Platinum World December 2023

December 2023

PLATINUM WORLD

Love Over Gold

The Modern Enigma of Whisky Investing

REGI S T E R

YOUR

INT EREST

SAMHLA /S Ã Ũ LƏ/ NOUN ‘S Y M BOL’ OR ‘L I K E N E S S ’ I N S C O T S G A E L I C

PLATINUM WORLD

FROM THE

EDITOR Almost as if it never happened, 2023 is at a close. It seems like only

Publisher:

yesterday that the world was in lockdown, people were struggling, and the

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world had become divided. Then one thing led to another, and multiple

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conflicts sprung up around the world. You would be forgiven if you had taken a back seat and just tried to ride out the tough times, but here we are, at the end of another year, filled with hope, and trepidation,

Editor: Barry J Johnston

wondering what indeed will 2024 hold for a world that seems increasingly

info@hevn.com.au

uncertain.

Sales: Barry Johnston

Well, while I can’t answer any questions you may have concerning the future of politics or mankind, I can assure you that we have another issue of Platinum World, filled with articles about some of the more desirable

info@hevn.com.au Partners:

aspects of life, hoping to intrigue, you, connect with you, and at least

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entertain you for a short time.

louis@fahmaiholdings.com

I hope we all find better tidings in the new year, and trust our partners and collaborators will be doing their very best, to bring you exciting new offerings in 2024.

Art Director: Barry J Johnston info@hevn.com.au Designers:

May the Festive season find you in good health, and may the peace and good fortune of a new year be upon you.

Barry J Johnston HEVN

Barry J Johnston Contents Page 3 A Parisian Dream Page 7 Spectre RR Page 13 AP Spiderman Page 20 Love Over Gold Page 29 Dear Shareholders Page 30 FMH B2B Page 31 Platinum Cask Page 32 Whisky Bull Auctions

©2023 HEVN Creative. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means without the prior permission of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held responsible, or in any way liable for errors or omissions during the input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein. The publisher also cannot be held responsible for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication.

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or of HEVN Creative, Fah Mai Holdings or any of its subsidiary companies.

A PARISIAN DREAM Exploring the Opulent Escape of Hôtel Madame Rêve In

where

It's a space that marries heritage

history whispers on cobbled streets

the

city

of

romance,

with cutting-edge design, where the

and art hangs heavy in the air, a new

whispers of the past dance with the

haven for the discerning dreamer

rhythm of the modern.

has emerged. Hôtel Madame Rêve, nestled within the iconic Grande

Ascending to your sanctuary, the

Poste de Paris, beckons with the

elevator doors open to reveal a

allure of a luxury experience as

symphony of light and air. Each of

bespoke as a couture gown. It's

the

more than a hotel; it's a portal to a

meticulously crafted portals to a

Parisian

elegance

state of whispered poetry, inviting

and audacity tango beneath a glass-

you to forget the real world, and

domed sky.

utterly embrace the romance that is

fantasy,

where

82

rooms

and

suites

are

Paris.

Stepping

through

the

grand

Bathed in natural light from Juliet

entrance, we were almost instantly

balconies

instantly

rooftops, or cocooned in the hushed

transported

to

another

overlooking

elegance

post

retreats, every space feels like a

romanticism.

The

historic edifice, once a bustling post

the

city's

time, encapsulated in a sense of modern

of

the

courtyard-facing

personal haven.

office, sheds its utilitarian skin to reveal a contemporary masterpiece.

Tailored fabrics caress the senses, bespoke furniture embraces you in

Gleaming marble floors reflect the

plush

interplay of light and shadow cast

dances

by a soaring glass roof, reminiscent

background,

of a cathedral bathed in moonlight.

immediate whim is a mere whisper

Art,

away.

curated

connoisseur,

with

the

graces

eye the

of

a

walls,

whispering tales of the avant-garde and the sublime.

