PROOF & COMPANY CELEBRATES BARTENDERS ACROSS APAC ON WORLD BARTENDER DAY
ASIA PACIFIC, 23 FEBRUARY – This World Bartender Day (24 February), Proof & Company is proud to celebrate the incredible bartenders across Asia Pacific who have shaped the industry for generations to come. From innovative mixologists to dedicated bar owners, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the talented professionals across the region who are redefining and elevating the cocktail culture. Let’s take a look at five of the inspiring bartenders who are making waves in their communities.
Chau Tran
Farmer's Market
Chau Tran, co-owner of the Burrow Bar and Cash Only Diner in Sydney, is a respected and much-admired figure. After completing a degree in marketing and commerce, she worked her way up in the bar industry, starting as a bartender and progressing to the roles of barback, venue manager and finally general manager. In 2016, Tran achieved her goal of owning a venue, joining forces with her best friend Bryce McDonough to open Burrow Bar. The small boutique cocktails and spirits bar was even nominated for a series of awards, including Australian Bartender Magazine’s Bar of the Year, NSW Bar of the Year and Small Bar of the Year for 2019.
Tran further established herself in the industry by becoming the 2019 Global Winner of the Gin Mare and earning second place in the Bar Convent Brooklyn cocktail competition in 2020. Additionally, Tran and her team initiated the hospitality pro-bono marketplace Hospo Threads to provide aid to the hospitality industry, in addition to cooking and delivering more than 10,000 meals to those in need during the pandemic.
When asked what was Tran’s signature drink, she presented Farmer’s Market made with Never Never Juniper Freak Gin.
“This drink sums up Burrow Bar in a cup for me – a joyous hug on the inside from a dear friend. It’s the same feeling I get when let loose at a unique grocery store or wandering around a farmer’s market on a Saturday morning. It is a a drink that celebrates Spring and a drink that reminds me of my favourite time of my week.”
Harry Zhang
Jade Lake
Harry Zhang’s impressive tenure in the cocktail industry began at the Equis Bar of the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, where he spent two years studying techniques before transferring to the UNION Bar at the Opposite House. During that time, both bars earned the prestigious Drink Awards for the Best Hotel Bar in China.
In his work at UNION Bar, Zhang has dedicated himself to producing modern cocktails that challenge him to find ways of unlocking the full spectrum of flavours and the taste profiles of his drinks. A fitting culmination of his creativity is the Silk Road-inspired bubble punch cocktail that has become his signature.
Blended with Peddlers Rare Eastern Gin and Sichuan E’mei mountain snow jasmine tea, the delicate yet bubbly punch is the embodiment of Chinese flavours. The intensity of pepper is balanced with passion fruit and bergamot, while the final result is an exotic drink with a unique blend of floral, fruity, and spicy notes – making it the perfect beverage to savour in this modern cocktail bar.
Meredith Earle
Rōhi
Meredith Earle has been a successful presence in New Zealand’s cocktail industry for 10 years, even taking her talents to festivals such as Rhythm n Vines, Bay Dreams, and many other musical gigs throughout Aotearoa. Working under the mentorship of Matt Barnsley at Austin Club, Earle gained invaluable experience as the second-in-charge at the 1950s-style speakeasy. Drawing on and utilising the wealth of native New Zealand ingredients, her excellence in the field saw her crowned winner of both the Show Us Your Roots and Step into Never Never Competition in 2022. Recently, Earle crossed the seas and began her journey at Black Pearl, Melbourne to further her exploration of cocktail concoctions, as well as the local produce and landscapes of Australia.
Earle’s signature cocktail has been a personal favourite, with the components themselves reflective of the Aroha (love) she has for her mother and her roots. Sustainable and full of foraged ingredients and fresh produce, the concoction also incorporates Roots Gin and horopito, embodying the Maori heritage that lies close to her heart. A salt garnish serves as a reminder of the salty sea air near her family’s urupā (cemetery) in Kawa Kawa Bay, an area in which Earle is able to relax and truly feel at home. But the most special part of her concoction lies in the rose cordial, made with love by Earle herself.
“The homemade Rose cordial is a good balance of sweet and sour, inspired by my mother Joanne Rose Earle and her mother Alice Rosie Williams. These two women are my roots and have made me who I am today.”
