PUBLISHED November 23rd, 2017 06:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:24 pm
This time last year, we were raving about the huge success of East Imperial Gin Jubilee’s 2016 edition, and here it is – one of our favourite drinks extravaganza back in Singapore for its fifth run. As Asia’s premier gin festival, the Gin Jubilee has been fervently spreading gin culture and appreciation across the region for several years now. It started off with just Singapore before crossing waters to Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Phnom Penh, and for the first time this year, into Bangkok, Auckland, and Shanghai.
Set to take place all across our sunny shores from 27 November to 3 December 2017, there will be some of the world’s finest gins, the region’s leading bars and bartenders, and for us, lots of drinking. Whether you’re a novice or gin enthusiast, here’s what you can expect during the bustling festivities.
A record 43 participating bars from Singapore
It’s no secret that Singapore houses some of the finest drinking establishments in the world – especially if the recent Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards are anything to go by. The record-breaking list of 43 local bars participating in this year’s Gin Jubilee includes Manhattan, 28 HongKong Street, The Other Room, and Employees Only. More excitingly, the gin-forward ATLAS will be joining the fray alongside other fresh faces like The Bird, Amò, and Crackerjack. Wondering if your favourite bar is participating? See the full list here.
Gin partners
Did you know that more than 100 gin brands have entered the Asian market over the past few years? This year will see distillers participating from London, Scotland, Germany, France, Australia and the United States. That, of course, includes internationally-acclaimed labels such as Hendrick’s Gin and Bombay Sapphire, as well as boutique names like Bulldog, Kyrö, The Botanist, St. George, The West Winds, and Fords Gin.
Masterclasses, pop-ups, and gin tastings
Expect a whole lot of gin-related activities, from expert masterclasses to guest shifts by the region’s top bartenders and international distillers. The festivities begin with the launch of The Spice Garden Menu at Potato Head (27 November to 31 December, 5pm – late) in partnership with Fords Gin, and goes on to see events like #Ginning: Tricks of the trade of Gin (28 November, 7pm – 11pm), where Bulldog Gin partners with Kilo Lounge to offer special deals on Bulldog Gin cocktails and bottles, East Meets West Nightcap Session (29 November, 11pm – 1am) at One Ninety Bar at The Four Seasons with West Winds, and It’s a Brooklyn Thing (2 December, 11pm – late), a night of New York-inspired G&Ts at industry hangout Skinny’s Lounge.
Don’t miss masterclasses like Hendrick’s Gin Deconstructed: Understanding the Unconventional (29 November, 7pm – 9pm) as Southeast Asia brand ambassador Tasha Lu shares more about the spirit’s core ingredients and lets you experience Hendrick’s before its final stages; or The Proof Flat’s Special Salon Social: The Gin & Tonic (29 November, 6.30pm – 8.30pm) where guests will be taken through a tasting and cocktail making adventure.
The search for Asia’s Best Gin & Tonic
One of the main events of every Gin Jubilee, this competition sees bartenders from around the region coming together to redefine the humble G&T. Come watch how East Imperial tonics fare with many great brands of gin, both old and new, as well as the immense possibilities when it comes to the classic drink.
Each participating bar will pair one of four East Imperial Tonics with a partner gin brand, and each city will crown one bar and one bartender with the iconic Silver Tankard. And that’s not all – each winner will make their way down to Singapore for the the grand finale: the fight for the title of Asia’s Best Gin & Tonic.
Last year saw finalists from Singapore (Lexis Tan) Kuala Lumpur (Angel Ng), Hong Kong (Tomi Ho) and Phnom Penh (Aidan Powrie) competing for the crown glory, with Red Tail’s Alexis taking the ultimate win with her beautiful violet creation, Float Like a Butterfly.
An epic Gin Lane closing party
That’s right, the now-iconic Gin Lane Street Party isn’t going anywhere. Can’t make it to the other events? Come down for this no-holds-barred closing party at the very least. Last year saw this happening behind the beloved HongKong Street, and this time, you’ll find the festivities happening behind good old Amoy Street.
Expect a roaring good time of rubbing shoulders with East Imperial founders Kevin Law-Smith and Tony Burt, with the winners of Best G&T across the various cities, as well as representatives from your favourite gin brands – all to the backdrop of raving beats by Mustard Music, quality munchies, and yes, gins that dreams are made of.
The Singapore leg of the 5th East Imperial Gin Jubilee is happening from 27 November to 3 December 2017. For more details on the programming, stay tuned to www.ginjubilee.com.