Overview: The Klang Valley recently welcomed a significant influx of premium spirits, marked by the launch of The Glenlivet Small Batch Collection second edition in Kuala Lumpur. Simultaneously, Roku Gin introduced its Noryo Tea Edition, while other notable expressions from Hendrick’s, Gin Malaya, and Xaoma Vodka made their debut or gained prominence in the region.
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 cask strength and non-chillfiltered.
Roku Gin recently introduced its Noryo Tea Edition, a limited-edition expression inspired by Noryo, the Japanese tradition of seeking moments of refreshment and tranquility during the height of summer. This is the second of its Seasonal Festival Collection limited editions, following the debut of the Sakura Bloom Edition in 2024. Each of these seasonal limited editions are crafted with Roku’s signature commitment to Shun – the Japanese philosophy of celebrating ingredients at their seasonal peak.
Hendrick’s Gin launched Another Hendrick’s, its first new permanent expression in nearly a decade, through an immersive ‘Anotherland’ garden event at Kwai Chai Hong in KL’s Chinatown. Following the original drink’s unusual use of cucumber and rose petals, this time around, it is orange blossom and cacao that take the spotlight in Another Hendrick’s. Gin Malaya finally got its big Malaysian launch last month with a media tasting at RC Bar at The Ritz-Carlton KL. Xaoma Vodka officially made its Malaysian debut with a launch event at Lavantha KL last month.
Production & Profile
The Glenlivet Small Batch Collection consists of three cask-strength, non-chillfiltered single malts. Exclusively matured in first-fill American oak, the 17YO Wildflower Honey has a nose that lives up to its name, with vanilla and oak at first, followed by an ice floral and honey note. This segues nicely 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’s on the palate that this whisky shines though – 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, with a prominent vanilla and fruity nose.
Roku Gin’s 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 to create a refreshing summer expression. On the nose, it is softer than the core Roku, but with more pronounced notes of tea, and the juniper standing out a little more as well. The palate also leads with the tea, followed by juniper and floral notes, ending with a mouth-coating, slightly tannin finish.
Hendrick’s Another Hendrick’s is presented in an all-white bottle (in contrast to the original’s all-black look). On the nose, it is a bit more juniper-forward than the original Hendrick’s, helped perhaps by the brighter notes of orange blossom. The cacao really comes through on the palate, providing a velvety touch to the classic gin flavours, with the floral hints of orange blossom lingering in the background.
Gin Malaya is distilled in Scotland with Malaysian botanicals such as pandan, bunga kantan, and Bentong ginger. The Original expression has a nice pandan nose, with the lemongrass on the background, and subtle juniper, while on the palate, the ginger takes charge, followed by juniper. The Kantan expression is made with juniper, bunga kantan (ginger torch flower), and rose hip botanicals. On the nose, you get an immediate kantan aroma, with some floral notes.
Xaoma Vodka has two expressions currently – Xaoma Gold and Xaoma Ice, both made with a base of wheat. The Ice expression is crisp and clear, slightly minty and citrusy, with an easy finish. On the nose, Xaoma Gold is clean and bright with citrusy lemons and a hint of coffee, while on the palate you get a nice creamy mouth-coating texture with cereal grains and a hint of sweetness.
Brand & Industry History
The Roku Gin Noryo Tea Edition draws inspiration from Noryo, the Japanese tradition of seeking moments of refreshment and tranquillity during the height of summer. This expression follows the debut of the Sakura Bloom Edition in 2024, continuing a line of seasonal limited editions crafted with Roku’s signature commitment to Shun – the Japanese philosophy of celebrating ingredients at their seasonal peak.
What This Means
The arrival of these spirits coincides with broader industry events in the region. Penang Cocktail Week returns this month with the theme ‘Welcome Home’, and Negroni Week returns to celebrate the iconic classic cocktail for a good cause. These launches contribute to the ongoing activity in the Klang Valley’s beverage scene, highlighting a diverse range of options from whisky to gin and vodka.
Consumer Takeaway
The market now offers access to cask-strength, non-chillfiltered single malts at the Private Chamber in Kuala Lumpur. Drinkers can explore seasonal limited editions crafted with Japanese botanicals or permanent expressions featuring orange blossom and cacao. Additionally, options distilled in Scotland with Malaysian botanicals and premium vodka from Kazakhstan are available for those seeking specific flavor profiles.
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