TIMAH, Malaysia’s first whiskey to be globally recognized – has again been awarded – this time by the International Spirits Challenge 2020, an influential British-based competition which received more than 1,800 entries from 70 countries.
The ISC is deemed by many of the world's leading spirits producers as the international standard for quality and excellence, featuring blind testing panels of more than 50 esteemed, expert industry professionals. The results were announced late last year.
Timah first made history when as the country’s first double-peated blend, it won its first Silver medal in the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the oldest competitions of its kind.
It was marked by judges as “an outstanding spirit that displays refinement, finesse and complexity”. It was also the first time a Malaysian-produced whiskey ever won an award at this prestigious competition.
The award by the ISC has now cemented Timah’s place among the top whiskeys of the world.
Malaysians had also given their stamp of approval. Within 3-4 weeks of Timah being awarded by the SFWSC in July last year, orders came thick and fast and Timah was sold out by the following month.
Good news - limited stock available now
Thankfully, Mr Gilbert Yeo, Managing Director of Timah producer Winepak, has some good news. “We have limited new stock available now. Those who are keen to get a bottle for CNY 2021, can order now through our website,” said Gilbert.
The awards to Timah represent the first time a Malaysian brand has triumphed in such competitions. The incredible run of international success in 2020 sets a new standard for local producers, and “represents a dignified new generation of Malaysian whiskey founded on a proud heritage,” remarked Gilbert, adding that the celebrated spirit adds a new sense of distinction to the Malaysian alcohol market and proudly brings the national industry into the global spotlight.
As Timah expands to regional markets, it will do so as the flagbearer for Malaysian alcoholic brands and a leader in the Asean market. Timah uses molasses spirit to suit local and regional tastes and thereby, is able to credibly claim that it is Malaysian-made, a point of difference in international spirits competitions.
Timah (“tin” in Bahasa Malaysia) is distinguished by a distinct identity that reflects the national spirit of industry and enterprise at the turn of the 20th century and celebrates the heritage of fine malt whiskey dating back to the days of British Malaya.
The 19th century English explorer and adventurer Captain Tristram Speedy – the first British Assistant Resident of Perak, heart of Malaysia’s tin industry – is the ‘face’ of the bottle and the brand: “His spirit of conquest and thirst for adventure is encased in the light embers of Timah whiskey,” Gilbert added.
Timah’s tasting notes indicate a light, fruity whiskey which starts off with a faint floral bouquet and gradually moves through a smoky palate before settling into a sweet, light oak finish. The fine balance of malt and sugarcane molasses imparts a unique peat-infused character, giving an exotic hint of the tropics. – The Vibes, February 11, 2021
