Get yourself into the holiday mood long before the parties begin at WhiskyPLUS’s one-off festive shopping and sampling showcase, Spirits of the Season, coming to Crowne Plaza KLCC on Saturday, December 13.
The long year-end stretch always brings a familiar mix of anticipation and celebration. This year, with Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year all lined up, the festive season has evolved into a sprawling six-week window filled with gatherings, gifting, and general merriment. This year, WhiskyPLUS is adding something new to the calendar. Spirits of the Season, a special one-day event on December 13, promises a relaxed, enjoyable way to discover great drinks, pick up thoughtful gifts, and ease into the holidays.
Spirits of the Season brings together a wide range of spirits, wines, and craft beers, along with artisanal cheeses, small bites, and curated food stalls. The aim is simple enough: make it easy to explore, taste, and shop in a setting that feels more like a festive holiday market than a trade fair. Held in the Grand Ballroom on Level 12 of Crowne Plaza KLCC, the event runs from 2pm to 8pm and encourages guests to settle in for the afternoon, take their time, and enjoy a little seasonal indulgence!
Tasting plays a central role, of course. Pre-sale tickets are RM80 and include entry, a tasting glass, a canvas shopping bag, and at least 10 complimentary samples from participating exhibitors. Some stands may include certain samples at no additional cost, while premium labels will be available through a token system. It’s an easy way to compare styles, discover new favourites, and find bottles to share, present as gifts, or set aside for the holidays.
A SPIRITED HOLIDAY SETTING FOR SHOPPING AND SAMPLING
Beyond the drinks, the organizers want guests to treat the event as an opportunity to pick up meaningful year-end gifts. Instead of the usual corporate sets or generic hampers, attendees can browse a curated range of spirits, wines, and craft goods that make for more personal and memorable offerings. Whether choosing something for colleagues, long-time friends, party hosts, or family gatherings, the mix of exhibitors ensures a lot of choice without feeling overwhelming.
The atmosphere is intentionally relaxed. Soft lighting, comfortable seating areas, and plenty of space to move around create an inviting setting to linger with a tasting glass in hand. The food element adds to this, with artisanal cheeses and small plates designed to complement everything being poured. A few fun diversions throughout the afternoon help round out the experience and keep the mood lively without overshadowing the main draw.
For those who prefer to make their selections later in the day, the organisers have included a shop-only entry option. From 6pm to 8pm, guests can enter for just RM20, which includes a tasting glass but no complimentary samples. Any tastings must be purchased using tokens, which are available at the main registration counter. This option is ideal for visitors who want to browse and buy without an emphasis on tasting, or who simply want to pick up a few gifts without spending the whole afternoon at the event.
Door tickets will also be available at RM90 for guests arriving without a pre-sale pass. Regardless of which option is chosen, the event has been planned with flexibility and enjoyment in mind. The goal is to create a space where people can explore good drinks, find items they genuinely want to bring home, and enjoy a festive atmosphere without the pressure or noise of an oversized crowd.
Spirits of the Season sits comfortably within the WhiskyPLUS ethos, though it’s noticeably lighter and more accessible than the main tasting festival. Rather than focusing exclusively on whisky, this event spreads the spotlight a little wider. Gin distillers, rum producers, boutique wine importers, and craft brewers all get their moment. This more relaxed mix should appeal to casual drinkers and gift-givers as much as to seasoned enthusiasts.
With its city-centre location, generous sampling approach, and festive feel, Spirits of the Season looks well-positioned to become a welcome 2025 addition to Kuala Lumpur’s year-end lineup. Ticketing is straightforward, the offerings are varied, and the mood promises to be warm and good-natured. For anyone eager to start easing into the holiday rhythm, this is shaping up to be a pleasant way to spend a Saturday.
Get your tickets now at www.whiskyplus.my.
WhiskyPLUS and its affiliated events are proudly brought to you by TEG Media. Photos are for illustration purposes only and are taken from various WhiskyPLUS events.
