Tasting Journal

The Journal

Editorial entries from our tasting sessions — stories of whiskey, cigars, and the moments that bring them together.

Chinese Whisky: The New Frontier
Chinese Whisky Exploration

Chinese Whisky: The New Frontier

SWCC Tasting Room, ShanghaiApril 13, 2026

Five Chinese whiskies from Sichuan, Shandong, and Guangdong revealed a nascent but exciting whisky scene — with Mongolian oak and rice whisky pushing boundaries.

Tsingtao Cask StrengthLaizhou PeatedThe Chuan Pure MaltGrand Talon Rice WhiskyTsingtao Oloroso Sherry

"The Mongolian oak on the Tsingtao Cask Strength was a revelation. I'd never have guessed this was Chinese whisky."

— Member A

Pairing Highlight

Tsingtao Cask Strength's tobacco and chocolate notes paired unexpectedly well with a medium-bodied Habano.

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Glenfiddich Vertical: 15, 18, and 21
Speyside Vertical Tasting

Glenfiddich Vertical: 15, 18, and 21

SWCC Tasting Room, ShanghaiMay 1, 2025

A vertical journey through Glenfiddich's core range revealed how age and cask selection transform the world's most popular single malt.

Glenfiddich 21 Gran ReservaGlenfiddich 18 Small Batch ReserveGlenfiddich 15 Solera ReserveGlenfiddich IPA Experiment

"The jump from 18 to 21 is remarkable. The rum cask finish on the Gran Reserva is pure genius."

— Member C

Pairing Highlight

The Gran Reserva's rum cask sweetness paired beautifully with a Padrón 1964 Anniversary.

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Islay & Peat: A Smoky Evening
Islay & Peated Malts

Islay & Peat: A Smoky Evening

SWCC Tasting Room, ShanghaiApril 1, 2025

From Lagavulin's maritime elegance to Ardbeg's raw power, we explored the full spectrum of Islay peat alongside expressions from India, Taiwan, and the Netherlands.

Lagavulin 16Ardbeg CorryvreckanKavalan Solist Vinho BarriqueAmrut FusionTalisker 18

"The Corryvreckan is a force of nature. I've never tasted anything so intense yet so balanced."

— Member E

Pairing Highlight

Lagavulin 16 with a Padrón 1926 — smoky sweetness meets dark chocolate power.

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Campbeltown: Scotland's Whisky Capital
Campbeltown Special

Campbeltown: Scotland's Whisky Capital

SWCC Tasting Room, ShanghaiDecember 1, 2024

Three expressions from Scotland's smallest whisky region revealed why Campbeltown was once the whisky capital of the world.

Springbank 10Kilkerran 12Campbeltown Blended Malt

"Springbank is the most authentic whisky experience in Scotland. You can taste the tradition in every sip."

— Member G

Pairing Highlight

Springbank 10's complexity paired surprisingly well with a mild Connecticut cigar.

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The Inaugural Tasting
World Whisky Discovery

The Inaugural Tasting

SWCC Tasting Room, ShanghaiSeptember 1, 2024

Our first official tasting session brought together whiskies from Scotland, Sweden, and Austria — setting the tone for the club's journey ahead.

Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 12The Balvenie 12 DoubleWoodMackmyra Svensk RökChivas Regal Royal Salute 21

"This is exactly what Shanghai needed — a community of people who take whisky seriously but don't take themselves too seriously."

— Member H

Pairing Highlight

Glendronach Cask Strength with dark chocolate — a sherry lover's dream.

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Taiwan Whisky: The Kavalan Revolution
Taiwan Whiskies

Taiwan Whisky: The Kavalan Revolution

Ministry of Malt, ShanghaiJanuary 13, 2024

Seven expressions from Kavalan and Nantou revealed why Taiwan has become one of the world's most exciting whisky frontiers — tropical maturation, innovative cask selection, and world-beating quality.

Kavalan Solist Oloroso SherryKavalan Solist Vinho BarriqueKavalan Solist Fino SherryKavalan Classic Single MaltOmar Single Malt Bourbon TypeOmar Single Malt Sherry TypeOmar Sherry Cask Strength

"The Kavalan Solist Oloroso at 92 points is a revelation. Taiwan's tropical climate creates a maturation magic that Scotland simply cannot replicate."

— Member I

Pairing Highlight

The Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry's meaty, coffee-like texture paired magnificently with a rich after-dinner setting — best enjoyed in a balloon cognac glass with a few drops of warm water.

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