IN this Year of the Dog it is only to be expected, but now it seems even the refined world of wine and spirits is going to the dogs.
Not wanting to miss out on the year that commemorates the canine spirit, a Glasgow-based distiller, Lang Brothers, has just brought out a limited edition of 4,000 porcelain Year of the Dog decanters in what they describe as ''a Chinese design''.
Containing a specially blended whisky called Lang's Select 1861 Founders Reserve, for some inexplicable reason the decanters will be kept under wraps until October when they go on show for the first time at the Tax Free World exhibition at Cannes, France.
From then on, they will go on sale at selected duty-free shops around the world that have a large turnover of Chinese customers, with Kai Tak high on the list.
But anyone wanting a sneak taste of this commemorative tincture need not wait until then. For we hear a bottle or two is being airlifted shortly to Hong Kong and will make its way to Governor Chris Patten's drinks cabinet.
So get yourself an invitation to Government House and keep your fingers crossed that you'll be asked to stay for a drink (but hurry while stocks last).