Oak and Barley started as a social group of whisky enthusiasts with a common belief that whisky (and whiskey) in all its forms was worthy of significantly more recognition in China, where the market is dominated by locally produced Bai Ju. With imported spirits accounting for about 1% of the total national consumption, and cognac being the dominant imported aged spirit (literally monopolised by just 3 brands) it's quite obvious that the potential for growth in the recognition of whisky is massive. However - the big brands in whisky are more than a decade behind cognac and their efforts to educate the Chinese market are at best embarrassing and at worst a complete waste of their time and money. We believe that whisky and whiskey is best in the beauty of its simplicity - through it's aromas, it's tastes, it's vast breadth of styles and shared amongst friends in relaxed social settings. No gimmicks. No jamborees. No eastern europeans skipping around in circles wearing kilts, pretending to be authentic scots. No fake whisky barrels put on to pose for photographs. No 6 figure budgets for rooms in high end hotels to ensure marketing budgets are spent on "something". No celebrities. No luxury cars. No models. No bias towards specific brands. No nonsense. Just whisky. It's all about the whisky.
