India's Hapusa Gin

Hapusa calls itself the “world’s first Himalayan dry gin” because it uses juniper that actually grows in the Himalayas.

The name comes from the Sanskrit word for juniper, and the berries are foraged from near the Himalayan snow line. The higher altitude junipers are said to have a wilder, more resinous character than the cultivated varieties typically used in Western gins.

 

Vietnam's Lady Triệu Gin

We recently got acquainted with Vietnam’s most awarded gin and best-selling craft gin (per IWSR), Lady Triệu, at Triptyk Kuala Lumpur.

The brand, launched in 2020, leans into Vietnam’s biodiversity — citrus, florals, tea, spice — pulled from different regions of the country and bottled into five distinct expressions.

Peddlers Gin – From Shanghai, Crafted with Eleven Botanicals

Founded in 2016, this London dry-style gin has been infused with native Chinese botanicals, reflecting Shanghai’s East-meets-West spirit.

Peddlers’ flavour profile is built around four signature Chinese botanicals: Buddha’s Hand (Yunnan) for citrus brightness, Sichuan Pepper (Qingxi) for warm spice, Lotus Flower (Gansu) for delicate florals, and Tianshan Almonds (Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang) for nutty sweetness.

Hendrick’s Cucumber Currency Exchange Returns

Hendrick’s Gin is once again accepting cucumbers as currency.

 

From 27 June to 3 July, bring a cucumber to over 120 participating outlets in Klang Valley, Penang, or Johor Bahru, and receive a complimentary Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic in return.

 

> How It Works

It’s simple:

‘Gin-Finity And Beyond' with The RuMa's Seven Lobby Bar

In conjunction with World Gin Day, Seven Lobby Bar @ The RuMa Hotel and Residences featured a special appearance from Taiwan’s, Nick Wu, founder of Bar Mood, Taipei (est. 2017). 

Roku Sakura Bloom Edition launches in Malaysia

The House of Suntory recently unveiled its first release of a limited edition gin in Malaysia - the Roku Sakura Bloom Edition.

 

The Roku Sakura Bloom Edition pays homage to the famous annual Hanami (flower watching) festival - where people from all over gather to witness the iconic cherry blossom season in Japan during Spring.

Malfy Gin launches in Malaysia

Pernod Ricard Malaysia has recently introduced a new addition to its gin portfolio, Malfy Gin. Malfy is a range of super-premium gins distilled by the Vergnano family in the Italian region of Moncalieri.

  

Monkey 47 Barrel Cut now available in Malaysia

The Monkey 47 Barrel Cut gin was recently launched in Malaysia (only 300 bottles available locally!) - it is Monkey 47's first barrel-aged gin, aged in Mulberry cask.

Welcome to Malaysia, Grazia Di Franco!

Grazia Di Franco, Maison Ferrand's new Southeast Brand Ambassador, popped by to introduce herself and the range of Maison Ferrand products available in Malaysia. 

October is gin month at Locker & Loft

Gin Month is back at The Locker & Loft, happening all of October 2023. 

 

Hendrick's Cucumber Currency Exchange is Back on 14 July

That's right - for one night only, over 60 bars in Kuala Lumpur and Penang will accept cucumbers as payment for a Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic (T&C: 1 drink per person,  40 drinks redeemable per outlet or while stocks last!).

Head over to the website for the full list of participating outlets... or here's a snapshot (click on image to enlarge!):

Ki No Bai Arrives to Malaysia

Irasshaimase Ki No Bai! That's right folks. The Kyoto Distillery has brought its first-of-its-kind plum and berry liqueur to Malaysia!

This new expression is the distillery’s interpretation of British Sloe Gin and inspired by the Japanese umeshu, featuring locally sourced ingredients, such as haskap berries from Hokkaido and ume plums from Kyoto.

World Martini Day with The House of Suntory

In conjunction with World Martini Day on 17 June 2023, The House of Suntory embarked on a month-long celebration dedicated to this legendary drink with Roku Gin and Haku Vodka. While martini is traditionally crafted with gin, using vodka is also common (for example, the James Bond "shaken not stirred" martini is famously made with vodka). 

 

14 bars throughout Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, and Penang will showcase their own interpretation of the martini featuring Roku Gin and Haku Vodka from 12 June to 28 July. Check them all out and don't say bojio:

 

Pahit
Ginger, Perfect Martini, Yuzu (RM50)

 

Location & Reservations:
3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
t: +603  2110 0776
https://www.instagram.com/barpahit/

 

Gin Jubilee Kuala Lumpur is Back!

After a 3-year hiatus (no thanks to the pandemic!), Malaysia's (arguably) biggest gin event is back and will take place from 15 to 27 May 2023.

This year’s Gin Jubilee will feature 10 gin brands and a total of 20 bars.

Marcy Sakuma at Three X CO and the KI NO BI Edition G

We had the pleasure of catching Marcy Sakuma, Manager of the House of Ki No Bi of Kyoto, who took over Three X Co to showcase the range of Ki No Bi gins in cocktails recently.

The guest shift also introduced the limited-edition Ki No Bi Edition G, the brand’s first cask-aged Kyoto dry gin, which was officially released in 2019 in selected markets. 

Celebrating Spring Harvest with Roku Gin

From 6 April to 26 May 2023, Roku Gin is collaborating with some of the trendiest cocktail bars in Klang Valley to create cocktails that celebrate the "Shun" spring harvest - the Sakura, Grapefruit, Apricot, Kumquat, Plum and Honeydew.

"Shun", (旬 , pronounced shoon) in Japanese means seasonal ingredients that are harvested at its peak - when it is at its very best, most succulent, and flavourful.

Penrose will feature grapefruit cocktails that pairs with the fruit's citrus, tart and bitter flavours.

Rising Sun, The Sakura’s Calling, Momoiro (RM 55)

For more and reservations:149, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
M : +6016 230 0905
www.instagram.com/penrose.kl/

Four Pillars Fresh Yuzu Gin Now Available in Malaysia

I know some people would instantly grab any edible and drinkable item with the words "MADE WITH YUZU" on its label, so here's one more to add to your buy list! 

  

The Australian brand, Four Pillars, has been known to feature home-grown products in their gin, and this variant is no different.

Sui Gin Now Available in Malaysia

The House of Suntory recently introduced Sui in Malaysia. Developed to be clean and refreshing tasting, Suntory wants anyone and EVERYone to be able enjoy its new gin at any meal, anytime.

World Gin Day with Caorunn and Jay Gray

Caorunn kickstarted a 3-day celebration of this year’s World Gin Day (which falls on the second Saturday of June annually) with Jay Gray, bartender and co-founder of Sago House, Singapore.

Jay Gray at the trade masterclass

 

Four Pillars Gin Now Available Online in Malaysia

Four Pillars Gin is a craft distillery founded by three friends in 2013 based in Healesville, Melbourne’s Yarra Valley. Four Pillars took Australia and the world by storm when the first ever gin they developed - the Rare Dry Gin - won awards just one year after the distillery was founded, making the distillery a fast cult favourite and one of the most beloved gin brands in Australia.