Spirit Forward is a series documenting the latest releases in the world of drinks. In this edition, we check out the new Suntory Toki whisky, The Macallan’s limited-edition James Bond collection, and Mortlach’s new ageless whisky.
Suntory Toki
Suntory’s Toki whisky officially arrives in Malaysia. For the uninitiated, Toki is an award-winning blended whisky comprising three of Suntory’s most celebrated distilleries: Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita in a 50% malt and 50% grain composition that is crisp and approachable without being too simplistic. On the nose, you can get green apple, basil, and light florals, while on the palate you get a honeyed sweetness, bright citrus lift, and subtle herbal freshness, leading to a clean, smooth finish with gentle, lingering spice. We think it’s best enjoyed as a highball or on the rocks.
The Suntory Toki is priced at RM268 and available at leading alcohol retailers nationwide and online.
The Macallan – Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release
It has been 55 years since the James Bond franchise lit up the silver screen. But for a character known for his strange taste in shaken martinis, luxury whisky would arguably identify better with the spy who loved his Aston Martins and Rolexes. Incidentally, The Macallan‘s Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release celebrates just that, with a limited-edition 18 Year Old single malt distilled in 2007—or, 2-007—and crafted by The Macallan whisky maker Russell Greig. It uses bespoke hybrid casks crafted from sherry-seasoned European and American oak, complemented with a novel inclusion of American oak casks that previously held red wine. It’s a specific inclusion, reflecting moments in the film franchise where Bond’s command of wine allowed him to uncover vital clues.
The result is a whisky bold in depth with a light sweetness: creamy caramel, cocoa-dusted truffles, figs, and subtle spice with a long finish.
Available exclusively at The Chamber Malaysia.
Mortlach Neverbound Release 01
Mortlach Neverbound Release 01 marks the debut of an ambitious new annual series from one of Speyside’s most singular distilleries. Defying age-led conventions, this non-age-statement expression centres on flavour intensity rather than years in cask, spotlighting Mortlach’s legendary 2.81 distillation process: the method behind its famously powerful, savoury character. For Release 01, Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson introduces a finish in French oak casks sourced from the Cognac region and air-dried for up to four years, a process that softens the tannins and amplifies Mortlach’s signature umami depth. Bottled at 50.8% ABV, the whisky opens with vibrant red fruits and elegant wood spice on the nose before the palate delivers demerara sweetness, rich meaty complexity, and hints of soy sauce. The finish is long, spicy, and intensely savoury.
The Mortlach Neverbound Release 01 is priced at RM657 and available in limited quantities at The Chamber and Cellar Eighteen in Malaysia.
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