HK gears up for return of the Malt Masters

Now in its third year, the Malt Masters Whisky Festival in Hong Kong is back in Central, and due to last year’s success has extended to two days.

Taking place on Saturday, 27 February and Sunday, 28 February in the Conrad, this year’s Malt Masters will see a resurgence in Scottish single malts as well as the perennial favourite, Japanese whisky.

Speaking to the drinks business HK, founder, Ian McKerrow explained that due to whisky’s increasing popularity, Hong Kong’s dram drinkers are also looking for a more diverse range and smaller, niche brands as well as the major labels.

“This year, we are making it more of an international experience, including major and craft malts from America, Ireland, Wales and Sweden, among others – all part of our quest for the perfect dram and to help educate consumers on the full range of whiskies.”

David Roberterson, the former master distiller at Macallan and Dalmore is representing Platinum Wines at the VIP Tasting Room which will feature the first Asian launch of the Speyside single malt, Prometheus and Robertson will also give a masterclass on how to build a whisky collection – for all those budding investors.

The VIP Tasting Room will offer two complimentary tastings of Laphroaig 16 year old 1987 and Prometheus 27 year old as well as 25 whiskies available for purchase by the dram including Rosebank, Karuizawa, Port Ellen, Hanyu “The Joker”, Mortlach, Linkwood, and many others.

Another new theme for this year includes pairing whisky with food  – in particular Asian food – where Ewan Henderson from Scotch Broth Events in Glasgow will commandeer a couple of masterclasses and guide guests through a whisky and canape tasting, and Hong Kong’s wine and whisky columnist, Ronny Lau, will also host a cheese and Glenmorangie tasting.

“There’s masterclasses for all levels and interests,” said McKerrow. “We have Endo-san from Mizunaral hosting a masterclass on Ichiro’s Malt whisky; and for the first time we will also offer whisky and cigar pairing classes.with Glenlivet and Cohiba.”

Tickets are priced at HK$800, masterclasses HK$200 and VIP Tasting Room HK$400 and are available from the Malt Masters website.