3

comfort,

and

technology

seamlessly ensuring

in

the every

Culinary Delights for the Discerning

A Playground for the Parisian Soul:

Palate: But Hôtel Madame Rêve is more than Hunger, when it dares to intrude on

just a feast for the senses. It's a gateway

such reverie, is met with a symphony of

to the very essence of Paris. Immerse

flavours. La Scène, the hotel's signature

yourself in the artistic pulse of the city

restaurant,

at

orchestrates

a

contemporary French gastronomy under the

baton

of

Michelin-starred

the

nearby

Louvre

or

Pompidou

Center.

chef

Stéphanie Le Quellec.

Wander through the labyrinthine charm of the Marais, where vintage treasures

Here, seasonal ingredients pirouette on

whisper secrets of bohemian chic. Let

your plate, transformed into edible art

the Seine guide you past Notre Dame

that tantalises both eye and palate. For

and the Grand Palais, each bridge a

a

Plume

portal to a new Parisian chapter. And

delicacies

when the day's adventures fade, return

by Benjamin Six, each bite a whisper of

to your sanctuary, where a bespoke bath

umami perfection.

awaits, ready to soothe your body and

more

whispers

intimate

affair,

Japanese-infused

La

replenish your soul.

And

let's

whispered

not

forget

secrets:

the

ROOF,

rooftop's a

vibrant

Hôtel Madame Rêve is not just a place

oasis perched above the city, beckons

to

with panoramic views, craft cocktails,

savoured. It's a whispered invitation to

stay;

it's

an

experience

to

be

and pulsating rhythms that keep the

embrace Parisian luxury, to dance with

Parisian night dancing long after twilight

audacity and elegance, to wake up to a

fades.

city that paints its sunrise on your own private balcony. It's a dream woven into reality, a haven for the discerning soul who seeks to truly live the Parisian fantasy.

4

Book Your Reservation

48 Louvre Street 75001 Paris Email: kitchenrestaurant@madamereve.com Phone: 01 80 40 77 47

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Feature SPECTRE

A Spectre Haunts Mayfair: A Review of

Sculpted with the precision of a master

the 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre

artisan, the Vantage's body contours exude athleticism. The elongated hood,

The hushed hush of Erwartung hums

a homage to classic sports car design,

through the London air, its melancholic

hides a beast within.

melody

an

apt

soundtrack

for

the

arrival of a spectre from Goodwood.

Each

curve,

every

line,

seems

to

whisper tales of aerodynamic prowess, Not a spectre of the operatic variety,

promising

mind you, but the 2023 Rolls-Royce

unparalleled dance with the wind.

Spectre,

a

silent

spectre

not

just

speed,

but

an

gliding

through the city's tapestry of wealth

Step around to the sides, and the

and history, a whispered revolution

signature side gills, reminiscent of a

cloaked in starlight.

shark's

gill

slits,

hint

at

the

car's

predatory instincts. The silhouette, low For

Rolls-Royce,

the

Spectre

is

a

and aggressive, speaks of a machine

watershed moment. It is the marque's

designed not merely for transportation

first foray into the electric realm, a

but

battery-powered beast that dares to

between driver and road.

for

an

intimate

conversation

ask, "can luxury transcend the internal combustion engine?" The answer, as I

As we move towards the rear, the

discovered

during

a

spent

Vantage leaves a lasting impression

cocooned

in

embrace,

is

with its bold haunches and sleek LED

its

week

a

resounding, electric yes.

taillights that could rival stars in a midnight sky.

A Silhouette Whispered in Starlight But it's the details that truly captivate.

7

The Spectre's design is an evolution of

The

Rolls-Royce's

constellation of tiny fibre optic lights

timeless

elegance,

"starlight in

headliner,"

stretched and sculpted for the modern

embedded

age. The iconic Pantheon grille, now

bathes the cabin in a celestial glow.

illuminated, becomes a portal to a

The

silent powertrain. The long, flowing

impossibly thin frames, open with a

lines whisper of speed, while the vast

theatrical

expanse of glass hints at the hushed

sanctuary of handcrafted opulence.

symphony within.

