Spirit Forward is a series documenting the latest releases in the world of drinks. In this edition, we check out all the recent updates in the industry, from Hibiki’s seasonal release to Hendrick’s brand-new gin.
Hibiki Premium Gift Edition 2026
The Hibiki Premium Gift Edition 2026 is a limited-edition Japanese blended whisky from The House of Suntory. Presented in a stunning collectible box adorned with the traditional 花車文様 Hanaguruma pattern—featuring auspicious clouds, plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and autumn leaves—the packaging honours the changing Japanese seasons and the promise of a bright new year. Within the bottle, the whisky delivers Hibiki’s signature harmonious flavour profile, with notes of oak, honey, and a hint of spice for a rich, warm finish.
The Hibiki Premium Gift Edition 2026 is priced at RM588 and available at www.cellar18.com.
Ardbeg Limited Edition Single Malts 2026
Islay distillery Ardbeg has unveiled three highly collectible limited-edition single malt whiskies—take a seat. The Ardbeg Smokiverse marks a first for the distillery: crafted using a pioneering high-gravity mash technique that amplifies tropical fruit and ester notes alongside classic sweet peat, delivering layers of muscovado sugar, ripe barley, and toasted sourdough. Next, the Ardbeg Anthology: The Beithir’s Tale (15 Years Old) is the award-winning finale of Ardbeg’s experimental Anthology trilogy, matured in bespoke designer bourbon casks to yield an aromatic, creamy dram of vanilla, smoked butter, peat smoke, and menthol. It also earned a Spirit Gold Outstanding 98-point score at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2025. Rounding out the collection, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch 7 (50.3% ABV) marks the final release in the beloved 19-year-old small-batch series, with a record proportion of Oloroso sherry casks bringing waves of ginger, toffee, and cumin to the distillery’s signature medicinal smoke.
The three Ardberg limited edition single malts are now exclusively available at Hank’s across 50 outlets nationwide.
Another Hendrick’s
William Grant & Sons has launched Another Hendrick’s, the iconic Scottish gin brand’s first new permanent gin expression in almost 10 years. Built on Hendrick’s original recipe, this exciting new release introduces two distinctive botanicals—cacao and orange blossom—for a fresh yet unmistakably Hendrick’s flavour profile. On the nose, expect vibrant juniper with bright, citrusy notes and a delicate sweetness from the orange blossom, while the palate delivers a smooth combination of cacao, citrus, and orange blossom in perfect harmony. Bottled at 41.4% ABV and crafted by Hendrick’s Master Distiller Lesley Gracie, Another Hendrick’s is a sophisticated evolution of a classic.
The Macallan Distil Your World Paris
The Macallan has released Distil Your World Paris, the fifth single malt Scotch whisky in its globe-spanning Distil Your World series. Crafted by Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell in collaboration with the Roca brothers—owners of El Celler de Can Roca, twice named the World’s Best Restaurant—the limited-edition expression brings together the precision of whisky-making with the artistry of Parisian haute cuisine, capturing the essence of l’art de la table. Campbell used a distinctive cask combination of American sherry-seasoned oak, European sherry-seasoned oak, ex-bourbon, and rare Cognac casks—the latter being unique to this release, delivering a final flourish of French refinement. On the nose, the whisky offers almond croissant and delicate rose notes, layered with sweet nectarine, sandalwood, and vanilla pod, while the palate has nuances of rich buttered pastry, brioche, peach melba, and mille-feuille, with a warm, spiced oak finish. The whisky’s natural colour, named Parisian Sunrise, is inspired by early morning light over Montmartre, while the inner artwork—created by Paris-based artist Cassandre Montoriol—depicts a vibrant table d’hôte scene on a quintessential Parisian street. Bottled at 47.2% ABV, this collector’s release is a must for luxury whisky enthusiasts and The Macallan devotees alike.
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