Carmen Tam
Co-Founder and principal of WhiskyU (Hong Kong)
What’s your favourite bottle at the moment?
My current favourite bottle is Fettercairn 12 year old. Fettercairn is the best known for its rather unusual pot stills. A copper tube known as a cooling ring encircles the neck of the still and drenches it with water, lowering the temperature and increasing condensation so that only the lightest of vapours can scale the swan neck to the promised land of the condensers beyond. The design was introduced in the 1950s to help create a more delicate spirit and remains completely unique today. It is very fresh and vibrant with vanilla, flowers and tropical fruit notes such as apricot and peach for a harmonious finish.
What’s your view on the current state of the whisky world?
The whisky world market will keep booming for at least the next five to eight years, especially because the value of collectable bottles of single malt scotch whisky selling at auctions in the UK at record prices.
What are your thoughts on the regulation changes in Japan and New Zealand?
It eliminated those that are not really Japanese whisky and New Zealand whisky so I think it is good for the market. The situation is similar to Scotch whisky back in 1823. In 1823, the government set an annual licence fee of GBP£10, and the minimum allowable size of pot still was 182 litres which eliminated some illicit stills and distilleries.
What’s your favourite whisky bar?
I love Whisky & Words in Hong Kong because their atmosphere is relaxing and chill for drinking whisky. Ensign Ewart pub in Edinburgh also has a great collection of old whiskies.
