Overview: A selection of premium spirits has recently landed in the Klang Valley region, featuring new expressions from The Glenlivet and Roku Gin alongside a debut vodka from Kazakhstan. The releases were highlighted during media events in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing distinct production methods and regional inspirations.
The Full Story
The Glenlivet recently launched the second edition of its Small Batch Collection in Malaysia at a media event held at the Private Chamber in Kuala Lumpur. The collection features whiskies made up of a combination of hand-selected casks that shape each expression’s distinct character. It comprises three single malts: 17YO Wildflower Honey, 19YO Indulgent Chocolate, and 20YO Orchard Fruitiness. All expressions are cask strength and non-chillfiltered.
Roku Gin introduced its Noryo Tea Edition, a limited-edition expression inspired by the Japanese tradition of Noryo. This release is part of the Seasonal Festival Collection following the debut of the Sakura Bloom Edition in 2024. Each seasonal limited edition is crafted with Roku’s signature commitment to Shun, the Japanese philosophy of celebrating ingredients at their seasonal peak. The Noryo Tea Edition highlights two of Roku Gin’s six signature Japanese botanicals: Sencha tea and Gyokuro green tea, both harvested at their seasonal peak.
A new launch from Kazakhstan included in a roundup of latest spirits landing in the region is Xaoma Vodka. The brand officially made its Malaysian debut with a launch event at Lavantha KL last month. Crafted using water sourced from the Kazakhstan side of the Tian Shan Mountains, the brand draws inspiration from “Haoma”, the ancient ritual drink that symbolised courage, wisdom and strength throughout Central Asian civilisation.
Production & Profile
The Glenlivet Small Batch Collection is exclusively matured in first-fill American oak. The 17YO Wildflower Honey has a nose with vanilla and oak at first, followed by an ice floral and honey note. This segues onto the palate with a streak of honey sweetness on the mid-palate, followed by a sweet, toffee honey finish. The 19YO Indulgent Chocolate is a combination of first-fill American oak, first-fill Sherry, and second-fill ex-Scotch barrels. On the nose, there are prominent sherry influences of dark fruits and cherries, alongside chocolate notes. It is on the palate that this whisky shines with sweet raisin notes enveloped by the silkiness of chocolate, then finishing long with bittersweet dark chocolate.
The 20YO Orchard Fruitiness is a blend of first-fill American oak, second-fill ex-Scotch, and second-fill American oak hogsheads. It has a prominent vanilla and fruity nose, with the fruitiness continuing on to the palate alongside honey, umami in the middle, and a simple, apples and pears finish. The Xaoma Vodka is made with a base of wheat. The Ice expression is crisp and clear, slightly minty and citrusy, with an easy finish. The Gold expression has a clean and bright nose with citrusy lemons and a hint of coffee, while on the palate there is a nice creamy mouth-coating texture with cereal grains and a hint of sweetness.
Brand & Industry History
The Glenlivet Small Batch Collection consists of three cask-strength, non-chillfiltered single malts. The Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition is the second of its Seasonal Festival Collection limited editions, following the debut of the Sakura Bloom Edition in 2024. Xaoma Vodka aspires to be a vodka that is different – inviting people to discover what vodka can truly be. It has two expressions currently available: Xaoma Gold and Xaoma Ice.
What This Means
This release marks the arrival of specific premium spirits in the Klang Valley region, expanding the selection of local options for consumers seeking distinct cask strength malts and seasonal botanical gins. The inclusion of a vodka from Kazakhstan alongside established whisky and gin brands highlights a diverse range of international production methods landing in the market.
Consumer Takeaway
The drinker can expect three distinct single malt options from The Glenlivet, all cask strength and non-chillfiltered, available at the Private Chamber. Roku Gin offers a limited-edition expression suitable for a dry martini, highlighting Sencha and Gyokuro green tea. Xaoma Vodka provides two expressions made with wheat sourced from the Tian Shan Mountains, suitable for highballs and long drinks.
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