“Asia Pacific is critically important for Distell – it is a major growth market for our brands and a key channel to recruit new consumers, both in travel retail and domestic markets,” says the South African wines and spirits company’s Global Travel Retail Managing Director Luke Maga.
That focus is manifested in the company’s portfolio to be shown at the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore next week (F27, basement 2).
The range on offer includes a limited-edition sherry cask single grain whisky; a new blended malt; and a new flavour for Amarula Cream Liqueur.
Bain’s 18yo PX Cask Finish
This limited-released bottling (just 1,700 bottles) is exclusive to travel retail. A single grain whisky, it is finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks – part of a new range of three sherry casked-finished whiskies to be launched over coming years. The range reflects the vision of Founder Distiller Andy Watts in celebrating the quality of South African grain whiskies.
Bain’s 18yo PX Sherry Cask Whisky is crafted at the James Sedgwick distillery in Wellington, Africa’s only commercial whisky distillery.
The sweet profile of the PX casks amplifies the spicy sweet notes of the single grain, offering what the company claims is a unique finish for a grain whisky.
Scottish Leader Blended Malt
Another travel retail exclusive offering, Scottish Leader Blended Malt marries malt whiskies from the Highlands, Speyside and Scottish islands. This whisky displays complex layers of rich sweet fruit, honey and vanilla, which develop into a spicy, sweet and peppery smoky flavor.
The malt is housed in a bottle featuring modern, sleek packaging aligned with the future look of the Scottish Leader range.
Amarula Cream Liqueur
A new, as yet undisclosed flavour variant to the fast-growing Amarula brand will be launched at the show. The cream liqueur has enjoyed double-digit growth for the past two years in Asia, the company said, while a new Vanilla Spice flavour was successfully launched in 2018.
“We are keen to build on this momentum – innovation is fast becoming one of the most important aspects of any premium brand,” said Maga.
The decision to create the new variant was made due to the growing demand for more interestingly complex flavour profiles, Maga commented. “Globally, a taste for tropical fruit, berries, and citrus is a growing movement. In addition, herbs, roots and botanicals are also rising in popularity. In essence, customers are on the lookout for unique experiences and are increasingly open to flavours they haven’t experienced before.”
Maga said that Amarula set out to create a “one-of-a-kind flavour profile” using only ethically sourced African ingredients.
Another travel retail exclusive, Deanston 10yo Bordeaux Cask, will also be highlighted at the exhibition.