Maikal Gurung
The Tot Grog
Drawing from his years in Hong Kong’s F&B industry, Maikal Gurung is highly renowned for his invention of cocktails and the tutelage he provides to inexperienced bartenders. Gurung has served as the Head Bartender of Lobster Bar in Shangri-la Hong Kong and, having the spirit for new explorations in the world of cocktails, he is now the General Manager of The Daily Tot. With the freedom to freely express himself through the creation of cocktails, today Gurung guides the team of rum makers and youthful bartenders as they venture through the realm of rum.
With The Daily Tot’s passion for extraordinary rum, it’s only fitting that Gurung’s signature cocktail features the distinctive Plantation Rum. Inspired by Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon’s navy grog “recipe” from 1740, The Tot Grog gives an updated spin on the traditional drink with its blend of coconut water, coconut soda, and Plantation Rum. The refreshing result is a nod to its history, paying homage to its past while creating a modern concoction that energies guests.
Nursham Arfiyyan bin Abdul Rahman
Fiery Paloma
Nursham Affiyan bin Abdul Rahman, otherwise known as Sham, is the bar supervisor at Lucha Loco, a festive eatery nestled within the concrete jungle of Singapore’s Duxton Hill. This converted shophouse boasts delicious Mexican cuisine as well as a hidden garden, and Sham’s passion for aged agave spirits and artisanal mezcals brings even more authenticity to the place. When concocting a cocktail, Sham loves to have fun and add a bit of zing to the drink with an assortment of bitters.
A prime example of his handiwork is his signature, Fiery Paloma. The sweet, fiery scent of the classic cocktail, enhanced by firewater bitters, combined with the candied and smooth La Travesia is an olfactory journey reminiscent of a spirited Mexican afternoon. His creative artistry is infused with enthusiasm and panache – it is what distinguishes his work from the rest.
FROM BEHIND THE BAR: THE EMERGING WORLD OF ASIAN GINS
ASIA PACIFIC, 31 JANUARY – The world of Asian Gins is an ever-evolving and growing phenomenon, one that has seen an incredible boom in recent years. From India to China to Singapore, and everywhere in between, distillers across Asia are producing some of the most remarkable spirits the world has seen. And it’s no surprise, given Asia’s incredible cultural, geographical, and culinary diversity, as well as its remarkable economic growth in recent decades.
To gain an understanding of the rising trend in craft gins, we interviewed some of the pros in the Asian Gin community. They have been championing regional flavours and incredible stories through their extraordinary spirits.
VERSATILITY OF GIN
With its multifaceted, flexible character, gin serves as an ideal vehicle for infusing a broad range of botanicals, herbs, spices, teas, and fruits native to Asia – a feat that many spirits cannot compare to. This presents craft distillers with a wonderful chance to put an imaginative spin on local botanicals.
Karina Aggarwal
“Gin as a drink occupied a fairly unique space when it comes to spirits—there is much less discourse and judgment on ‘how not to drink’ it as compared to other spirits; it is also very versatile in how bartenders, enthusiasts, or casual drinkers can play with it to customize it to their tastes.”
Founder of Brass Lion Distillery in Singapore, Jamie Koh, agrees “So much of gin-making is about the provenance of ingredients, and I think it’s great that each country in Asia can stamp its mark on the industry by highlighting its local botanicals.”
HOME TO AN AMAZING ARRAY OF UNIQUE BOTANICALS
What works particularly well for Asian craft gin distillers lies in the great variety of botanicals available in the diverse region, allowing for a plethora of possibilities and more flavour-forward craft gins.
As Aggarwal states, “We have access to indigenous botanicals that have enabled each brand to craft something truly distinct and uncover lost stories. For TERAI, the botanicals chosen were selected to emphasise Indian familiarity while breaking away from the traditional cardamom and pepper combination.”
With one of the world’s most diverse and sophisticated food cultures, China offers a variety of flavours to draw upon. Peddlers Gin calls upon the wealth of flavours that the country has to offer, such as Buddha’s Hand from Yunnan, Sichuan peppers, and lotus flowers from Ganshu, to deliver a complex, distinctive and balanced flavour profile. “Ultimately, we wanted to create a gin that was unique to our region but could stand alongside the best on the world stage,” explains Joseph Judd, Head of Brand at Peddlers Gin Company.
Jamie Koh
Similarly, Koh seeks to tell the story of Singapore and its local heritage to the world.
“As a centuries-old trading port, we’ve been pivotal in the transportation of spices from east to west. This, on top of our multicultural society, allows for a beautiful melting pot of ingredients that help to make our gins uniquely Singaporean.”
