On a balmy weekday on the shores of Batu Ferringhi in Penang, the purr of the 4.0l twin-turbo V8 Aston Martin DB12 emanated through the landscape of Lone Pine, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. The DB12 was next to the DBX707—the supercar of SUVs with its 900Nm of power and racing-grade reactions of a wet clutch. Soon enough, guests of Robb Report Malaysia streamed in, to marvel at and test drive these two automotive beauties, taking the scenic and snaking northwest coastal route and back to the hotel.
Back on the grounds of Lone Pine, the second location proved to be a real treat and surprise to many of these Penang-based guests. A beautiful, newly opened lounge called The Dispensary became a veritable homage to independent and artisanal watchmakers. On the counter top, one could discover the fascinating timepieces from Sincere Haute Horlogerie (SHH), which proposed a feast of horology from independent watchmakers. These included Louis Moinet’s vintage racing-inspired and highly customisable Time To Race, and the intricately crafted Arnold & Son Luna Magna Red Gold ‘Year of the Dragon’, a piece that provided a feast for the eyes and emotion with its twin 18K red gold (5N) hand-engraved dragons nestling beneath a domed sapphire case.
To accompany this cosy gathering were a slew of expressions from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, in which unique bottlings showcase the uncharted territories and hidden gems of the whisky world. Among them were a Goan ex-bourbon single malt with a nose of turmeric, coriander, kaffir lime, and chai tea, as well as the 12-year-old whisky Baba, a 58.6 per cent blended malt derived from bourbon hogsheads and ex-Jamaican rum French oak barriques. The latter, a double gold medal winner at last year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, served up a nose of honey and syrup on biscuit, chocolate-coated marzipan and madeira cake, with a taste explosion of pineapples, cinnamon and anise, leading into a silky mouthfeel of tangerines and dark chocolate.
The afternoon would segue into the night, with guests charmed by the relaxing ambience of The Dispensary, with its musical ambience and proximity to the beach offering unique Havana-styled vibes amid the sounds of the sea.
More photos of the Aston Martin event
Photography: Ken Lim / Momenz Creation
Videography: Momenz Creation
Lead image: The Aston Martin DB12 Super Tourer stretches its legs along Penang’s northern coastline.