Cask 88 | Showcasing the finest in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Whisky Festival

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The prestigious Hong Kong Whisky Festival, now in its twelfth year, was held once again at the glamorous InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong. Cask 88 was delighted to return to exhibit in this year’s festival, showcasing a selection of our rare and vintage collections, and sharing some of our favourite releases from the past few years.

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This year’s festival featured over 1,000 different whisky expressions from regions including Scotland, Japan, Ireland, and the US. More than 30 masterclasses and seminars were hosted by industry experts, including an exclusive session by Cask 88. The festival is known for its bespoke and limited-edition whisky bottlings, highly anticipated by collectors, and this year we revealed the jewel in the festival’s crown.

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The highlight of the festival was the unveiling of our 36-year-old single grain Invergordon, finished in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry cask. Presented in traditional and august bottle design and hand-labelled, this exquisite whisky exemplifies our commitment to craftsmanship and exceptional quality. Half of the stock sold out prior to the festival, and we received numerous international orders from collectors worldwide. This underscores Cask 88’s unique flair for bring new and exclusive bottlings to a discerning global audience. The remaining bottles are available exclusively from the Grand Stanford Hong Kong website.

Stockton Event – Ralph Steadman Series Pre-launch Party

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The Stockton Bar, located in the beating heart of Central Hong Kong, is celebrated for its literary-themed décor and memorabilia, paying homage to the legendary Gonzo style of Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman. This iconic bar offers an immersive experience, drawing fans eager to soak in the unique ambiance.

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Cask 88 collaborated with Stockton Bar to host an exclusive VIP event, the global premiere of the Ralph Steadman x Cask 88 Collection. Over 50 guests attended the event, enjoying a tasting session with the first set of single cask bottlings that comprise the first semester of the Ralph Steadman x Cask 88 series. Many attendees were new to the gorgeous Stockton bar and were captivated by the immersive décor and experience of the event. The evening was marked by an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from guests, who were particularly impressed by the meticulous presentation and storytelling behind the Ralph Steadman Series bottles as well as the truly outstanding character and quality of the rarefied single malts themselves.

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The first release of the collection has proved exceedingly popular and only highly limited stock of each bottling remains. Be sure to add your bottles to your own collection here to avoid disappointment.

Cask88 Team

Here’s our top six gifts for whisky enthusiasts that are sure to hit all the right notes.

1. The Bothy: A Whisky as Rare as True Love

If you want to give a truly unique and singular gift, consider The Bothy, an exquisite single cask expression from the lost Imperial Distillery. Distilled in 1998, just before the distillery closed its doors forever, this whisky captures a special moment in time — much like the cherished memories of a lasting relationship. Whether your loved one is an experienced whisky connoisseur or simply enjoys a good dram, this rare bottle will truly impress.

Discover more about The Bothy

2. Whisky Date Night: A Toast to Love

Why not take your beloved on a whisky-filled date night to celebrate Valentine’s? There’s nothing quite like sipping on fine drams in the intimate atmosphere of a world-class whisky bar. Scotland is home to some of the finest whisky bars in the world, where you can enjoy an unforgettable evening with a dram of something special.

Consider visiting these award-winning whisky bars for an evening to remember:

The Bow Bar (Edinburgh) – A cosy, welcoming space with an extensive whisky selection.
The Pot Still (Glasgow) – Known for its rare and unique expressions from around the world.
The Highlander Inn (Speyside) – Nestled in the heart of whisky country, offering rare drams and local charm.
The Quaich Bar at The Craigellachie Hotel (Speyside) – A whisky lover's dream spot for relaxation and indulgence.

Each of these locations offers a chance to sip, savor, and enjoy the finest whiskies together in a setting that exudes romance and charm.

3. Single Malt Gift Set: An Introduction to Rare Whisky

For those new to the world of whisky, a Single Malt Whisky Gift Set is the perfect introduction to the finer side of whisky. This set features aged, unique expressions from Scotland’s finest distilleries, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Inspired by the quirky artwork of Ralph Steadman’s 1950s art correspondence course, this curated set even includes 'course materials' for the first semester of Whisky Engineering! It’s the perfect way to kickstart a whisky lover's journey and give them something to cherish.

Explore the collection

4. Whisky Cocktail Making Classes: A Fun and Interactive Experience

Looking for a fun, interactive gift that goes beyond the bottle? Sign your loved one up for a Whisky Cocktail Making Class! These classes offer a unique experience where participants learn the art of crafting classic and creative whisky cocktails. It’s an excellent way to bond while experimenting with different flavours, learning new techniques, and, of course, enjoying a delicious whisky-based cocktail or two.

Book a Cocktail Masterclass in Edinburgh at The Raging Bull or enjoy a Cocktail Masterclass in Glasgow at Mackintosh at the Willow. Whether you’re mixing up a classic Old Fashioned or trying something new, this experience promises both fun and learning for whisky lovers at all levels.

5. The Poet's Pour: Where Whisky and Words Meet

For those who appreciate both whisky and poetry, The Poet's Pour is perfect for the true romantic. This limited-edition Islay Single Malt is crafted in collaboration with Edinburgh-based poet Janette Ayachi, combining the fine whisky with the beauty of hand-written prose. Ayachi’s poem, inspired by the whisky’s smoky warmth and rich palate, makes this bottle a treasured keepsake for lovers of both literature and whisky.

Get yours now and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

6. Distillery Tours: A Romantic Whisky Adventure

Looking for an experience that combines adventure, beauty, and whisky? A distillery tour might be just the thing. Embark on a whisky-filled journey to some of the most iconic distilleries in Scotland, such as:

Glenfiddich (Speyside) – A picturesque distillery known for its rich heritage and world-class whisky.
Lagavulin (Islay) – A distillery that produces some of the peatiest and most distinct whiskies in the world.
Ardbeg (Islay) – Located on the rugged Isle of Islay, Ardbeg offers breathtaking coastal views and an unforgettable whisky experience.

These distillery tours offer an immersive experience where you can walk through the stunning landscapes, learn about the whisky-making process, and, of course, enjoy some of the finest single malts in the world. Perfect for whisky lovers who appreciate both adventure and romance!

Conclusion: Give the Gift of Whisky This Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, go beyond and surprise your loved one with a gift they’ll truly appreciate. Whether it’s a rare bottle of whisky, a fun experience like cocktail making, or an unforgettable distillery tour, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate your love for each other with something special.

At Cask88, we’ve handpicked the best gifts for whisky lovers, so you can find the perfect way to show how much you care. Cheers to love, whisky, and unforgettable memories this Valentine’s Day!