The Art of Maturation: A Whisky Masterclass of Distinction

Van Tu

Held at the elegant Mai House Saigon, Luxemalt’s latest whisky masterclass, The Art of Maturation, invited discerning guests into a sensorial journey through five distinguished expressions from Scotland. Guided by industry experts and steeped in heritage, the event delivered not only complex drams but also a rare opportunity to connect with craftsmanship, community, and the age-old rituals of maturation that define the world’s most iconic whiskies.

An Immersive Experience of Whisky and Heritage

Set within the refined ambiance of Mai House Saigon, The Art of Maturation was more than a tasting—it was a celebration of heritage and mastery. As part of Luxemalt’s exclusive Whisky Masterclass series, the event brought together collectors, connoisseurs, and tastemakers for an exploration of five exquisite Scotch whiskies, each unfolding a unique story of terroir, time, and technique. 

As the distributor of ultra-luxury distilled treasures such as The Dalmore, Tamnavulin, and Jura, and as the exclusive distributor of Whyte & Mackay in Vietnam—Luxemalt continues to elevate the country’s fine spirits landscape through curated experiences and nationwide access to the world’s most iconic drams.

A Gathering of Icons and Industry Voices

Gracing the occasion was whisky expert for the Asia region, Mr. Dean Rosen, alongside prominent guests from Vietnam’s culinary and lifestyle scenes—entrepreneur Alain Tân, blogger Liên Anh Nguyễn, KOL Nguyễn Cao Lan Chi, and MC Hồng Hạnh. These notable figures added sparkle to a soirée that was both intimate and elevated, fostering conversation around craftsmanship and culture.

Whyte & Mackay: A Blend of Precision and Elegance

The tasting began with Whyte & Mackay Blended Scotch Whisky, renowned for its triple maturation process and award-winning smoothness. Notes of tropical fruit, rose syrup, and caramelised orange gave way to an almond-like warmth and a rich, syrupy finish, creating a layered yet harmonious palate.

Tamnavulin: Speyside’s Silken Signature

Distilled in the quiet village of Tomnavoulin, Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Edition showcased the finesse of Speyside whisky. Initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and then finished in three distinct sherry barrels—including Oloroso—the whisky delivers a layered profile of soft sweetness: maple syrup, raisin, and orange with hints of apricot and melon.

Jura: Bold Character from a Remote Isle

From the rugged shores of Jura, Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky was born of the determination of the Diurach community, who defied the odds to distill on this remote island, crafting a whisky of unmistakable identity and spirit. The Jura 12 Years Old Sherry Cask is matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and finished in aged, hand-selected Oloroso sherry casks from Spain. This dual maturation yields a boldly dark yet refined profile—rich with ripe plum and sweet spice, elevated by vibrant layers of citrus. It is a testament to Jura’s elemental beauty and the resilient soul of its people. 


The Dalmore: Royal Heritage, Timeless Craft

With the Royal Stag emblem at its heart, The Dalmore 12 Years Old and The Dalmore Cigar Reserve embodied regal craftsmanship. 

The former was aged for nine years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and then split—one half remaining in bourbon casks, the other transferred to 30-year-old Matusalem oloroso sherry butts from Gonzalez Byass in Spain. The two are later brought together in perfect harmony, yielding a whisky that far exceeds the expectations of a typical 12-year-old expression. 

The latter, born to accompany fine cigars, was matured in a rare combination of ex-bourbon casks, 30-year-old Matusalem sherry butts, and fine Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels. This bold expression reveals layers of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and spice—designed to hold its own beside even the most full-bodied cigars.

Information

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