中國瓷器, 種類豐富多彩。 當中最著名的四大名瓷分別是: 琺瑯瓷, 粉彩瓷, 青花瓷, 廣彩瓷。

 香港的日常生活中, 我們最常接觸的, 大慨是廣彩瓷, 尤其是有著各種色彩的「萬壽無彊」瓷具。廣彩的「廣」, 是「廣洲」的意思。

 另一種我們在生活中很常見的, 是青花瓷。

青花瓷始於元朝晚年, 於明朝宣德達到高峰。到清朝康, 雍, 乾年間, 青花瓷的產量和工藝都達到歷史巔峰, 成為中國瓷器的代表之一, 並遠銷世界各地。

在早期, 只有江西景德鎮能製作高質量的青花瓷, 到了明代, 景德鎮成為官窯中心。而到了清代, 不僅景德鎮官窯繼續代表了中國瓷器的品質, 民窯也達到了很高的水準。

 而青花瓷的定義, 必須集齊以下四個條件:

1 必須為已成型的素白瓷具   

2 青花的紋樣要由含鈷顏料發色 

3 青花瓷是釉下彩, 所以需施加上透明釉 

4 然後以高溫燒製

 The Whisky Library的十週年紀念裝瓶 --- Invergordon 30 Year ,  酒標上的青花瓷盤, 為青花雙龍戲珠紋, 是清未浦儀年間的官窯手繪作品,  實物為The Whisky Library創辦人的私人收藏。

雙龍象徵著尊貴、吉祥、與靈活，寄望我們在往後的更多個年頭，繼續為大家帶來更多樣化的優質威士忌與精品烈酒，發掘更多有趣的故事。

 品飲筆記:

蜜糖麥片, 奶油糖, 香料, 黃糖, 小蜜桃, 椰子朱古力, 焦糖奶油。

【Invergordon (HK WL) 30 Year / 1993 / 70cl 49.2% / Xtra Old Particular Douglas Laing】

Chinese ceramics comes in a dazzling variety, but the four most well-known types are: enamelware, famille-rose, blue-and-white porcelain, and Canton porcelain.

In Hong Kong's daily lives, the commonest porcelain is the Canton porcelain, represented by the iconic and colourful “Longevity” tableware. The style is popular in Guangzhou, and was aptly named after the latter's alias, "Canton".

Another type we often see is the blue-and-white porcelain.

The blue-and-white originated in the late Yuan dynasty, reached its peak during the Xuande period of the Ming dynasty. During the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong reigns of the Qing dynasty, its craftsmanship and production hit new heights, making it a symbol of Chinese ceramics that was exported worldwide.

In the early days, only Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province could produce high-quality blue-and-white porcelain. By the Ming dynasty, Jingdezhen became the centre of official kilns. In the Qing dynasty, not only did the official kilns maintain their high standards, but private kilns also flourished.

Blue-and-white porcelain must meet four criteria:
1. Made from already-formed white porcelain;
2. Blue patterns must be painted with cobalt pigment;
3. It has an underglaze decoration, so a clear glaze is applied as a second coat;
4. Fired at high temperatures.

For The Whisky Library’s 10th anniversary bottling — Invergordon 30 Year — the label features a blue-and white-porcelain plate with a “Double Dragon Playing with Pearl” pattern. This is an official kiln hand-painted piece from the late Qing (Puyi era), and is part of the founder’s private collection.

The double dragon symbolises nobility, good fortune, and agility. We hope to keep bringing you more unique whiskies and spirits, and uncover more fascinating stories in the years to come. 🐉

Tasting Notes:

Honey D'creal with marzipan, butterscotch then baking spice, brown sugar, ripe peaches, chocolate coconut and caramel cereal.

【Invergordon (HK WL) 30 Year / 1993 / 70cl 49.2% / Xtra Old Particular Douglas Laing】

By Librarian Alice