This week in whisk(e)y #28 - Highland Park Ice Edition, Teeling St Patrick's Day celebrations and Australian launch of Revival 15yo, Dragon-8 to auction incredible Macallan collection in Hong Kong

As you might know if you read this blog regularly, we get a fair few interesting press releases and news articles here at TimeforWhisky, and usually try to feature them with our own spin, experiences or comments. Sometimes though, they come thick and fast, and we just don't have time to do them all justice.

So we've decided to take a leaf out of some other excellent whisky blogs, and feature a "PR roundup" every now and then - basically a wrap-up of relevant press releases we've received in the previous week or so (including other interesting whisk(e)y news Steph, Hendy & or I think you might enjoy). So on with it then...

Highland Park Ice Edition
Spotted recently by eagle-eyed US patent-watchers, and just recently posted on Master of Malt's website, is the first of what seems to be a new series of Highland Park limited releases, picking up from where the "Valhalla Collection" left off, following its final release in the series - Odin (which recently launched in Hong Kong).

Photo credit: MasterofMalt.com

Keeping with the Norse theme (of course), the new series begins with the "Ice Edition", which apparently will also come in a cradle, like the Valhalla Collection's longboats, although this time shaped like a mountain.

Matured in primarily ex-Bourbon casks, the whisky is said to most closely resemble the Freya (which we saw launch in Hong Kong in 2014), with a light, fruity nose and hints of peat smoke on the palate.

At 53.9% ABV and 17yo, it sounds like one we're keen to get our hands on. Limited to 30,000 bottles apparently (no exact word on release dates or markets just yet, but watch this space).


St. Patrick's Day with Teeling Whiskey and the launch of "The Revival" 15yo in Australia
There's probably not much more to say about Teeling Whisky that we haven't already said (suffice to say, we're fans). In three years the range has grown to 46 countries, and the new limited edition "The Revival" 15yo Single Malt will soon be available in Australia.

Teeling’s Asia-Pacific Brand Ambassador and Dublin native, Martin Lynch, has helped Teeling grow to become available in Australia at Dan Murphy’s, independent liquor stores and, since 2015, bars too, including some of the country’s top cocktail establishments.

“As an Irishman and whiskey enthusiast, it really is a dream job to be representing such a unique Dublin brand here in Australia. The Teeling brothers have been working extremely hard and we have already won some brilliant awards. Since launching, it’s been great to see the fantastic response to the whiskey from Australian consumers and trade,” says Martin."

Teeling are celebrating St Patrick’s Day (Thursday 17 March) in Australia this year with a decadent event in Melbourne, kicking off celebrations early at the St Patrick’s Day Eve Party at Bar 1806 in Melbourne on 16 March. For those keen to join in the celebrations (and perhaps see what makes Teeling so good), see teh details below:

St Patrick’s Day Eve Party
When: Wednesday, 16th March 7pm
Where: Bar 1806, 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
What: An evening of Teeling Whiskey with cocktails on arrival, Irish inspired canapes, and a tasting of five Teeling whiskies including a new limited edition
Tickets: $40AUD
Booking: online via http://www.1806.com.au/activity/st-patricks-day/ call 03 9663 7722, or stop by the bar to pick up your tickets.



Dragon-8 Auctions to auction incredible collection of The Macallan in Hong Kong this weekend
The Hong Kong whisky auction scene is certainly popular the moment, with a number of high profile auction houses (led by Bonhams, whose latest auction we recently attended) and equally high profile lots (like the $900k+ HKD 52yo Karuizawa during "peak Karuizawa" last year).

A relative newcomer to the scene, Dragon-8 are no exception, with their upcoming auction (this Saturday 27th February) featuring a few lots that are rarely (if ever) seen. For example:

• A full vintage set of The Macallan
• A full set of The Macallan Lalique decanters
• An entire cask of The Macallan (and Highland Park, and Dalmore, and Bowmore)
• There's even a 30L bottle (that's a Melchisedech) of Armand de Brignac - Ace of Spades Champagne should anyone feel like celebrating after winning a sought after lot...

We met a few of the staff (and Founder Gil Lempert-Schwarz) at the Hong Kong Whisky Festival on the weekend, and had a chat about some of the upcoming lots, which also include the likes of rare Laphroaigs, a 50yo OB Highland Park, both the 70yo (Glenlivet) and 75yo (Mortlach) decanters from Gordon & Macphail, a few rare Ardbegs and a smattering of Karuizawas.

With some lots continue their meteoric rise, and other lots seemingly "cooling off" from the mid last year, this should be an interesting one to watch. One thing's for sure - those Macallan lots will be popular!

The Dragon 8 Auction will take place at The Pool House on the 11th floor of The Grand Hyatt in Wan Chai on Saturday, February 27th, 2016, beginning at 11 am. To reserve a place, attendees can fill out a registration form at www.dragon-8.com

Thats all for this week. Until next time...

Cheers, 
Martin.