A Symphony of Silence

"waterfall

the

Alcantara

a

doors,"

flourish,

with

roof, their

revealing

a

Step inside, and the world melts

But is it a Rolls-Royce?

away. The Spectre's cabin is a hushed haven, a cocoon of cashmere and

That, perhaps, is the only question

starlight. The silence is broken only

that

by the whisper of air through the

undoubtedly luxurious, powerful, and

vents and the soft sigh of electric

technologically advanced. But does it

motors propelling you forward. This is

capture the soul of a Rolls-Royce?

not the silence of deprivation; it is

The answer, I believe, is yes. For while

the silence of absolute serenity, a

the engine may be silent, the Spirit of

canvas

Ecstasy still soars atop the grille, a

upon

which

Rolls-Royce

paints its masterpiece of comfort.

lingers.

The

Spectre

is

silent reminder that this is a car built for those who demand the very best,

The seats, thrones of quilted leather,

regardless of the fuel source.

embrace you like a warm hug. The lambswool carpets are deep enough

The Verdict

to lose yourself in. Every touchpoint, from the knurled metal knobs to the

The 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre is a

impossibly thin steering wheel, feels

game-changer.

like a work of art.

redefines luxury for the electric age, a

Effortless Power, Electric Grace

silent

It

is

symphony

a of

car

that

power

and

grace. It is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable cars I have ever

But the Spectre is not just about

driven.

comfort; it's about power, too. With 576 horsepower and a monumental

Would I buy one?

664 lb-ft of torque, it launches you forward with a silent, effortless surge

If

that

wouldn't

car of its size, thanks to its low centre

rolling work of art, a silent testament

of gravity and four-wheel steering.

to the enduring power of luxury.

of

seat.

I

just a car; it's an experience. It's a

joy

your

means,

hesitate. The Spectre is more than

true

to

the

The

the

you

had

handling is surprisingly nimble for a

But

pins

I

driving

the

Spectre is the serenity. You glide

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (a whispered roar of approval)

along, a silent predator in a world of honking horns and screeching tires.

P.S. If you're lucky enough to find

You become one with the car, the

yourself

road, and the city, enveloped in a

Spectre, do yourself a favour. Roll

bubble of tranquility.

down

A Whisper of the Future

starlight

behind

the

the

wheel

of

a

windows,

crank

up

the

headliner,

and

find

a

deserted stretch of of road. Let the The 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre is not

silence

just a car; it's a statement. It is a

electric power surge beneath your

wash

over

declaration that luxury can exist in

feet, and immerse yourself in the

harmony with the future, that silence

starlight symphony of the 2023 Rolls-

can be powerful, and that electric

Royce

dreams can be driven on starlight. It

you'll never forget.

Spectre.

It's

you,

an

feel

the

experience

is, quite simply, a masterpiece.

8

A Look at the Spectre's Impact The Spectre's arrival is not just a

It is a car that will be remembered

The

not just for its power and beauty,

luxury

but for the revolution it represents.

ostentation; it's about refinement,

milestone for Rolls-Royce; it's a

is

not

reminded

me

that

about

noise

and

serenity, and an appreciation for

turning point for the entire luxury

But the story doesn't end there. As I

car industry. It proves that electric

embark

vehicles can be luxurious, powerful,

journey with the Spectre, I can't

It's about creating experiences that

and desirable. It paves the way for a

help but wonder what lies ahead for

stay with you long after the engine

future

a

this electric phantom. Will it be

has stopped purring.

compromise, but a new standard of

embraced by the titans of industry

So, thank you, Rolls-Royce Spectre,

automotive elegance.

and the stars of cinema? Will it

for the symphony of silence, the

carve a new path for Rolls-Royce,

starlight dreams, and the whispered

But the Spectre's significance goes

leading the marque into a brighter,

promise of a future where luxury

beyond the automotive sphere. It

electric future?

takes flight on electric wings.

