Whisky lovers, listen up! The InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is bringing back the famed Hong Kong Whisky Festival, and it's shaping up to be a dram-atic affair. Mark those calendars for the 4th and 5th of May 2024, because this year's festival promises to be the biggest yet.

Taking over four floors of the hotel, this whisky extravaganza is a haven for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to whisky, with over 1,100 different spirits on offer! Think classic Scottish and Japanese malts alongside a treasure trove of old and rare bottles – yes, we're talking whiskies from the 70s and 80s, and drams with seriously impressive ages on them. Also expect a smorgasbord of whiskies from rising stars like Taiwan, India, Israel, Ireland, USA, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, England, and the Netherlands. It's a chance to explore the global whisky scene. 

Two whisky brands would also be making their official debuts in Hong Kong – Vintage Bottlers, a top-notch Scottish bottler, and the innovative blenders at Compass Box. 

The event is also highly educational, with over 35 masterclasses, so you can dive deep into the world of whisky straight from the experts. 

If you fancy a dram with a side of luxury, head to the alfresco garden of Tiffany's New York Bar (or Bertie Cigar Lounge, as it's known). Pair a fine cigar with your whisky and unwind in style. The cigar collection, curated by Cigraal, better known as Bertie Hong Kong, offers the perfect complement to your chosen whisky. So, light up, relax, and savor the moment.

Exclusive Festival Bottlings

Now, for the extra special stuff: this year's festival boasts four exclusive bottlings, and there seems to be something for every palate.

First with have the Signatory Vintage 17 Years Old Glenlivet 2006 matured in First Fill Sherry Butt with 54.8% ABV (HK$2,050 early bird /HK$2,350 regular price). This Speyside dram promises a rich and decadent sherry-filled experience. 

Next, there's the Kavalan 9 Years Old Port Cask 60.2% ABV (HK$1,400 early bird /HK$1,600 regular price). Taiwan's most prominent single malt aged in a port cask, is likely to offer a touch of extra sweetness and complexity.

Next up, we have stately 36 Years Old Invergordon 1988 Single Grain  (HK$1,580 early bird/ HK$1,780 regular) that had been finished for 22 months in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask, bottled by Cask 88 (not to be confused with 88 Bamboo!) and bottled at cask strength (48.7%) with a label that bears the work of calligrapher Anthea Chow. 

Finally, we have Tiffany's New York Bar's 6 Years Old Mars Tsunuki Yakushima Single Cask 2017 matured in a Sherry Hogshead. This is bottled at 58% ABV (HK$2,480 early bird /HK$2,780 regular price). This is a third in the coveted series of bottlings from Tiffany's New York Bar.

If you're considering, these bottles might be worth snapping up – they tend to go fast!

Purchase bottles from Tiffany's New York Bar.

Masterclasses

The masterclass lineup is looking pretty impressive with a host of big names like Suntory, The Macallan, Glenfiddich alongside exciting classes focusing on Japanese craft distilleries, including Sakurao and Akkeshi. Here are some of the masterclass highlights we'll be looking at:

• Suntory’s 100th Anniversary Master Class - Yamazaki 18 years old Anniversary Edition, Hakushu 18 years old Peated Malt Anniversary Edition, Hibiki Japanese Harmony.
• The Macallan – The Cask Story: Double Cask 15 & 18 years old and Colour Collection 15 & 18 years old, compared with Valdespino Oloroso Sherry.
• Glenfiddich – from 15 to 30 years old
• Whisky Pairing Classes:
  – Caviar x Whisky – Highland Park and Royal Caviar Club
  – Cigars x Whisky – Highland Park and Bertie Cigar Lounge
  – Jean-Marc Gauchers Chocolate Bonbons x Whisky
  – Sherry x Whisky
• Japanese distilleries: Mars, Sakurao, Akkeshi
• Copenhagen Distillery
• The Glenrothes x Bespoke Conspiracy Chocolate
• Sherry Master Class
• Rum Master Class

Browse and sign up for masterclasses here.

Duo Guest Shift at Tiffany’s New York Bar: 3 May 2024

As if all that wasn't enough, Tiffany's New York Bar is hosting a cocktail extravaganza on the eve of the festival, led by Sune Urth of Copenhagen Distillery and renowned mixologist Katsuhisa Hirakawa. If whisky isn't always your tipple, this is your chance to indulge in some expertly crafted cocktails.

Details and Ticketing

Remember, the Hong Kong Whisky Festival is a popular event, so book those tickets early to avoid missing out on all the whisky-fuelled action!

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team