It's getting cold, and winter is just around the corner. This winter, try something different for a warm drink. Enjoy a touch of authentic amber Scotch whisky or a beautifully crafted homemade cocktail. This is the perfect time of year to savor whisky.
When it comes to whisky, do you still feel a bit unfamiliar or distant? Unbeknownst to many, this rich amber spirit has quietly permeated the city, with almost every pub and lounge now offering a selection of whisky-based drinks this autumn and winter. Last week, a treasure whisky party that blended modernity with classical style was held atop the ancient Duanmen Gate Tower, officially kicking off this winter's trend with the arrival of top-tier whiskies in the capital. Reporters have also found that authentic whiskies are available in supermarkets.
Do you think cocktails and whisky are far removed from your life? If so, take a look at these figures. According to public data, the entire spirits market in China currently stands at 500 million cases, with domestic high-end baijiu accounting for 18 million cases and imported spirits for 4 million cases. Of course, these figures are expected to grow in the future Chinese market.
Gusco, Marketing Director of Diageo Spirits Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., explained that before launching products like Baileys, J&B, and Smirnoff, they conducted detailed research and found that Chinese consumers enjoy mixing spirits with soft drinks when they drink.
Deng Chao, often perceived as a cool figure, also shared his thoughts on whisky. He said he looks for whisky that "clicks" with his personality. J&B's style, known for creating the impossible and subverting tradition, is also very cool and party-oriented, which suits him perfectly. The famous online writer Ning Caishen also mentioned that the J&B whisky he often drinks is similar to his work. Alcohol not only serves as a beverage but also becomes an atmosphere and a symbol of culture. In the joyful atmosphere of a party, J&B whisky is the perfect choice to enhance the mood.
In terms of sales channels, Gusco said that in addition to bars, they have also expanded into large supermarkets. Now you can buy it in places like Carrefour for around 200 RMB, which is much more affordable than in a bar. Choosing the right drink is a matter of party etiquette.
While buying your own drinks at home is economical, it's also important to learn how to choose. Winter is a season for gatherings, so let the lively, warm atmosphere chase the cold away. If you want to show your personality and make your party stand out, learning to select the right drinks is essential. There are plenty of examples of people making a fool of themselves by choosing the wrong drink, and a higher price doesn't always mean it's the right fit. In Western etiquette, learning to choose the appropriate drink for a specific occasion is a very important lesson.
The well-known whisky brand Johnnie Walker, through strong brand building, conveys a message of career success and continuous progress. Royal Salute is suitable for grand and formal occasions, making it a perfect choice for important business negotiations and high-stakes business encounters. Baileys is primarily a drink for enjoying with friends at home parties and KTVs. J&B represents a lively image of subverting tradition and creating the impossible, targeting young, fashionable people who love parties, enjoy life, want to be different, and pursue quality.
Patrick Millert, Director of Traditional and Historical Brands for Scotch Whisky, explained that in the culture of wine, learning to choose is the most professional part. Based on 12 years of experience in the Chinese market, Patrick said that consumers can now largely select different wines according to their different needs. For example, compared to other spirits, J&B and others represent passion, embodying a party spirit everywhere. Some brands represent tradition, while J&B represents rebellion against tradition, breaking it, and inspiring infinite possibilities. Imagine, at a joyful party, should wine or J&B Treasure appear? This decision itself is based on different atmospheric and spiritual needs.
Patrick Millert is definitely a top expert in traditional Scotch whisky. He explained the secrets of whisky tasting for everyone. 1. Appreciate the color
Slowly pour the whisky into a wide-bottomed glass to appreciate its color. The color of whisky gradually develops during the aging process, and different casks produce different colors and flavors. From pale yellow to dark brown, the longer the aging, the deeper the amber color it becomes. 2. Smell the aroma
Slowly bring the rim of the glass to your nose and gently inhale the aroma of the whisky. Whisky has a strong flavor; if you're not an expert, it's best not to inhale too deeply. 3. How to drink
Drink it neat, with water, or on the rocks—whatever you prefer. The key is to sip it slowly. When drinking neat, let the whisky coat your entire mouth and feel the changes on your taste buds. This method is more suitable for single malt whisky. 4. Tasting the good stuff
Patrick Millert explained that to choose authentic Scotch whisky, you first need to understand the different types of whisky. Scotch whisky has a very rich flavor because it uses malt whisky from Speyside. In contrast, Canadian or American whiskies have a stronger alcohol and wood flavor. The quality of the whisky is not determined by its age but mainly by the blending skills. For beginners, don't embarrass yourself in front of experts
1. Does whisky age matter?
In the world of whisky, different vintages have their own style characteristics, and the brewing techniques of renowned distilleries also differ. The age only represents the time the whisky has spent aging in an oak cask; it is not a legal quality indicator. As long as it has been properly cellared, what comes out is a fine wine. However, please note that whiskies do not come in 11, 13, 14, or 19-year vintages. 2. How long can whisky be stored?
If stored properly, an unopened bottle of whisky can be kept for at least 10 years, though there will be slight evaporation. In a bar, regardless of whether the bottle is opened, your storage card will typically indicate a storage period of only 1-2 months. 3. For a first-time whisky drinker, how to order?
You can order a mixed drink, like whisky with cola. J&B Treasure is the most suitable whisky for mixing, as it achieves a perfect taste with any soft drink. 4. Does whisky need to be decanted?
No. Whisky is distilled and its stabilizes after bottling, so it does not continue to mature slowly like wine. 5. Is mixing whisky with green tea scientific?
It's worth noting that many people think that adding green tea reduces the alcohol concentration and makes the taste slightly sweeter, but this can lead to unknowingly drinking more alcohol. Furthermore, tea contains caffeine, which can irritate the stomach. 6. Are there special glasses for whisky?
Typically, whisky glasses are straight-sided and stemless, known as "old fashioned" glasses. The glasses used at J&B Treasure tastings are square glasses. Expert recommendations: Classic whisky profiles Johnnie Walker
The most beloved whisky brand among young people, with a square bottle that looks sharp and vibrant. It comes in Black Label, Red Label, and Blue Label, blending about forty different single malt and grain whiskies. J&B Treasure
Treasure blends more than 40 premium single malt whiskies from Scotland's four whisky regions, aged for 15 years, and is matured in American bourbon casks that have previously held premium whisky. It is slightly sweet, with rich layers of fresh apple and pear flavors, a subtle hint of mixed oak and peat, and an incredibly smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Royal Salute
From the Chivas family, Royal Salute is more noble and has a close connection with royalty. The secret to its quality is its aging casks, which must have previously held Spanish sherry or American bourbon whisky. Ballantines
Ballantines' history dates back to 1827 when its founder, George Ballantine, created the first fine bottle in Edinburgh. Since then, Ballantines has had an inseparable relationship with the British royal family, featuring a faint smoky flavor mixed with a hint of sweet barley.