The East Imperial Gin Jubilee 2018: Grand Finale Lands In Singapore Greener And Greater Than Ever

PUBLISHED November 23rd, 2018 05:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:23 pm

Once again, Singapore is the last stop of The East Imperial Gin Jubilee – the annual celebration of the classic G&T – after a massive tour of Asia this year, including Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and even Shenzhen. Besides introducing new gins and new tonic waters to the game, the grand finale happening 30 November to 8 December 2018 has a lofty goal this time as well – to achieve zero waste. Here’s what you can expect:

Bar Hop and Vote for Singapore’s Best Gin & Tonic

The spirit of Gin Jubilee is not only about celebrating the Gin & Tonic, but also the creative minds behind its crafting. Hop around partnered bars in Singapore – such as Jigger & Pony, Tippling Club, and MO Bar – and indulge in unique takes of the classic tipple exclusive to this period. If you have a particular favourite, show your support by voting for it on Instagram. Simply upload a photo of your drink with the hashtag #GinJubilee2018 and tag the bar’s location. Your votes, combined with scores awarded by a panel of experts, will determine Singapore’s Best Gin & Tonic 2018.

The winner will then go on to compete with for Asia’s Best Gin & Tonic 2018 alongside winners from other cities.

Introducing East Imperial’s Royal Botanic Tonic

Look forward to trying East Imperial’s newest addition, the Royal Botanic Tonic, which will be released at the Singapore Grand Finale. Made with elderflower, ruby red grapefruit, and quinine tonic water, its aromatic flavour paves the way for even more creative executions of the Gin & Tonic. A collaboration with The Royal Botanic Gardens in London, this new product honours the Gardens’ historic role in exporting cinchona seedlings from South America to India – the very plant that led to the creation of this cocktail of the moment.

Brass Lion’s Singapore Dry Gin Joins In The Fray

What’s a G&T without a great gin? Gin Jubilee 2018 has signed on an impressive roster of over 20 brands to power this year’s experience. Besides Singapore’s recently launched Brass Lion Singapore Dry Gin and Tanglin Gin, new contenders include Rock Rose and Porter’s gins from Scotland, Hawthorn’s London Dry Gin and Cotswolds Dry Gin from England. Roku Gin, Star of Bombay, and Monkey 47 count themselves amongst the returning favourites.

Bring Your Own Mug to Gin Lane

This year’s Gin Lane aims to best 2017’s record of 5,500-and-some Gin & Tonics served – but with a goal of zero waste. Gin Lane will be utilising eco packaging technology by Singapore outfit TRIA, so your cups may look plastic but they’re made from 100% biodegradable materials. Furthermore, all food waste as well as used cups and cutlery will be converted into organic fertiliser via TRIA’s Bio24 recycling programme.

Do one better, and bring your own mug to get discounted entry to Gin Lane at $15 (tickets usually $20). Another incentive to bring your own mug is the event’s “Mug Shot” contest. Take to social media once again and snap a shot of you and your mug at Gin Lane using the hashtag #ToastTradition. Five lucky winners will bring home a bottle of gin and a case of East Imperial’s irresistible tonic.

Bartenders from participating bars will be presenting their Gin & Tonics in this garden soiree style event, so if you only have time for one, make this it.

Gin Lane is held at 30 Maxwell Road on 8 December from 5pm – 11.30pm.

Masterclasses, Distillery Tours, and More Parties

Other events to pique your Ginterests include Masterclass with Rock Rose Gin Distiller and the Ginfusion Masterclass with Bar Manager Claudio Russo & Hendrick’s Brand Ambassador Charmaine Thio. Held on 1 December, 6pm-7pm, at Jekyll & Hyde, the former takes you on a sensory journey with Rock Rose Gin’s creator Martin Murray for $25.The latter on 4 December, 6.30pm – 7.30pm at Publico will show consumers how to infuse gins at home, thus creating your own unique customised blend. Tickets start from $25, including a Hendrick’s Gin tasting, an Unusual Fusion Cocktail, bar snacks, and a smashing game of lawn croquet.

Prefer something more easy-going? Head down to Alexandra for a Brass Lion Distillery Tour on 1 and 8 December at 3pm. At $78 per person, each tour ends off in their tasting room where participants get to customise their own G&T as well as take home the three Brass Lion Distillery Gins (Singapore Dry, Butterfly Pea and Pahit), three to four East Imperial Tonics, and an array of botanicals. Alternatively, gear up for a night of adulterated fun at the Spice Garden Party hosted by Potato Head Folks on 1, 2, and 7 December. Doors open at 9pm; a special Gin & Tonic menu will accompany their DJ’s beats. Entry is free.

The Singapore leg of The East Imperial Gin Jubilee is happening from 30 November to 8 December 2018. For more details on the programming, stay tuned to their Official Website or Facebook Page.