KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 ­— The whiskies of Aberlour, long regarded by enthusiasts and experienced experts alike as one of the finest single malts being produced today, has officially made its launch in Malaysia.

The occasion was marked by the visit of Mr Darren Hosie, International Brand Ambassador of Chivas Brothers Ltd at a handful of unique tasting experiences in the regions of Johor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur from 12 August to 15 August 2014.

From the moment founder James Fleming began his quest in 1879 to create the best single malt, Aberlour has won an outstanding number of trophies and gold medals.  In 1990, Aberlour became the first ever single malt to win the Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition twice.  This award winning streak continues till today, with Aberlour winning Gold Medals in that competition alone another 13 times in the last ten years.

Aberlour distillery in present day. — Picture courtesy of Pernod Ricard Malaysia
Aberlour distillery in present day. — Picture courtesy of Pernod Ricard Malaysia

Crafted with exquisite care and expertise, Aberlour distillery produces a new make spirit of exceptional quality, boasting characteristics that are clean, crisp and fruity (bursting with red berries and blackcurrants) with striking depth. 

The use of ex-sherry casks is what adds significant depth and velvet richness to each sip and this influence is prominent throughout the range.  In fact, Aberlour whisky makers even choose the sherry that fills the casks to ensure the character is just perfect for maturing Aberlour.  Every ex-sherry cask that is subsequently used in the maturation of Aberlour is individually nosed by the whisky makers (prior to filling) to ensure the wood has the perfect aromas and quality needed for the job. 

Aberlour’s distillers are also masters of double cask maturation.  In addition to ex-sherry casks, Aberlour also uses traditional oak casks, including ex-bourbon first fill casks.

“There is an almost unparalleled level of detail and fine control that goes into the making of Aberlour’s velvety whiskies. The expert crafting of spirit and cask has given us today a range of single malts that are elegant, complex, yet exceptionally balanced.  In fact, it is the same highly experienced team that has seen the distillation and maturation of the 12, 16 and 18 year old Aberlour whiskies we enjoy today right from the start,” said Hosie.  

“The other factor that makes Aberlour so special is of course none other than its magical location alongside the River Spey,” he added.

Aberlour’s intimate distillery is surrounded by water from the Lour Burn.  The name Aberlour means ‘the mouth of the chattering burn’ in Gaelic.  Local monks in ancient times thought that the noise the burn made, as it cascaded over waterfalls and wooded glens on its way to the river Spey, sounded as though it were talking.

The water that surrounds Aberlour has always been prized.  Exceptionally pure, the clear, soft spring water is part of what makes Aberlour single malt unique and is at the very heart of its identity.  It is also rich with history, being the same water that the Celtic druids used to heal bodies while the missionary St Drostan believed it could heal the souls.

The Aberlour range available in Malaysia. — Picture courtesy of Pernod Ricard Malaysia
The Aberlour range available in Malaysia. — Picture courtesy of Pernod Ricard Malaysia

With global appreciation for crafted single malts on the rise, the hidden treasures of Aberlour is now being brought to a wider audience.  A new logo depicting its craftsmanship and prestige; a new website; and even a collaboration with award-winning photographer David Maitland earlier this year are among the many elements steering the brand towards new horizons.

Whisky lovers in Malaysia can look out for the Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured, the Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured and the Aberlour 18 Year Old at selected outlets across the country at a price tag of between RM400 to RM900.

Malaysia events hosted by Regional Mentoring Manager of Chivas Brothers Ltd Darren Hosie:

Johor Baru

Venue: Just Want Coffee (No 30, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru)

Date & Time: 12 August 2014 at 4.00pm

Penang

Venue: Cuvee (10-B-05 n 10-B-06, Precinct 10, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Penang)

Date & Time: 13 August 2014 at 6.00pm

Kuala Lumpur

Venue: Sekeping Sin Chew Kee (No 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, 50150 Kuala Lumpur)

Date & Time: 15 August 2014 at 7.00pm
 

* For more information contact Wong Pei Wen at 017 282 4844 or [email protected]