Thirsty Thursday: This Week’s Boozy Update
PUBLISHED November 12th, 2015 02:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:29 pm
Swilling, drinking, imbibing, boozing. Whatever you like to call it, there’s no doubt that a good number of us like to treat ourselves to a bit of quality alcohol. And with two Singaporean bars in the top 50 bar awards this year, it’s safe to say that Singapore is one of the best drinking destinations in Asia…and here’s our round up of the week’s hottest boozy happenings.
Launch of Raffles 1915 Gin
Teaming up with artisanal gin makers Sipsmith was the first step. Coming up with a delicious formula was the second. In a partnership that’ll shake up Singapore’s drinking scene, Raffles Hotel has come up with the Raffles 1915 Gin – a bespoke gin that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Singapore Sling. Handcrafted at the Sipsmith Distillery in London for Raffles Hotels & Resorts worldwide, the wonderfully-spiced gin concoction incorporates unique ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, nutmeg, pomelo peel, and jasmine flowers. The result? A full-bodied spirit with a gentle aroma of jasmine on the nose, a spiced mid palate and an easy, smooth finish.
Raffles 1915 Gin is now available at Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ bars and lounges around the world. You can also purchase by bottle at $350++ at any Raffles Singapore bar.
New Aperitivo Cocktails at CÉ LA VI
Aperitifs are typically served before or after a meal as part of a long-standing Italian tradition of stimulating the stomach. Aperitifs also happen to be the latest additions to CÉ LA VI’s cocktail menu, where classic drinks are given modernistic spins. For instance, the Cynar Spritz, the lesser known cousin of the Aperol Spritz, sees a combination of Cynar (herbal artichoke liqueur), prosecco, soda, lemon, and olives. Other winners include Summer Cup – Pimm’s No. 1, ginger ale, and fresh fruit – and the Barcelona G & T, which utilises the uncommon London Dry-styled Geranium Gin.
CÉ LA VI is located at 1 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018971. Tel: +65 6688 7688
Launch of Paul John Single Malt
When you say India…we say, whisky. While the Scots and the Japanese usually come out top in the whisky producing department, Paul John’s sublime Single Malt series might just give them a run for their money. Scoring a remarkable 96.5 rating by whisky authority Jim Murray of The Whisky Bible, Paul John Edited happens to be one of the finest whiskies in the market, and is now available in Singapore. Likewise, Paul John Brilliance is another outstanding example of high-quality whisky, and both bottles owe their rich flavours to a mix of barley grown in the Himalayas, and a maturation process that is conveniently speeded up by the humidity of Goa.
Paul John Edited is available at $145 and Paul John Brilliance at $135 at The Whisky Store.
Both bottles can also be found at Wallich, Jiu Zhuang and Charlie’s Paradiso.
Support Local Bartenders in Bacardi Legacy
The prestigious Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition sees five local bartenders vying for the top spot, all for a chance to represent Singapore at the global finals in San Francisco next year. The finalists include Sin Kim Shin of Jigger and Pony, Stuart Danker of Sugarhall, Satoshi Iwai of Orgo, Adonis Reyes of Bread Street Kitchen, and Bannie Kang of Anti:dote – head down to try out their drinks for yourself because, who knows? You might just be tasting the recipe of a future world champion.
The winner of Singapore’s Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition will be announced in February 2016.
75cl Wine Festival
The ability to buy wine online and to enjoy it in your own home without sommeliers fussing over you is probably the best way the folks behind vino e-commerce accomplish their goal of making great wine accessible to everyone (not just for the snobs!). Launched by wine distributor Magnum Spirits and Wine, 75CL is the latest to hop on the e-tailer bandwagon. They’re kicking things off with a 75cl Wine Festival this Saturday too, where you’ll get to sample over 100 labels from across the globe.
Click here for more information.
Top Image: Barrels at Paul John Distillery in Goa, India.