understanding of luxury. In an age

Only time will tell. But one thing is

Yours in automotive awe,

of instant gratification and ever-

certain:

The Motoring Mystic

increasing noise, the Spectre offers

Spectre is not just a car; it's a

a sanctuary of serenity, a reminder

spectre of change, haunting the

P.P.S. If you're ever in Mayfair and

that

corridors of luxury and whispering a

hear the faintest whisper of silence,

promise

keep your eyes peeled. The Spectre

where

represents

true

silence

a

shift

luxury

lies

is

not

in

not

on

the

next

leg

of

my

in

the

of

2023

a

Rolls-Royce

silent,

elegant

revolution.

might just be gliding past, a silent

The 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre is

symphony of starlight in motion.

more than just a car; it's a harbinger

The silence, the power, the grace –

of change. It is a whisper of a future

it

where

something truly exceptional.

electric

dreams

glide

on

starlight, a future where luxury is redefined by silence and grace.

the finer things in life.

our

possessions, but in experiences.

9

Spectre

all

came

together

to

create

s e r u t a e r C l a c i h t y M The

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ROYAL OAK CONCEPT TOURBILLON “SPIDER-MAN” In the intricate tapestry of watchmaking,

The Dancing Arachnid: A Masterclass in

where mechanical artistry meets audacious

Openwork

design, Audemars Piguet has emerged as a fearless weaver. Their Royal Oak Concept

At the heart of this horological theatre, the

collection, a playground for avant-garde

Calibre 2974, hand-wound and boasting a

experimentation, pushes the boundaries of

captivating 70-hour power reserve, takes

horological tradition. And nestled within

centre stage. Its bridges, skeletonised with

this daring pantheon sits the Royal Oak

meticulous precision, resemble cobwebs

Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man,” a watch

spun from gleaming metal. And within this

that isn't merely a timepiece, but a super

intricate

heroic statement on the wrist.

blasted titanium bridge, our star, Spider-

web,

perched

atop

a

micro-

Man, emerges.

First Glance: A Web of Intrigue Crafted

white

laser-cut

and

brushed

Marvel

to

a

matte

meticulously

miniature

angular

facets,

decoration. He's a functional element, his

iconic

outstretched

power.

Its

of

the

Royal

silhouette,

are

softened

the

true

Oak's by

chamfered

spectacle

right

hero

this

radiates

reminiscent But

gold,

hand-engraved,

sheen,

understated

edges.

14

from

The 42mm titanium case, sandblasted and

arm

isn't

serving

mere as

the

tourbillon bridge, his body an integral part

unfolds

of the movement's architecture. As the

beneath the flat sapphire crystal. Gone are

balance wheel pirouettes within its titanium

the familiar dials and hands; instead, we're

cage, Spider-Man, frozen in mid-swing,

greeted by an open-worked masterpiece, a

seems

microcosm of mechanical ballet etched in

tourbillon's

titanium and steel.

timekeeping.

to

defy

gravity,

defiance

mirroring of

the

earthly

I N G O U D E

C O M P A N Y

The openwork extends beyond the

From the meticulously machined titanium

tourbillon

gears,

components to the hand-finished tourbillon

screws, and bridges rendered in

cage, every element speaks of a brand

cage,

revealing

intricate detail. It's a mechanical opera played out in miniature, an

steeped in horological heritage. And while the Spider-Man motif might raise eyebrows among

purists,

Piguet's

willingness

to

embrace

where function and form collide in

culture,

to

the

gap

breathtaking harmony.

traditional

ode

to

the

watchmaker's

craft,

it

reflects

bridge

watchmaking

Audemars pop

between

and

the

contemporary zeitgeist.

A Palette of Duality: Not Just for Wall Crawlers: A Web for

The black ceramic bezel and crown provide a sharp contrast to the titanium canvas, adding a touch of urban

edginess.

