dbHK launches Scotch Whisky Masters

the drinks business Hong Kong is launching the first-ever Asian edition of the popular Global Scotch Whisky Masters in a drive to find and reward the finest Scotch whisky in Asia, one of the fastest growing markets for Scotch whisky.

Demand for Scotch whisky continues to grow in Asia, especially with continued revival in demand coming from China. The value of exports of Scotch whisky rose 9% to £4.36bn in 2017, the strongest growth in six years, fuelled by a weak pound and demand from China and Russia. Exports to Singapore, from where a large proportion of whisky is re-exported to China and Southeast Asia, soared 29% to £291 million last year.

This all makes Asia one of the most lucrative and exciting markets for Scotch whisky distilleries.

Chaired by the drinks business Hong Kong and a panel of leading spirits specialists, the whiskies will be judged in a blind tasting based on categories including Single Grain, Blended Grain, Blended, Blended Malt, Single Malt: Speyside, Single Malt: Highlands & Islands, Single Malt: Islay, Single Malt: Lowland and Flavoured Whisky.

Judges will be looking at age, design and packaging before handing out the medals. Silver, Gold and Master medals will be awarded in each category. Additionally, the Gold and Master winners will then be judged for the overall title of ‘Grand Asian Scotch Whisky Master 2018’.

There’s no limit to the number of medals the judges can give out – with medals going to the winning spirits based on quality rather than quantity. In addition, the best performing spirits will go forth to compete for the title of ‘Scotch Whisky Taste Master – Asia’.

The results will be published in the drinks business Hong Kong and online on The Spirits Business website, as well as on all of our social media platforms and in a newsletter in both English and Chinese.

The deadline for entry is 1 August, and each entry should be submitted with two samples.

To enter the competition, please contact john.duffy@thedrinksbusiness.com.