Robust and malty, smoky and sweet – fine whiskies come in many forms, with nuanced flavours absorbed from the oak casks in which they are aged to perfection.
Specially curated for our Diamond members, these special whiskies from the Cathay Shop make a sophisticated gift for your friends and colleagues – or a delicious treat for yourself.
Cathay Pacific’s first foray into spirits is the culmination of a fruitful partnership with Glenfarclas. “The Glenfarclas business has been in the same family for six generations,” says Ronald Khoo, Cathay Pacific’s Wine, Spirits & Beverages Manager. “The distillery’s proud heritage and dedication to quality are values that we share at Cathay Pacific.”
Founded in 1836, the venerated Scottish distillery is among the last to use direct fire from gas burners in the distillation of its whisky, which produces a robust flavour profile. Produced as a limited edition of 300 bottles, Cathay Pacific’s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is full-bodied and rich, with a lustrous antique copper hue. Aged for 15 years, the cask-strength whisky has balanced notes of fig, plum and toffee-coated apples. The finish is smooth, with a tingle of spice and a lingering sweetness.
Established in Elgin in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail is renowned for its expertise in malt maturation and exacting standards for its wood casks, resulting in whiskies with a harmonious balance between oak characteristics and lighter notes. Distilled in 1973 and bottled in 2015, this Longmorn Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Gordon & MacPhail was aged for 42 years in sherry casks. It has hints of cinnamon, apple and pear on the nose, with a palate of sweet apple, raisins and a touch of charred oak leading to a smooth chocolate finish.
Since The Glenlivet’s founder, George Smith, began making whisky in the remote hills of the Livet valley, the Scottish distillery has made a name for itself as a purveyor of distinctive reserves. This Glenlivet XXV Single Malt Scotch Whisky was aged for a quarter of a century in first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry and Tronçais oak Cognac casks. The rich amber spirit has aromas of chocolate ganache, plum jam, honey and lemon zest, with a smooth and sweet palate of fig, blood orange, ginger, toasted oak and charred pineapple. The finish is long and sweet, with a mild spiciness.
Founded in 1798, Tobermory is the sole whisky distillery on the Isle of Mull. One of only 235 bottles from the brand’s “Fine Vintage Cask Selection”, this honey-coloured Tobermory 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a non-peated, cask-strength spirit aged in a bourbon cask. Notes of citrus, candied fruit, honeycomb and salted caramel are complemented by a refreshing marine-like finish that reveals the whisky’s Hebridean character.
The second collaboration between English fashion designer Richard Quinn and Scottish distillery Royal Salute brings a new selection of iconic flagons in Quinn’s signature bold floral prints, including a dizzying background of daisies and a classic pattern of roses on polka dots. Composed of Scotch whiskies from Braeval, Strathisla and Caperdonich distilleries selected by Quinn and Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, this Royal Salute 21-year-old blend is lively and complex, with aromas of mango, banana, vanilla fudge and roasted chestnuts. The rich and fruity palate has notes of strawberry jam, pear, peaches and honey blossom that give way to a hint of smoke on the finish.
JN Radhakrishna Rao Jagdale began operating his Bengaluru distillery in 1948 under the name Amrut Laboratories, drawing on a Sanskrit term that means “elixir of life”. In the decades since, Amrut has become a pioneer of Indian single malt whisky. This limited-edition Triparva Triple Distilled Single Malt has a nose of salted caramel, coconut, vanilla and sweet orange. The palate is fruity, with peach and melon tones complemented by a touch of plantain and honey that lingers on the finish.