This

Connoisseurs This is a watch for those who appreciate the avant-garde, who dare to wear daring

duality

designs on their wrist. It's a conversation

extends to the strap options: a

starter, a piece that sparks curiosity and

black and grey rubber strap, sleek

ignites debates. It's not for the faint of

and understated, and a black and

heart, nor for those seeking a discreet

red strap, injecting a playful pop of

timepiece. This is a watch that screams

colour. Both, thanks to the new quick-release

system,

can

be

swapped with ease, allowing you to

out

for

attention,

a

symphony

of

mechanical artistry played at full volume.

But is it an investment?

adapt your timepiece to your mood or attire.

With a limited production of 250 pieces and a price tag hovering around CHF

Beyond the Surface: A Watch with

195,000, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon

Pedigree

“Spider-Man”

is

certainly

not

for

the

budget-conscious collector. However, for

The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man”

isn't

spectacle;

it's

a

Audemars

Piguet's

simply

a

testament

to

watchmaking prowess.

unparalleled

those with the means and the inclination,it represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of horological history intertwined with pop culture, a watch that pushes the boundaries

of

both

design

and

craftsmanship

12

And while its value appreciation remains to be

Of course, owning a piece of this horological

seen, the mere scarcity and exclusivity ensure

tapestry

a certain level of desirability that will likely

responsibilities. This isn't a watch to be tossed

endure.

onto

comes

the

gym

with bag

or

its

own

worn

set

while

of

scaling

buildings. It's a delicate dance of gears and The Final Thread: A Watch That Weaves a

springs, a work of art demanding respect and

Legacy

care. But for those who appreciate the finer things

in

life,

who

possess

The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-

adventure

on

their

wrist,

Man” is more than just a watch; it's a statement.

Concept

Tourbillon

It's

reward unlike any other.

a

testament

unwavering

to

commitment

Audemars to

Piguet's

innovation,

a

the

sense Royal

“Spider-Man”

of Oak

offers

a

to

pushing the boundaries of what a timepiece can

But what about the Spider-Man factor?

be. It's a watch that dares to wear its heart on its sleeve, literally, in the form of a web-slinging

Is it mere gimmickry, or does it add a layer of

superhero. And while it might not be everyone's

intrigue and desirability? Ultimately, that's for

cup of tea, it's undeniably a conversation

each

starter, a piece that sparks debate and ignites

superhero association might feel forced, a

imaginations.

marketing

individual ploy

to to

decide. capitalise

For on

some, a

the

popular

franchise. For others, it's a playful wink to inner It's a watch that begs to be held, examined and

childhood fantasies, a chance to wear a piece

discussed. It's a watch that, like its web-

of their pop culture heroes on their wrist.

slinging namesake, leaves a lasting impression, a

mark

on

innovation.

17

the

landscape

of

horological

Regardless of one's stance on the Spider-Man motif, there's no denying the craftsmanship and sheer audacity of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon. It's a watch that pushes the boundaries of both design and function, a statement piece that refuses to be ignored. It's a watch that, like Spider-Man himself, swings between worlds, effortlessly blending high horology with pop culture cool.

And in that unique blend lies the true magic of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man.” It's a watch that isn't afraid to be different, to break the mold, to weave its web of horological artistry. It's a watch that, like its webslinging hero, reminds us that even the most intricate mechanisms can be infused with a touch of playful wonder.

The Verdict: The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” isn't for everyone. It's a bold statement, a watch that demands attention. But for those who appreciate the avant-garde, who relish the unexpected, it's a masterpiece. It's a conversation starter, a collector's dream, and a testament to Audemars Piguet's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological possibilities.

So, whether you're a longtime watch aficionado or simply a curious newcomer, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” deserves a closer look. It's a watch that might just leave you spellbound, caught in its intricate web of time and design.

