Editor’s Note – June 2016

Was at Kota Damansara and Sunway Giza last week and noticed that a lot of shops had closed down. I also noticed that there were empty shoplots in the upper class neighbourhood of Bangsar Baru. A pretty disturbing sight and signs of a troubled economy.

In fact the latest Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (https://www.mier.org.my/csi/) report shows that confidence has hit a new low with the Consumer Sentiments Index dipping to a record-low of 63.8 as present finances worsen, jobs and incomes to deteriorate further, and growing fears of higher prices for consumers to watch their spending.

Perhaps it’s high time for brands to rethink their advertising strategy and utilise media which are more cost-effective. We at Malaysia’s Hottest Bloggers are most willing to assist brands with cost-effective and attractive advertising through our Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) such as social media influencers and bloggers. Contact us at elaine@myhotbloggers.com for more info and to find out how we can assist your brand.

Academy18 Finale

The secret doorway to the event was actually the bookshelf

Melanie and I headed over to the Chivas Regal Academy18 Finale Party at Image Rom Shooting Studio on 18 May 2016. The series was a celebration of personalities who are refined, charismatic and committed to succeed the right way. Through Academy18, a series of speakeasy sessions held in some rather unusual venues, Chivas Regal gathered ten influential minds and personalities to share their secrets to success.

Past speakers included successful personalities and entrepreneurs such as King Quah, Giulio Xiloyannis, Dennis Lau, Chuck Yeoh, Gavin Yap, Yuri Wong, Douglas Lim, Melvin Tong, Ken Lim, Isadora Chai.

The finale party was the culmination of the series and featured a cocktail, a Q&A with each academician and a little sneak peak of what’s to come from Chivas Regal soon. Hint – check out this site https://www.theventure.com/

One of Malaysia's top mixologists Kelvin Lee making a Chivas 18 cocktail for us — One of Malaysia’s top mixologists Kelvin Lee making a Chivas 18 cocktail for us

My old school mate Jwan Heah who's dating my friend Joey Tan. Small world... — My old school mate Jwan Heah who’s dating my friend Joey Tan. Small world…

Xandria Ooi taking a selfie with her friends

Took this pic with my Huawei P8 which girls love because of its in-camera beauty mode

Martell Tasting at Elegantology in Conjunction with Le French Festival 2016

Denise and I headed over to Elegantology in Publika, Kuala Lumpur on 9 June 2016 for the Martell tasting session in conjunction with Le French Festival 2016 that happens from 6 May until 19 June 2016. The festival was organised by the Alliance Française and the Embassy of France in Malaysia, and supported by the Institut Français, and is presented by Martell and in collaboration with a number of partners including Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC).

Formerly known as the French Art & Film Festival, Le French Festival offers residents in the Klang Valley, Johor Bahru and Penang a host of events, including the French Film Festival, live music performances and events with visiting French artists, events in gastronomy, and educational talks.

I’m no stranger to Martell’s range cognacs but it was nice to taste Martell V.S.O.P, Cordon Bleu, and X.O. in one sitting paired with some delicious canapes and good company! The Martell brand ambassador was also on hand to share with us the history behind the brand and some info on the three (3) variants.

Tasting notes – V.S.O.P.

A smooth and mellow Cognac that is a true cocktail of aromas, at once fresh, rounded and woody.

Aspect: Golden amber.

Nose

Bittersweet softness: lime and liquorice.
Crystallised fruit: quince, raisin and plum.
Spring undergrowth: fresh notes of oak wood (fine grain and hazelnut).

Mouthfeel

Soft, mellow and complex with crystallised-fruit notes. An ample, round body. Long finish.

A cognac to enjoy on its own, over ice or lengthened with a mixer.

Tasting notes – Cordon Bleu

An explosion of deliciously fruited, spice notes. Elegance linked to aromatic richness.

Aspect: Deep, golden copper.

Nose

Orchard fruits: Crystallized plums and apples.

Roasted notes: Mocha coffee, toasted almonds, vetiver.

Rich spice aromas: Cinnamon, orange tree flower, honey and beeswax.

Mouthfeel

Well-rounded mellowness.
Sustained finish with fruit and spice notes.
The preponderance of Borderies eaux-de-vie gives Martell Cordon Bleu an elegant, mellow and complex character.

Tasting notes – X.O

A spicy, rich crescendo starting with the mellow elegance of the Borderies, followed by the intensity and finesse typical of Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie.

Aspect: Golden amber with dark copper and mahogany highlights.

Nose

Ground spice (black pepper, coriander) and red berries.
Rich fruit flavours: fig chutney and compote, almonds and walnuts.
Beeswax and sandalwood

Mouthfeel

Rounded and fruity on the palate (notes of fig and walnut) followed by the characteristic power and finesse of eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne.
A long and silken finish.

Ideal for special occasions. Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.

M0re info at www.martell.com

Carlsberg EURO 2016 Viewing Party at Movida

Michelle and I headed over to Movida in Sunway Giza on 1o June 2016 for the Carlsberg x The Star’s EURO 2016 viewing party. Carlsberg is the official beer partner of EURO 2016. Always nice watching football with the nice folks from Carlsberg Malaysia who always look after me very well.