cask finishes.

Colour: Light honey.

Nose: Honied spice, slight hints of white pepper with a vanilla creaminess.

Palate: Consistent with the nose, with spice at the front of the palate, followed by a creamy sweet vanilla noteat the back. Very subtle tropical hints - mango mostly.

Finish: Med to long finish with notes of vanilla cream.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 89/100 (Martin). Strong showing, like last year.

The Singleton of Glen Ord 14yo "Autumnal Walk" (Diageo Special Releases 2024) (54.7% ABV, Single Malt, 14yo, Highlands, Scotland, $1,215HKD / £110)
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Not everyone knows this, but Singleton is actually a brand rather than a distillery, and there are a few distilleries (Dufftown, Ord, Glendullan) sold under the label. Of the 3 Ord (which this is) is my favourite, with some amazing releases in the past (especially the 16yo Manager’s Dram). This one saw maturation in ex-Bourbon, ex-wine and refill casks with Pyrenean and Spanish Oak cask ends.

Colour: Orange marmalade.

Nose: Candied orange peel, stone fruits (pear mostly) and some hints of strawberry.

Palate: Retains the fruity confectionary notes of the palate, alongside some woodspice and sweet ginger.

Finish: Long, with subtle oak tannins and citrus.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 87/100 (Martin). 

Oban 10yo "Coastal Orchard" (Diageo Special Releases 2024) (58% ABV, Single Malt, 10yo, Highlands, Scotland, $890HKD / £108.33)
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From the first whisky distillery I ever visited! Part finished in new, freshly-charred Oloroso-seasoned American oak barrels and bottled at 58%.

Colour: Amber gold.

Nose: Slight cereal spice, with apricot hints. Breakfast in a glass!

Palate: The spice and apricot from the nose follows, with a more rounded, creamy mouthfeel with hints of custard, slight oak, and berry spice. I didn't find much sherry influence, despite the use of Oloroso-seasoned casks.

Finish: Oak spice.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 86/100 (Martin). Breakfast dram.

Mortlach “Midnight Dusk” (Diageo Special Releases 2024) (57.5% ABV, Single Malt, NAS, Speyside, Scotland, $1,980HKD / £208.33)
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The only NAS in the lineup, this Mortlach deviates from the usual heavy, meatier, darker nature with a lighter, more youthful spirit, thanks to finishing in both red and white Italian wine casks. 

Colour: Yellow gold.

Nose: Youthful and grassy, with noticeable new oak.

Palate: Simple and straightforward, with stone fruits and subtle salty smoke, followed by apple, pineapple and salted caramel

Finish: Long with a slight oak astringency.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 86/100 (Martin). I always enjoy seeing whiskies presented in a different light, but if I’m honest I don’t see nearly $2,00HKD worth of value in this one...

Benrinnes 21yo “Grand Crescendo” (Diageo Special Releases 2024) (55.4% ABV, Single Malt, 21yo, Speyside, Scotland, $3,625HKD / £283.33)
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The oldest and most expensive in the line up, Speyside’s Benrinnes has (as far as I’m aware) only featured in Special Releases twice since the start, also last time in a 21yo in 2014 with a heavy sherry influence. This time around it’s been matured in a mix of American and European Oak wine casks, interestingly with a finish that’s longer than the original maturation (13yrs vs 8yrs).

Colour: Dark orange gold.

Nose: Subtle, understated and elegant. Nutty hints, berry hints and some toffee.

Palate: Soft, elegant but still powerful. Sherry notes are there, but they're subtle, slowly growing. Cherries, baked pie crust, hints of strawberry.

Finish: Long, baked cherry pie.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 90/100 (Martin). Probably my top pick of the lineup this year (just edging out the Roseisle).

Caol Ila 11yo “Ambrosial Feast” (Diageo Special Releases 2024) (% ABV, Single Malt, 11yo, Islay, Scotland, $820HKD)

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As many of my whisky mates have heard me say, I reckon Caol Ila is one of the most versatile spirits out there. It can be delicious under 10yo, fantastic in its mid to late teens, beautiful in its 20s, and so on (and don’t get me started on early 1980s…beautiful spirit). What’s most interesting about this 11yo release however is it’s a rarely-seen unpeated Caol Ila! It’s not the first time we’ve seen one (there was one in 2015 and if I’m not mistaken, 2018 too) but it’s certainly not common, and for me is probably the most interesting “twist” we see in the lineup this year.

Colour: Yellow gold.

Nose: Oranges, pear, mango with an underlying nuttiness.

Palate: Less fruity than the nose, more hazelnut icecream, honey and oak (but with subtle hints of mango from the nose)

Finish: Long, with slight oak tannins

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 87/100 (Martin).

Talisker 8yo “Tidal Churn” (Diageo Special Releases 2024) (58.7% ABV, Single Malt, 8yo, Islands, Scotland, $780HKD / £75)

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I’m always excited to try a new young Talker, mostly because the 8yo from 2018’s Special Releases still holds the title of best young Talisker I’ve ever tried - and probably best 8yo whisky I’ve ever tried! If you ever come across a bottle, do yourself a favour and try it - you won’t be disappointed. With that lofty benchmark set, we have this year’s 8yo which is said to be finished in “stone-spun” casks. Yep...."stone-spun". I like to think I’m pretty au fait with whisky terminology, but that was a new one for me. As best I can tell, it’s a method of decharring a cask using stones and water. Ok...

Colour: Straw

Nose: Saline, coastal, very slight peat but of a coastal/maritime nature, not iodine or BBQ-esque.

Palate: More peat than the nose suggests, with brine, nutty salted fish, and some noticeable camfourwood.

Finish: Medium in length, with strong salinity.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 86/100 (Martin). 

Lagavulin 12yo “Fireside Tails”(Diageo Special Releases 2024) (57.4% ABV, Single Malt, 12yo, Islay, Scotland, $1,250HKD / £129.17)
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The mainstay of the special releases - Lagavulin’s famed 12yo Cask Strength. One of the most consistent and enjoyable releases of the lineup in my opinion, this year’s release is back to more traditional cask types (1st fill ex-Bourbon, refill hoggies and refill European Oak butts) rather than the past two years which saw Virgin Oak and even ex-Añejo tequila casks.

Colour: Light yellow gold.

Nose: Fruity campfire smoke - apples, pears (toasted), bonfire smoke.

Palate: Creamy, salted BBQ notes - think a salted caramel or vanilla tart with a campfire-toasted crust.

Finish: Long, fruit smoke with a drying spice.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 90/100 (Martin). The classic Laga 12 CS rarely disappoints, and this one continues that trend.

So there you have it, 8 drams from 8 different distilleries. A big thanks to MHDHK for setting aside a tasting kit for us.

Cheers,

Martin.