Cover In the season of gifting, Tatler Dining editors spill their favourite alcohol drops of 2024 (Photo: Glenfiddich)
In the season of gifting, Tatler Dining editors spill their favourite alcohol drops of 2024 (Photo: Glenfiddich)
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In the season of gifting, Tatler Dining editors spill their favourite alcohol drops of 2024
Nothing says “I care” quite like a well-chosen bottle of liquid gold. And there is truth in that it is always a blessing to be able to gift, especially when the holiday season is upon us. For discerning spirit enthusiasts and connoisseurs, boozy collectables are aplenty as renowned producers muster up worthy releases to celebrate the year’s end. From Dufftown legend Mortlach’s shelf-worthy collaboration with renowned French designer Philippe Starck to The Macallan’s latest single malt release inspired by the festivities in Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite picks from the finest and latest alcoholic drops of 2024.
Read more: Editors’ Picks: The Tatler Singapore team shares what’s on our Christmas wish list
1. Mortlach L’Evolution by Philippe Starck
Beyond of the Mortlach L’Evolution collection (Photo: Mortlach)
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Philippe Starck is one of those designers whose blessed with the Midas touch. And to revolutionise the evolution of the Dufftown legend, the Frenchman, who recently became Mortlach’s first-ever creative director, presents abstract 3D-printed cages to cradle the three distinctive whiskies.
Begin is the embodiment of Mortlach’s character with its vibrant new make barley spirit, offering an intimate look at its origins; Become is the daring showcase of Mortlach’s unconventional approach to cask selection, using virgin oak, red wine and refill casks that results in a Scotch whisky that is rebellious yet refined; and Beyond is a marriage of casks aged across five transformative decades to represent velvet fortitude and evolution.
Starck’s artistic touch extends beyond the spirits themselves; each bottle is encased in a striking 3D-printed cage designed to protect and reveal the whisky’s identity. This innovative approach reflects both the modernity and tradition that Mortlach embodies; making it a work of art that is both easy on the eye and palate.
2. Macallan A Night on Earth in Jerez de la Frontera
Above The Macallan’s newest non-age statement single-malt Scotch whisky is inspired by Jerez de la Frontera in Spain (Photo: The Macallan)
The Macallan’s newest non-age statement single-malt Scotch whisky is inspired by Jerez de la Frontera in Spain (Photo: The Macallan)
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Coinciding with The Macallan’s 200th anniversary celebrations, what better way to do so than with a launch that encapsulates the spirit of year-end festivities? This latest release is a new non-age statement single-malt Scotch whisky named A Night on Earth in Jerez de la Frontera, of course, inspired by Jerez de la Frontera in Spain.
Matured in a masterful blend of European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks, the result promises a nose of honey-coated Pestiños, sweet raisins, cinnamon, anise, rich oak, and vibrant citrus. On the palate, it drinks of sweet pastry, ripe white grapes, honey-glazed almonds, vanilla, and a hint of anise and rosemary.
Accompanied by eye-catching packaging, designed by Jerez native María Melero, each bottle is encased in a gift-worthy box featuring vibrant imagery that echoes the warmth and vibrancy of southern Spain while capturing the essence of festive traditions.
3. Glenfiddich Grand Château
Above The 31-year-old Glenfiddich Grand Château is a limited-edition drop in collaboration with French street artist André Saraiva (Photo: Glenfiddich)
The 31-year-old Glenfiddich Grand Château is a limited-edition drop in collaboration with French street artist André Saraiva (Photo: Glenfiddich)
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A liquid masterpiece, a conversation starter, or a collector’s dream—call it what you wish, but the 31-year-old Glenfiddich Grand Château, a first-of-its-kind single malt finished in Bordeaux red wine barrels, is one for the books. First matured for 22 years in American oak casks, the liquid goes through another nine-year-long ageing process in Bordeaux wine cask.
The nose unfurls with aromas of coconut and vanilla, followed by a burst of ripe cassis and piquant nuts. Enhanced by the Bordeaux casks, the liquid develops a rich and indulgent palate, revealing layers of caramelised cherry, crisp apple, warming spices and toasted oak. This culminates in a long, satisfying finish.
The limited-edition drop sees a coveted collaboration with French street artist André Saraiva on the outer casing: featuring Saraiva’s twist on the traditional Toile de Jouy print, and his signature Mr A. motif—a cheeky disruption reflecting the essence of both Glenfiddich and Saraiva’s artistic vision.
In case you missed it: What makes the 31-year-old Glenfiddich Grand Château a collectible?
4. Ron Zacapa XO
Above Ron Zacapa XO is crafted from the first press of virgin sugar cane honey (Photo: Ron Zacapa)
Ron Zacapa XO is crafted from the first press of virgin sugar cane honey (Photo: Ron Zacapa)
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Crafted from the first press of virgin sugar cane honey, Ron Zacapa isn’t your run-of-the-mill rum; differentiating itself by not using conventional sugar byproducts such as molasses. Since establishing itself in 1976 while celebrating the centennial of the Eastern Guatemalan city of Zacapa, it has enjoyed the revered status as one of the best rums in the world in established regions.
It goes through a series of casks that previously stored robust American whiskeys, delicate sherries, fine Pedro Ximenez wines and French Oak barrels for the ageing process while finishing in ex-cognac French oak barrels. It is then sequestered away in a dedicated cellar at an altitude of 2,300 metres, deep in the highlands of Quetzaltenango, Western Guatemala—giving significance to being aged above the clouds.
The result is a fine balance of mature toasted oak, burnt caramel, dry roasted nuts, marzipan, and a pop of orange peel on the nose. It drinks opulently nectarous, bursting with fruit and spice, and finishes elegantly with dried mango, raspberries and ginger.
5. Royal Salute 24
Above Royal Salute 24 (Photo: Royal Salute)
Royal Salute 24 (Photo: Royal Salute)
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Crafted by master blender Sandy Hyslop, the Asia-exclusive Royal Salute 24-Year-Old Cognac Cask Finish marks the blended Scotch whisky’s first-ever expression matured in a cognac cask. To create this exquisite whisky, Hyslop married rare single malts from the renowned Strathisla and Longmorn distilleries, each aged for a minimum of 24 years. The result is a bold and intricate profile, showcasing exceptional depth, fruitiness, and spice—perfectly suited to complement the region’s love for rich and flavourful cuisine.
Encased in a striking limited-edition red flagon, the packaging pays tribute to its journey from the iconic Strathisla distillery to the Far East. With elegant oriental motifs, it offers a gift-worthy presentation steeped in tradition and storytelling.
6. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet
Above Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet (Photo: Johnnie Walker)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet (Photo: Johnnie Walker)
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Johnnie Walker Blue Label has launched the limited-edition Ice Chalet, a luxurious homage to the après-ski lifestyle in partnership with premium ski wear brand Perfect Moment. The Ice Chalet features a rare new blend by master blender Emma Walker and chic designs inspired by the enchanting “Blue Hour” when slopes give way to socialising.
Crafted for the ski and festive season, the blend captures the spirit of Alpine landscapes with velvety richness and notes of salted honey, cacao and soft malt. Featuring single malts from iconic northern distilleries like Brora, Dalwhinnie and Clynelish, it’s a whisky made for indulgent moments—best served ultra-cold, whether straight from the freezer or over ice. With its bespoke bottle and bag, the Ice Chalet is a collector’s dream, perfect for gifting whisky lovers, skiers and fashion aficionados alike.
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