John Walker celebrates Mastery of Craft

 

When I pushed back the thick curtains draped across the entrance and stepped into the event hall, my shoes sank into the plush carpet.

 

Hands-on experience in making Bunga Rampai
at the John Walker Mastery of Craft celebration

I was instantly enveloped in the fragrance of fresh flowers and I paused a moment to let my eyes adjust to the subtle lighting.

 

My eyes were riveted to a familiar figure, lit up by strategically placed spotlights. It was the distinguished brand icon, a man-sized Johnnie Walker, poised in his confident stride.

 

This event was part of their Mastery of Craft campaign where the rare and exceptional blend of John Walker & Sons XR21 was celebrating local culture, craft and traditions.

 

The iconic Johnnie Walker in Johor

The creation of John Walker & Sons XR21 was to honour Alexander Walker II's knighthood from King George V for his services to the nation, inspired by Sir Alexander's own handwritten notes and blended from the Johnnie Walker reserve of rare whiskies, all of which have been matured for a full 21 years.

The rare three-step blending process used to craft John Walker & Sons XR21 brings about notes of sweet honey and tempered spices, cloaked in warming smoke.

 

After celebrating in various states throughout the nation, the brand arrived in Johor Baru in an event that showcased the wealth of Peranakan Chinese culture, craft and traditions.

 

In 2011, I had the pleasure to meet traditional craftsmen in Johor and Melaka who were skilled in handicrafts, including the maker of Kasut Manek or beaded slippers, and over the years, I also learned more about the Baba and Nyonya heritage from the Peranakan community here.

 

A better appreciation of John Walker & Sons
XR21 under the guidance of a Master Taster

Incidentally, My Johor Stories featured Peranakan culture and traditions through a series of posters and a short video posted in Facebook and Instagram in February 2022.

 

As my senses adjusted to the fragrance that assailed my nostrils, I soon recognised it as the aroma of Bunga Rampai, a traditional Nyonya potpourri made from fragrant flowers and pandan leaves.

 

For a better appreciation of this Nyonya tradition that has been passed down through generations, guests were invited to have a hands-on workshop experience to make little pouches of Bunga Rampai.

 

My place at the dinner table

John Walker & Sons XR21 partnered with Lilian Tong, President of the Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Pulau Pinang and Museum Director of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion Penang, to showcase various Peranakan crafts and traditions.

 

It was a pleasure to meet with Lilian at this event because I had the privilege to visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Penang and published a story of my delightful experience for the Travel Times in 2007.

 

In fact, during the recent lockdown, I relived these lovely memories when I watched a TV documentary which featured the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Penang.

 

[When I mentioned this, Lilian graciously invited me to visit her in Penang and to enjoy another experience of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.]

 

Live music entertainment transported us to
a bygone era, reminiscent of old Shanghai

While some guests tried their hands at making Bunga Rampai, some guests took the opportunity to learn more about appreciating the finer points of the rare blend of John Walker & Sons XR21 under the guidance of a Master Taster.

 

Meanwhile bartenders were kept busy serving two choices of specialty whiskey cocktails made with John Walker & Sons XR21.

 

As its name describes, the Old-Fashioned Tong Sui was inspired by a traditional Chinese dessert that featured dried dates and aromatic sweet palm sugar, while the Peranakan Highball boasted the refreshing hint of curry leaves and spices.

 

Lilian Tong, shared her knowledge on the
Peranakan traditional costumes and accessories

The Peranakan theme was also reflected in the specially designed elegant baju kebaya worn by the John Walker & Sons XR21 ambassadors as they served this fine whiskey at the banquet tables when we sat down for dinner.

Our meal was accompanied by live music entertainment in Mandarin, Cantonese and English songs, provided by Xi Yau & Friends, an ensemble which transported us to a bygone era, reminiscent of old Shanghai.

Lilian showed us intricate designs of the baju

Our dinner menu featured a Prosperity Four Combination appetizer, Teochew-style Steamed Coral Trout Fish, Grilled Iberico Pork Rib, Braised Broccoli with Mushroom & Fish Maw, Signature Fuzhou Fried Noodles, and dessert of Mango Snow Ice with Pomelo beads.

 

Each dish, from the mains to dessert, were delicately crafted to distinguish its rich flavours, neatly complimented by sips of the John Walker & Sons XR21 whiskey.

 

Lilian assured us that she would share more
details on Peranakan traditions when we visit
the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Penang

Lilian, an advocate of the rich history, arts, culture, heritage and traditions of the Straits Chinese Baba Nyonya, shared her knowledge to guests through a visual show.

 

From her collection of photographs, we could better appreciate the wealth and beauty of the Peranakan that ranged from its unique décor and crockery designs, Nyonya kueh, traditional clothes, footwear and accessories, and even to their gilded wedding bed.

 

This celebration of the craft, culture and tradition of John Walker & Sons XR21 and the proud heritage of the Peranakan, came to a fitting close as I slowly savoured my drink to its last drop.

 

For more information, visit official website: www.johnniewalker.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JohnnieWalkerMalaysia

And: www.facebook.com/Pinang Peranakan Mansion