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 Clase Azul’s new premium tequila to Don Julio’s mini marvel.
Clase Azul Tequila Blanco Ahumado
In a master-clase of innovation bridging tradition and transformation, Clase Azul recently released its Tequila Blanco Ahumado variant in Malaysia. It is made exclusively from blue agave cultivated in Los Altos de Jalisco, and is an unaged tequila distinguishable by a delicately smoky nose. This smokiness is achieved through a traditional pit oven cooking method where the agave is dug into the earth and heated with wood and volcanic rock. The artisanal process infuses the spirit with rich, smoky agave undertones while maintaining the bright, fresh characteristics of blanco tequila.
As you pour the tequila into a glass, you’ll be struck with aromas of smoked agave, fresh plum, and red apple, with a palate that balances smokiness and fresh lemon with a mineral tip and silky mouthfeel. The Clase Azul Tequila Blanco Ahumado is best enjoyed neat, although we don’t need to tell you that. However, resist finishing the tequila in one shot. Instead, savour every sip and taste the difference in flavours as the temperature changes. Meanwhile, you can appreciate the gorgeous decanter, designed to reflect the traditional production methods, with design elements evoking the volcanic rocks, copper stills, and smoke of its creation.
Don Julio 1942 Mini
When we say mini is mighty, we actually mean it packs a punch—especially the new Don Julio 1942 Mini (50ml) bottle that’s now available in Malaysia. The Añejo tequila is crafted from hand-selected Blue Weber Agave grown for five to seven years in Mexico’s Highland red clay soils, slow-cooked for over 70 hours, and aged for two to two and a half years in oak barrels. The result is a smooth, complex spirit with notes of vanilla, caramel, warm oak, chocolate, nuts, and coffee. The 40% ABV mini format is the perfect entry point to experience Don Julio’s world and makes for a great gift.
Available at The Good Stuff.
Hibiki “The Harmony Within”
Recently in December 2025, The House of Suntory presented ‘The Harmony Within’, an exclusive month-long showcase at Kikyo that explores Hibiki Japanese Harmony through three distinct tasting rituals. The experience begins with discovering the whisky’s multifaceted character through The Highball, a light and effervescent expression that offers a crisp, refreshing introduction. Then, it moves to On the Rocks, where slow-melting ice unveils the whisky’s deeper warmth and quiet complexity. Finally, the experience ends with Mizuwari, prepared with soft Japanese water to reveal the blend’s fine structure and allows each component to speak with clarity. According to Darwin Ng, Suntory Global Spirits’ newest Brand Ambassador for Malaysia, each expression offers a different way to understand the blend’s brightness, depth, and balance, creating a thoughtful journey for guests.
Dom Perignon x Takashi Murakami
Dom Perignon partnered with artist Takashi Murakami once again to create two limited edition designs for the 2025 year-end season, celebrating both Dom Perignon Vintage 2015 and the launch of Dom Perignon Rosé Vintage 2010. The collaboration showcases Dom Perignon Vintage 2015, born from an exceptionally contrasted year with a dark, tactile presence that has a subtle bitterness. Meanwhile, the Dom Perignon Rosé Vintage 2010 embodies 10 years of creative pursuit toward pinot noir radicality, offering surprising poise with a mouthfeel that is altogether powerful and delicate, dense yet ample. “Through my collaboration with Dom Perignon, I wanted to express a form of time travel. My goal is to remain relevant in 100 or 200 years and to transcend time. When the label has aged, and I am gone, and my children are gone, I hope that people of the future, when they see it, will reimagine 2025 in their own minds,” said Murakami.