15

Love Over Gold

The Modern Enigma of Whisky Investing

A GOLDEN ELIXIR FOR MODERN PORTFOLIOS The world of whisky investing, once shrouded in

China, a sleeping giant, woke up, driving demand

dusty auction houses and exclusive cellars, has

for Scotch exports. Meanwhile, the rise of Irish

exploded into a modern phenomenon, alluring both

whiskey, projected to overtake Scotch in the US by

seasoned financiers and curious newcomers. 2023

2030, offered diversification opportunities.

saw this trend continue, with the industry grappling with

growth,

controversy,

and

evolving

market

The Cask Conundrum:

forces. This review delves into the depths of whisky cask investment, analysing its performance, risks,

However,

and potential role in a diverse portfolio.

investment, the most popular approach, involves

not

all

that

glitters

is

gold.

Cask

buying a barrel of maturing whisky before its

Rise of the Liquid Asset:

bottling, hoping for future profits. This carries inherent risks. Unlike bottled whisky, cask values

Whisky's

allure

as

an

investment

stems

from

are speculative, depending on numerous factors

several factors. Unlike stocks, it's a tangible asset,

like

age,

distillery,

cask

type,

and

market

a physical barrel maturing behind oak staves,

fluctuations. Liquidity is another concern; selling

whispering promises of future appreciation. Its

casks can be cumbersome, unlike publicly traded

scarcity, particularly for rare bottling, fuels collector

stocks.

interest. Additionally, it boasts a historical track record of impressive returns: Knight Frank's Luxury

The Shadow of Scams:

Investment Index reported a 9% rise in rare whisky value in 2022, while some estimate a 21% surge.

The industry's rapid growth attracted unscrupulous actors. Cases like the $13 million "whisky scam"

2023 witnessed further market expansion, driven by

targeting

the global thirst for premium spirits. The US, a key

caution. Exaggerated returns, opaque pricing, and

market, saw whiskey consumption steadily climb,

dubious marketing tactics tarnished the industry's

with forecasts predicting a 3.2% annual growth.

reputation. Regulatory uncertainty in some regions

the

elderly

highlighted

further added to the complexity.

21

the

need

for

Technology Takes a Sip: One positive trend was the embrace of technology.

Fintech platforms streamlined cask purchases, allowing fractional ownership and democratising access. AIpowered tools analysed whisky market data, offering investors

valuable

insights.

Blockchain

technology

provided

secure,

transparent

transaction

platforms,

combating fraud and boosting trust.

Whisky in the Portfolio Matrix: So, does whisky belong in a modern portfolio? It depends. For some, its historical performance, tangible nature,

and

diversification

potential

make

it

a

compelling alternative to traditional assets. However, it's essential to acknowledge the risks. Cask investment isn't a get-rich-quick scheme; it requires due diligence, research, and a long-term perspective.

Investing Wisely: Here are some tips for navigating the whisky investment landscape: Seek reputable brokers and platforms: Thoroughly research their track record, licenses, and regulatory compliance.

Understand the risks: Don't be swayed by inflated promises. Focus on the inherent risks like illiquidity, market volatility, and potential scams.

Diversify: Don't put all your eggs in one barrel.

Spread your investments across different regions, distilleries, and cask types.

Invest for the long haul: Think in terms of years, not months. Whisky takes time to mature, and so should your investment expectations.

22

The Verdict: Whisky

investment,

everyone.

It

though

demands

alluring,

careful

is

not

for

consideration,

thorough research, and a risk-tolerant mindset.

While 2023 saw the industry mature, challenges remain.

However,

for

those

seeking

a

unique,

potentially lucrative asset class, with a touch of liquid luxury, whisky investment, approached with knowledge and caution, might offer a rewarding, if complex, addition to a modern portfolio.

Further exploration to consider.

Specific regional market trends (Japan, Taiwan, India) The potential impact of climate change on whisky production The ethical considerations of cask investment and sustainability The role of NFTs and digital ownership in the whisky world The whisky investment story is far from over. As the industry

navigates

its

journey

through

growth,

innovation, and potential turbulence, its place in the modern portfolio will continue to evolve. For the curious investor, a dram of due diligence could unlock a world of amber rewards.

23

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