BOOMING DRINKING CULTURE IN ASIA
The trend of craft gins has grown immensely over recent years, a phenomenon attributed to expanding drinking culture and changing regional preferences. Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in experimenting with new spirits, in search of those that suit their personality, hence leading to an abundant variety of inventive products hitting the shelves.
In India, the gin market has grown significantly and spawned multiple domestic labels. “Observing customers go from enthusiastic supporters (of multiple brands) to favouring one product over the other has been fascinating,” says Aggarwal. Merely creating a gin isn’t enough nowadays; it must possess something distinctive – in terms of flavour, branding, or backstory – to stand out.
In addition, the flourishing cocktail culture has prompted many to start showing a greater interest in gin and different gin-based concoctions.
Joseph Judd
“We are fortunate to have played a tiny part in the thrilling and innovative cocktail culture in Shanghai which is beyond compare. There are multiple great cocktail bars in the city such as Union Trading Company, E.P.I.C. and Shake, among many others, that have raised the bar and we have seen numerous amazing concepts coming up since, each of which is contributing to the scene in its unique way.”
While the world grows increasingly aware of the extraordinary offerings these countries have to offer, the years ahead are looking incredibly exciting for craft gin in Asia. Craft gin distillers are in the unique position of being able to bring awareness to the various places that provide the source of the flavours they bring to their gins.
As Koh remarks: “We hope to continuously innovate while staying true to our roots. We’ve created our own lane and we plan to stay on it – highlighting the beauty of our local botanicals and striving to create spirits that represent who we are.”
ABOUT BRASS LION DISTILLERY
The birth of the idea came back in 2012 when they were looking for a spirit crafted here in Singapore. After embarking on a six-year journey to create a spirit that can truly encapsulate the heart of Singapore, Brass Lion Singapore Dry Gin was brought to life.
Building upon classic gin foundations of juniper berries and coriander seed, the first Singaporean micro-distillery introduced traditional Asian flavours such as the aromatic torch ginger flower and citrusy lemongrass. The result? A smooth, vibrant spirit that is the quintessential expression of The Singapore Dry Gin – a true reflection of the cultural melting pot that is Singapore.
For more information, please visit Brass Lion Distillery.
ABOUT TERAI INDIAN DRY GIN
Founded by the Swarup Family in India, TERAI India Dry Gin is a modern gin rooted in London Dry Gin traditions but with an intrinsically Indian flavour profile and character. It is a vibrant gin that begins with lush green notes lifted by citrus zest. This is followed by a characteristic floral bouquet and a sweet and piney juniper aroma. On the palate, sweet and herbaceous flavours are balanced by a dry spice and savoury finish. TERAI combines the love for our land, expertise in distillation and agriculture, a Spirit of Craft, and a devotion to a good drink to bring you the true India Dry Gin.
For more information, please visit TERAI India Dry Gin.
ABOUT PEDDLERS GIN COMPANY
Peddlers is a Shanghai gin company started in 2017 with a vision of challenging perceptions of what it means to be ‘Made in China’. Using uniquely Chinese ingredients like Sichuan Pepper and Buddha’s Hand, Peddlers Gin tells a story of diverse regions of China. With exports of their premium gin to over ten countries throughout the Asia Pacific, and triple-digit sales growth, Peddlers is proudly representing Shanghai to the world.
For more information, please visit Peddlers Gin Company.
FROM BEHIND THE BAR: COFFEE MEETS COCKTAILS
ASIA PACIFIC, 21 DECEMBER– The delicious mix of coffee and craft spirits, two of the world’s greatest pleasures, has been quietly growing up with the second Golden Age unfurling globally.
Certainly, individuals have been elevating their coffee by adding spirits long before cocktail culture emerged, but the surge of coffee cocktails in the modern canon has been bolstered by two drinks from the last century: the Irish Coffee in the 1940s and the Espresso Martini in the 1980s. Both are fairly simple cocktails that let the coffee shine, they’ve inspired a movement to combine coffee and spirits in cocktails all over the world.
Cllub Caffe at 28 HongKong Street
Diplomático Mantuano Mocha
In Australia, coffee culture has long been at the forefront, with baristas and roasters taking it just as seriously as the cocktail scene takes their mixology. Charlie Ainsbury, Senior Bar Consultant at Proof Creative confirms this notion, “Coffee is synonymous with Australia, dare I say that if there was a capital of the Espresso Martini, we would be it.”
Charlie Ainsbury, Senior Bar Consultant at Proof Creative
“The complexity and familiarity of coffee just show how diverse the humble coffee bean can be depending on how you choose to extract its flavour. It can be dark, rich, and bitter and it can also be light, silky, and fruity. I also enjoy the immediate affinity guests have with coffee in cocktails.”
