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Whisky, an exquisite spirit in rich history and culture, renews slowly in the vicissitudes of times like a sage quietly narrating tales of the past. It is not merely a drink but a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection by distillers and blenders, encapsulating the wisdom and dedication of countless craftsmen.
Sculpted by time, each drop of whisky is a masterpiece, aged gracefully within oak casks, engaged in delicate interplay with airborne microorganisms, gradually revealing a multi-layered, subtly nuanced palate. From the bright notes of fresh fruit to the deep warmth of caramel, from a smooth texture to a lingering finish, whisky weaves an ever-changing array of flavors that enchants connoisseurs across the globe. Simultaneously, the whisky culture bridges nations and ethnicities with its unique charm, drawing together perse souls in a shared experience that transcends time and space.
One cannot discuss whisky without mentioning Ms. Stephanie Macleod, the Director of Blending of Bacardi Scotch Whisky. Her exceptional talent and boundless passion enabled her to claim the title of "Master Blender of the Year" at International Whisky Competition (IWC) for six consecutive years. In her magical hands, each whisky seems to be brought to life. With her unique blending skills, she created a series of impressive whisky masterpieces by skillfully blending the techniques of ancient traditional brewing with modern innovative thinking.
Stephanie profoundly believes that "whisky is not just a liquid in a glass; it is the art of time, a treasure trove of history, and a legacy of culture." Therefore, she approaches every blend with the reverence of an artist, striving to preserve the whisky's soul while infusing it with even more delicate and rich flavor profiles. Her endeavor ensures that each sip offers the connoisseurs a glimpse into the profound heritage and unique charm beneath the surface.
During her recent visit to Shanghai, Stephanie brought the mellowness and elegance of Scotch Whisky to the forefront for Chinese consumers. At the 2024 Whisky L! Exhibition, Stephanie personally narrated the long history and unique culture of whisky, guiding attendees to appreciate this gem from Scotland. Under her guidance, more Chinese consumers are embarking on a journey through the ages, savoring the rich history and the enduring allure of whisky, together witnessing the continued growth and prosperity of Bacardi spirits in the China market.
During the master class, Stephanie intimately shared with Chinese consumers her heartfelt journey in blending whisky in detail with charisma and passion. She likened every blend to an artistic creation that requires a precise grasp and an unyielding spirit of innovation. Also, Stephanie compared the blending process to conducting a symphony, where every note plays a crucial role in crafting a harmonious and exquisite composition.
Of particular note, Stephanie delved into the unique characteristics of two key scotch whisky brands of Bacardi – Dewar's and Aultmore. She remarked that Dewar's Whisky, with its deep amber hue, rich fruity aroma, and subtle smoky whispers, has captivated the hearts of whisky enthusiasts worldwide. As every drop of Dewar's Whisky carries the weight of history and craftsmen's dedication, they are not only a glass of wine but also the inheritor of Scottish culture and the spirit of craftsmanship. Dewar’s has been one of the most awarded blend scotch whiskies in the world.
As for Aultmore Whisky, Stephanie elaborated more from the perspective of terroir and nature. She pointed out that the unique flavor of Aultmore stems from its blessed environment in the Foggy Moss of Speyside, whose fresh air, a humid climate, and abundant floral and fruit resources come together to create inimitable layers of flavor. Then she led the audience on a tasting journey to relish the delicate complexity of Aultmore Whisky, immersing them in the purity and freshness that nature has bestowed.
Stephanie Macleod's visit to Shanghai has undoubtedly rejuvenated the whisky market in China. Her artistic talent and passion have ignited a profound appreciation of whisky culture among Chinese consumers. With each tasting, they can perceive the accumulation of time and craftsmanship and appreciate the cultural abundance and emotional reverberation behind the whisky.
Looking forward, there is a solid basis to believe that whisky culture will embark on a new era of development in China, allowing us to savor the mellowness and elegance of whisky and immerse ourselves in its timeless charm and profound depth.
