As if we needed a reason for a round of gin and tonics. This festival’s giving a whole new meaning to the iconic G&Ts.
Gear up, gin-onnoisseurs, the region’s most talked about gin and tonic fiesta is back in town and we’re predicting a gin-soaked week. After a massive tour ‘round five cities, the East Imperial Gin Jubilee will be rolling into Singapore from 30 November through 8 December with masterclasses by an Asia’s 50 Best Bars honouree bartender, the exciting Royal Botanic Tonic debut, underrated gin brands you’ve heard but never tried, a cool new green initiative (hell, yes!) and the crowning of Asia’s Best Gin & Tonic. Drop everything, happy hour’s right here.
What time is it? It’s gin o’clock
The festivities begin with a banging opening party on 30 November at The Fullerton Hotel Post Bar and East Garden. Participating bars (there’s over 30 of them) including post-work hangouts like ATLAS and Lulu’s Lounge will be whipping out the most creative and out-of-the-world versions of G&Ts. Tried a tipple that hit the spot? Pop it onto your Instagram feed with the #GinJubilee2018 hashtag and bar location and your favourite bar might just win best gin and tonic in Singapore – or the region!
Say “gin” and we’re in
Think you could name-drop any type of gin in the scene? Think again. The East Imperial Gin Jubilee’s bringing a stellar mix of new kids to the attendees’ list. Expect cool renditions of Scotland-based Rock Rose and Porter’s gins, Hawthorn’s London Dry Gin and Cotswolds Dry Gin from England cleverly mixed with East Imperial tonic. Traditionalists, don’t fret, your perennial faves such as Hendrick’s Gin, Roku Gin, Monkey 47, Four Pillars and The Botanist will be in the mix.
We received some exciting bar pairings that are just too good not to share: make a beeline to HighBall Bar for signature drinks from Bulldog Gin. Also, we all love a glass of Hendrick’s but a cocktail faceoff might just take this gin to the next level. Join Hendrick’s Gin Brand Ambassador and Publico’s Bar Manager for unusual fusions and a surprise cocktail at InterContinental Robertson Quay. Plus, you decide the winner. Botanist Gin lovers can turn to a refreshing creation by Humpback’s bartender, Bryan Ubu. There are plenty of other exciting bar pairings so make a reservation, stat.
Gin goes green
Ah, we can’t stop grinning from ear to ear at Gin Lane’s efforts to go green. You heard it first here: there’s going to be a beautiful garden soiree on the last day and participating bartenders will be mixing their best gin and tonics for you to try. That’s not the best part. A food waste recycling programme will also take place, where all food and cocktail garnish scraps, cutlery and cups will be collected and converted to organic fertiliser. And all drink and dining ware will be eco-friendly to minimise waste. GIN-eus ain’t it? You can play a part too. BYO mugs to the grand finale on 8 December and get $5 off entry. Alternatively, you can pay the full price for a ticket, a reusable East Imperial tumbler and bamboo straw. Sounds like a good deal to us.
A healthy dose of gin workshops, parties and ginfusion masterclasses
A massive lineup of events, parties and workshops (that’s over 20 for you) have been confirmed so you’ll want to clear out your calendar for the next month or so. We’ve sussed out some highlights in case there’s just too many to pick. How does a glass of Roku Gin sound? Hop over to Jigger & Pony Feature Bar as mixologist, Jamey Merkel takes you behind the concept of the first gin from Japan’s iconic Suntory. Wanna infuse gin at home? Publico’s bar manager is spilling it all at this a special ginfusion masterclass with Hendrick’s gin. You’ll also get to create a customised blend and have a taste of the Unusual Fusion cocktail – made by infusing Hendrick’s with grapefruit and cucumber. Get in on some #sgpride with a tour of the stunning Brass Lion Distillery. End your day with a custom G&T of their dry gins and some East Imperial tonics. De-lish.
So there you have it, this gin and tonic festival by the East Imperial Gin Jubilee is going to be one for the books. No need to tell us twice. You’ll know where to find us.
Get the full bar lineup for East Imperial Gin Jubilee 2018, 30 Nov – 8 Dec 2018