Happy 12/12/12 Day! Just a few more days until we figure out whether or not the Mayans were spot on in the apocalyptic assessment.  But before the end of the world hits, you might want to spend a few minutes checking out our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

Johnnie Walker has opened up yet another super exclusive VIP whisky club, this time in Beijing. There, people will be able to meet with master blenders to create their own personal expression of Walker, starting at about £80,000. Guests are also encouraged to make their own whisky-inspired art, which will then hang on the walls as part of the house’s art collection. No photos yet, but if it is anything like the Walker House in Shanghai, it has to be incredible. [Real Times]

Absolut has hired Canadian advertising wizards/marketing gurus Sid Lee to spearhead its marketing initiatives for 2013, giving the brand a shot in the arm in terms of creativity and experimentation. Stay tuned to see the work throughout the year and if the gamble pays off. [Sid Lee]

The New York Times takes a time out from reviewing its usual selection of books to profile The Book of Gin, by Richard Barnett, which deftly digs into the world of the spirit with a comprehensive overview of its origins. [New York Times]

A little late to the party on selecting this read, but Forbes profiles Woodford Reserve master distiller and Friend of Drinkhacker Chris Morris and discusses his latest expression, the Master’s Collection Four Wood, which was also a top pick in our holiday gift guide. [Woodford Reserve]

And finally, Law360 is reporting that Agave Loco LLC has filed a lawsuit against Sazerac, claiming Sazerac has infringed on Agave’s “RumChata” and “Chata” trademarks for the purpose of marketing a similar beverage. This lawsuit is just starting to get situated, and hopefully there’ll be more information released to the public before the holiday recess. [Law360]

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