The week in pictures: Hong Kong

Sampling Belvedere’s 007 Spectre martini, taking to the high seas with the Aqua Luna and tasting Ksara over a Lebanese wine dinner are just a few things the db HK team got up to last week.

Ahead of the launch of the new James Bond film Spectre, Belvedere hosted a Bond-themed evening where guests tried the Spectre 007 Martini made from its limited-edition Belvedere 007 vodka.

Next up was the new eight-course lunch pairing menu from Above & Beyond at Hotel Icon with an emphasis on traditional Chinese cuisine and a revamped F&B team. A particular highlight was the baked sago pudding with Chinese Jasmine tea.

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Aqua Restaurant Group, members of Hong Kong’s media set sail on its iconic yellow-sailed junk, the Aqua Luna for a cruise around Hong Kong’s harbour. Veuve Clicquot flowed in abundance and the party continued afterwards at Aqua’s Armani/Prive’s rooftop bar.

Lucie Stroesser, export manager and brand ambassador for Arran Malt was in town to talk through Arran’s Hong Kong portfolio at the Ginger Bar. Arranged by Sino Vantage Asia, the tasting consisted of 10 Year Old, 14 Year Old and the new 18 year old Single Malts as well as the 12 Year Old Cask Strength, Amarone Cask Finish, Port Cask Finish and Sauternes Cask Finish. To finish off, guests were treated to the decadent Gold Cream Liqueur.

Whisky fest: Guests were also invited to sample the mystery “whisky” from the bottle and guess which they thought it could be. The prize was to drink yet more Arran Malt.

To unwind after a busy week, team db HK headed to Zahrabel Dining Club for some slap-up Lebanese food and delicious Chateau Ksara. The unanimous favourite was the 1999 with its silky tannins, voluptuous fruit and rosewater finish.

After an arduous hike to Tai O, an ancient stilt village on Lantau island, a refreshing drink was called for at the Tai O Heritage Hotel with beautiful views over the sea and neighbouring islands.