Seemingly simple on the surface, coffee’s taste and aromatic profiles are complex and can range from fruity to earthy, bright to rich, spiced, and chocolaty, all with some signature bitterness. Like any agricultural product, coffee beans evoke the terroir from where they are grown, with different roasting and production methods coaxing out a spectrum of flavours before it gets to your cup. The complexity and versatility of the beans are not only what make it such a vastly intriguing beverage on its own, they also make coffee ideal to utilise in cocktails.
“Well, there is the obvious energy boost but also coffee can be used in so many ways from being the main flavour in a cocktail. The roasted bitterness from the coffee compliments many other flavours like citrus and dark berries,” General Manager of 28 HongKong Street, Chris Peart explains, “Coffee also mixes with most liquor categories – whisky, rum, agave, fruit liquors… There are many possibilities when using coffee in lovely tipples!”
For the true connoisseur ready to develop their own recipe, consider what characteristics coffee can bring to your cocktail and highlight or contrast from there. Bright lemon, toasted pineapple, caramelised oak, nutty coconut, and rich chocolate each make fantastic compliments to different beans and roasts. Select a direction for your cocktail, then build it out with supporting ingredients to tie it all together, working with the complexity of the coffee.
If you just want to dip a toe in the waters of coffee cocktails, the Espresso Martini, Irish Coffee, or Carajillo won’t disappoint. A self-proclaimed Espresso Martini lover, Peart explains what makes a great tipple.
Chris Peart, General Manager of 28 HongKong Street
“A good one is usually made using a spirit other than vodka. Personally, a good dark rum like Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, or an Anejo tequila. The coffee liqueur should be something decent but not super dry and still have some nice sweetness to it that goes really well with some freshly made espresso. You should also be good at using a coffee machine! Finally, a few dashes of saline can be a nice addition. Keep it simple with quality ingredients across the board.”
These simple cocktails keep coffee front and centre with big, bold taste profiles. When you’re ready to brew up your own signature style, think of coffee as a supporting flavour, in tandem with the base spirit. Any spirit can work with coffee in the right preparation, but beginners can start with rum, bourbon, or vodka. When ready to level up, try working with gin, mezcal, or amaro. Coffee also works well when updating classic cocktails, whether spirit-forward, like an Old Fashioned or Negroni, or refreshing and citrus-based, like a Daiquiri or Sour. Ainsbury will most likely gravitate to something with barrel age, or richness in spirit but it can be eye-opening to challenge yourself to do the opposite.
Whatever direction, the coffee must be brewed fresh. This will allow for the best concentration of true flavours from the beans. Incorporate chilled espresso into a syrup or try cold brew for long drinks. For garnish, use whole beans, grate over a Microplane for zest, or mix into a salt or sugar rim.
Ainsbury shares, “Your base ingredient of coffee doesn’t just mean espresso. Experiment with as many methods of extracting flavour as possible, with different levels of roast and using different terroirs. When you do, experiment again! The possibilities are infinite, every person has a personal favourite type of coffee drink so let yourself go wild.“
SUSTAINABILITY AT THE HEART OF DIPLOMÁTICO RUM
ASIA PACIFIC, 22 NOVEMBER – The sustainability campaign is starting to take hold of the craft cocktail industry as one of the main subjects within this new contemporary culture. As rum is one of the most scrutinised spirits, the industry is evolving into one which is implementing and practising sustainable operations. Within the last years, Diplomático Rum started on a mission to emerge as leaders beyond the bar by tackling key sustainability issues, people, processes, and the environment.
In fact, the Venezuelan brand recently designed the “Distilled Consciously” program, which shows their commitment to prioritize doing business more responsibly, getting people involved in their projects, and making positive changes for the next generation of passionate rum-makers.
"Distilled Consciously" Sustainability Platform
The process of manufacturing rum can be detrimental to the environment in various ways, from the careless disposal of sugarcane vinasse to the absence of proper recycling. However, what unites the industry is a growing focus on sustainability, and today, distillers are slowly recognising the significance of the relationship between rum and the environment.
A field that has been gaining traction in the industry is distillery’s waste processing research, and Diplomático Rum started zeroing in on slashing energy consumption, conserving precious water resources, and upcycling by-products. Leveraging an internal recycling system that recycles 100% of solid and liquid waste – including vinasse – the process transforms this liquid waste into organic fertilizer that feeds the cultivation of over 1,000 hectares of sugarcane cultivated by 26 family-owned farms in their vicinity. In addition to reducing fuel costs by 48% with their cogeneration technology and water usage by 50% thanks to energy-saving processes, Diplomático Rum also recycles nearly 270 tons of solid garbage per year through their recycling centre.
