Malaysia’s growing community of American whiskey enthusiasts recently had a rare opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most respected figures as Sazerac Master Blender Drew Mayville made his first-ever visit to Kuala Lumpur for a pair of exclusive tasting masterclasses.
Few names in American whiskey carry the weight of Drew Mayville.
Earlier this month, Malaysian whiskey enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, collectors, and media members were treated to a rare opportunity when the veteran Master Blender visited Kuala Lumpur for two exclusive masterclasses showcasing some of Sazerac’s most celebrated American whiskeys. Hosted at Director’s Cut TTDI on June 10 and Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur on June 11, the sessions offered guests far more than a simple tasting. They provided a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship, history, and quality philosophy behind some of America’s most sought-after bourbon and rye whiskey brands.
For many attendees, however, the true highlight was meeting Mayville himself.
With more than four decades in the spirits industry, Mayville is widely regarded as one of North America’s foremost whiskey authorities. Before joining Sazerac in 2004 as Master Blender and Director of Quality, he spent nearly 23 years with Seagram’s, ultimately becoming the last Master Blender to serve under the legendary Seagram dynasty.
His career has encompassed virtually every aspect of spirits production, from distillation and quality assurance to blending and technical services, giving him an unusually broad understanding of the whiskey-making process. Today, he plays a key role in maintaining the quality and consistency of many of Sazerac’s most acclaimed brands.
While master distillers often receive much of the public attention, master blenders occupy an equally important position in the whiskey world. Their responsibility is to ensure that each bottle delivers the flavour profile consumers expect, year after year, despite natural variations that occur during maturation. It is a discipline that combines as much art as science, drawing on the blender’s experience, sensory analysis, and an almost instinctive understanding of flavour.
A TASTE OF AMERICAN WHISKEY EXCELLENCE
The masterclasses focused on several of the beloved brands from Sazerac that have helped fuel the growing popularity of American whiskey in Malaysia.
Among the stars of the tasting was Buffalo Trace Bourbon, the flagship whiskey from Kentucky’s historic Buffalo Trace Distillery. Known for its approachable character, notes of vanilla and caramel, and exceptional value, Buffalo Trace has become a favourite among both newcomers and experienced whiskey drinkers.
Guests also explored Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, a bourbon that has earned a devoted global following thanks to its longer maturation period and elegant balance of oak, toffee, spice, and dark fruit notes. Widely regarded as one of the standout age-stated bourbons available today, Eagle Rare provided an excellent example of how additional ageing can add complexity without sacrificing drinkability.
Another highlight was 1792 Small Batch Bourbon. Produced at the historic Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, the whiskey is known for its richer profile, featuring notes of baking spice, vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. It offered a noticeable contrast to Buffalo Trace while remaining unmistakably bourbon in character.
Representing the rye category was Sazerac Rye Whiskey, a spirit closely associated with New Orleans and the famous Sazerac cocktail. Compared to bourbon, rye whiskey typically presents a drier and spicier profile, and attendees were able to experience firsthand how rye delivers a distinctly different drinking experience while remaining approachable and versatile.
Throughout the sessions, Mayville guided guests through each whiskey’s production, maturation, and flavour profile, weaving in stories from his long career, plenty of self-effacing humour, and offering insights into the blending process that few consumers ever have the opportunity to hear directly from the source.
A GROWING APPRECIATION FOR AMERICAN WHISKEY
The visit reflected a broader trend that, in our view, has become increasingly evident in Malaysia’s premium spirits scene over recent years. While Scotch whisky remains dominant, interest in American whiskey continues to grow as consumers discover the diversity and quality available across the bourbon and rye categories.
Importers such as Single & Available Whisky have played an important role in introducing Malaysian consumers to many of these expressions, helping build awareness through tastings, education, and direct engagement with producers – not to mention actually importing the spirits and making them readily available to local enthusiasts!
For those of us in attendance, Mayville’s visit represented a unique opportunity to connect with a professional whose experience and influence extends across some of the most respected names in American whiskey. His combination of technical expertise, deep industry knowledge, and approachable presentation style made the sessions as educational as they were enjoyable.
Those who missed the masterclasses need not worry. You can always visit Single and Available in person at Bangsar Shopping Centre or online, and beyond that, the Sazerac portfolio is expected to feature at WhiskyPLUS Kuala Lumpur this August, offering another opportunity for enthusiasts to explore Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, 1792, Sazerac Rye, and other celebrated expressions from one of the world’s most respected whiskey producers.
