LOCH LOMOND'S FOUR ORIENTAL KINGS

THE LOCH LOMOND FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS SINGLE CASK SERIES

In 1937, a report in the Illustrated London News hailed the Ming Dynasty frescoes of the Four Heavenly Kings at the Fahai Temple in China as some of the greatest painting art in the world, causing a huge stir in the European art world for the remains of these Fahai Temple murals, which had been secluded for more than six hundred years.

The Four Heavenly Kings are four Buddhist gods, each of whom is believed to watch over one cardinal direction of the world. In Chinese mythology, they are known collectively as the "Fēng Tiáo Yǔ Shùn" ('Good climate') or "Sìdà Tiānwáng" (Chinese lit. 'Four Great Heavenly Kings'). In the ancient language Sanskrit, they are called the "Chaturmahārāja" or, in a slight variation, Chaturmahārājikādeva": "Four Great Heavenly Kings". The Hall of Four Heavenly Kings is a standard component of Chinese Buddhist temples.

The Kings are said to currently live in the heaven of Cāturmahārājika (Pali: Cātummahārājika, "Of the Four Great Kings") on the lower slopes of Mount Sumeru, which is the lowest of the six worlds of the devas of the Kāmadhātu. They are the protectors of the world and fighters of evil, each able to command a legion of supernatural creatures to protect the Dharma.

The Ming Dynasty frescoes of the Four Heavenly Kings at Fahai Temple, the pinnacle of the history of Chinese fresco creation, represent the simple prayers of the people of the Orient for "good climate", the charm of the millennium and the summoned blessings.

Loch Lomond's "Four Heavenly Kings" Series Single Cask whisky, taking the oil painting version of the Four Heavenly Kings fresco of Fahai Temple as the originality of the whisky label's artistic recreating, is Loch Lomond's selection of the best single cask whiskies which has been sleeping in the oak cask for years. A rare and auspicious gift of Western whisky infused with the inheritance rooted in the thousands of years of Eastern history.

The North: 

King Vessavana, he who hears everything. He is the ruler of rain. His symbolic weapons are the umbrella or pagoda. Wearing heavy armour and carrying an umbrella in his right hand, he is often associated with the ancient Sri Lankan god of wealth, Kubera. He is associated with the colour yellow or green.

Loch Lomond has used a 21-year-old single malt whisky to reflect the King of the roost, depicting him as the King Of Blessing.

Charred pineapple and fragrant elderflower are followed by freshly cut barley and honey. There is spicy ginger and a hint of marzipan before ripe pears, coconut and toasted oak at the end.

The East: 

King Dhatarattha, he who upholds the realm. The god of music, his symbolic weapon is the pipa (stringed instrument). He is harmonious and compassionate and protects all beings. Uses his music to convert others to Buddhism. Associated with the colour white. In Chinese temples, he is often enshrined within the Hall of the Heavenly Kings with the other three Heavenly Kings. 

Loch Lomond has used a 23-year-old single malt whisky as the King Of Protection.

Rich peat smoke and creamy vanilla fudge are followed by wonderful orchard fruit flavours of ripe pear and juicy green apple. There are oak spices and some white pepper, before lingering smoky embers.

The South: 

Virūlhaka, he who causes to grow, for the good growth of roots. He is the ruler of the wind. His symbolic weapon is the sword which he carries in his right hand to protect the Dharma and the southern continent. Associated with the colour blue.

Loch Lomond has used a 25-year-old single malt whisky as the King Of Wisdom.

Rich peat smoke and fresh vanilla are wonderfully balanced with sweet nectarine and toffee sauce.

Layers of melted brown sugar and golden syrup intermingle with ground ginger and delicate oak spices.

The West: 

King Virupakkha, the one who sees all. His symbolic weapon is a snake or red cord representing a dragon. As the eye in the sky, he sees people who do not believe in Buddhism and converts them. His ancient name means "he who has broad objectives". Associated with the colour red.

Loch Lomond has used a 25-year-old single malt whisky as the King Of Observation.

Creamy vanilla and toffee popcorn are followed by peaches in syrup. There is indulgent white chocolate and homemade fudge before a hint of spicy peppercorn and gentle oak spice to finish.