“Our main focus is on minimizing the environmental impact of each and every one of our operations and taking it one step further by committing to our surroundings beyond the distillery.” explains Mariela Ballesteros, Head of Corporate Communications at DUSA “With over 16,000 trees planted since 1992 through an active reforestation program, the Diplomático Rum brand actively contributes to increasing biodiversity and leaving a green footprint.”
Susana Curbelo, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility
Diplomático Rum has received multiple international awards and recognitions that show it is remaining faithful to its family values: responsibility, integrity, and preservation of the environment. And advocacy has always been an integral component of the elaboration of Diplomático Rum.
This value is reflected in their movement of inspiring customers and bar folks alike to participate in activities and raise environmental consciousness. Through collaborations with NGOs and other partners through monthly local beach cleanups and investing in local communities projects, it is this continuous dedication that makes them “The Heart of Rum”.
“As a family business, we consider our people to be our best asset. Our commitment is to direct all our social investment to improve the life quality of our workers as well as of the local community with special focus on health care.”
Social initiatives were also launched worldwide to fight against food waste with its partners, distributors, and consumers’ support. For example, the pilot program “USA Project Leftover,” where food is directed to those in need instead of wasting it. The goal is to get at least 39,000 pounds of food from at least 100 restaurants to give to people in need. Furthermore, Diplomático Rum was a crucial part of “Canada Zero Waste” Working with Second Harvest, the country’s largest food rescue organization, on their latest campaign, “Donate the Difference”.
“Our sustainability program is the result of the engagement and voluntary commitment of all our employees, partners and distributors who share the Diplomátic Rum values and beyond all genuinely understand the importance of protecting our natural and Human Resources,” José Rafael Ballesteros, CEO of Diplomático Rum shares.
Ever evolving, producers are starting to answer the question: How does one sustainably make high-quality Rum? While the act of drinking cocktails will never reconcile itself completely with the environment, brands such as Diplomático Rum are seeking better decisions and innovations to limit the global impact.
ABOUT DIPLOMÁTICO RUM
Diplomático Rum is passionately crafted by Maestros Roneros, using their expertise in combining modern and traditional distillation methods to produce exceptional rums for demanding palates. Every drop is infused with a rich and treasured heritage that comes from the heart and reaches out to yours. In 2018, Diplomático was awarded Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious “Spirit Brand of the Year,” the first-ever rum to win in this category. Having produced top-quality spirits since 1959, Diplomático’s distillery combines traditional methods with modern technology to produce the finest of rums.
For more information, please visit Ron Diplomático.
PROOF & COMPANY CELEBRATES THE LAUNCH OF ROOTS ECO DRY GIN IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND, 1 NOVEMBER – Award-winning Marlborough-based distillery, Elemental Distillers, has partnered with Proof & Company, one of Asia Pacific’s leading independent spirits distributors, and ecoSPIRITS™ to launch their latest premium dry gin in Australia & New Zealand — Roots Eco.
Roots Eco in a G&T
Roots Eco Dry Gin is created with two things in mind; an amazing yet affordable juniper-forward dry gin that can compete against any house pour and carry a strong sustainability message. Distilled on the estate at Elemental Distillers Ltd with 43% and from 6 core botanicals, it boasts all the hallmarks of its predecessor: herbal aromatics; fresh juniper taste; crisp citrus notes. With an easily accessible price point, Root’s Eco Dry Gin is guaranteed to be popular amongst bars or venues that want to offer sustainable drinks without sacrificing quality and flavours.
Ben Leggett, Director and Distiller of Elemental Distillers
“Elemental Distillers is built around belief in delivering premium spirits with full transparency and sustainability. By being able to partner Roots Dry Gin through the ecoSPIRITS distribution technology, we’ve not only decreased our environmental impact, but allowed bars and restaurants to operate more sustainably, while retaining access to a locally made product at an affordable price.”
Crafted to represent the style and character of award-winning Roots Marlborough Dry Gin, Roots Eco will be available exclusively for bars and venues in a 4.5L ecoTOTE™. Empty pre-labelled bottles will be supplied complimentary to be refilled when the supply is running low – making it simple to establish a routine of sustainable drinking plan.
Dan King, Commercial Manager, Proof & Company (New Zealand)
“Proof & Company and ecoSPIRITS are proud to be partnering with Elemental Distillers to bring a low waste, low carbon, low cost, high quality, locally produced house pour gin to the hospitality venues of Aotearoa. Elemental’s dedication to sustainability and quality is a perfect fit with the ecoSPIRITS closed loop packaging technology.”
Proof & Company also distributes Roots Marlborough Dry Gin which has received multiple international awards, including Double Gold at the SIP Awards 2022 and the Trophy for Best Overall Gin at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021. For more information on Roots and the ordering process, please contact your respective Australia and New Zealand Proof Representatives.
ABOUT ECOSPIRITS
ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in 11 countries and 30 cities across the Asia Pacific. Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants and hotels have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop services, with coverage in 18 countries worldwide by late 2022. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers and venues, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners eliminate hundreds of tons of single-use glass waste, plant tens of thousands of trees, and inspire others to change.
For more information, please visit www.ecospirits.com or follow @ecospirits.global on Instagram.
ABOUT ROOTS DRY GIN
Produced in the heart of New Zealand’s internationally recognised wine region, Elemental Distillers is a Marlborough-based craft distillery, founded by Ben Leggett and Simon Kelly. Bringing decades of combined international drinks experience, Ben and Simon believe in delivering premium craft spirits and liqueurs with complete transparency of all ingredients, processes and production, from the root – to cup.
Elemental Distillers delivered Roots Marlborough Dry Gin, a bold juniper-forward gin with only six core botanicals. Most sourced directly in New Zealand, from either wild, organic, native or family-owned farms and co-operatives. ROOTS Dry Gin is produced entirely onsite at their very own bespoke container distillery; resulting an a quality crisp and robust ‘London Dry’ style gin.
For more information, please visit Elemental Distillers.
FROM BEHIND THE BAR: THE RISE OF MEZCAL
ASIA PACIFIC, 21 OCTOBER – Mezcal is one of the world’s most artisanal products, with wide variations in style, and a story behind every bottle. The smokier sibling of the also agave-based tequila, mezcal has been captivating audiences around the world. Created by cooking agave inside earth pits over charcoal and wood before distilling in clay pots, the result is a distinctive smokiness and deep, earthy notes that discerning drinkers and bar folks have come to love.
Don Joel & Alipus San Juan
After being de-marketed in for its supposed hallucinogenic elements, Mezcal was given a second chance in 1994 when local regulations and official certifications were made to govern its production. The spirit developed from being known as a Mexican liquor with a worm in the bottle in the 2000s, to a highly revered bona fide contender not just among agave spirits, but spirits at large. — this paragraph needs rewriting, it probably only needs to be a sentence, “as recently as the 2000s, mezcal was known as the Mexican spirit with the worm in it,” or along those lines.
But as the world discovered quality tequila, they also took a fresh look at mezcal. This newfound popularity means that mezcal producers are reaching more people than ever before.
“With the rise of the popularity of tequila, people are looking to explore the agave category,” explains Luke Sanderson, Advocacy Director of True Believers, “Locally, accessibility was difficult for many years, we just couldn’t get our hands on it but now we have one of the best agave bars in the world here in Australia, Cantina OK!”
Robin Leung, Bar Manager of COA Shanghai
“From distributors and suppliers to bars, everyone is importing and having more stocks of agave spirits. Every bar will stock at least one kind of agave spirit; some bars will stock more than two kinds of mezcal. All our local bartenders have been learning more knowledge of mezcal and tequila.
The whole beverage industry has been promoting agave spirits, not only in mainland China but also on a global scale. It would be a new trend in the cocktail scene for sure!”
Mezcal is also coming into its own as a cocktail ingredient, explains Sanderson. He further elaborates that Mezcal has a taste profile traditionally reserved for the whisky category and Islay with its bold smokiness. But today, it is a true exploration of these notes in our cocktails in a light and fresh way.
Leung affirms the depth that mezcal brings to cocktails. “Making a cocktail with mezcal gives the cocktail more layers, thanks to its bold smokiness of it. Every classic cocktail I have made with mezcal so far is all very well balanced on the palate and delicious.”
Not only does this extraordinary spirit create opportunities for bartenders to dabble in cocktails with the discovery of flavours, but it’s also a chance for customers to experience something a little different.
Mezcal Margarita
If you’re new to the spirit, there are a couple of guidelines to keep in mind.
Mezcal is like wine in that it is expressive place and terroir-driven. Agave is an agricultural product, like wine, with its own harvesting period — typically it takes seven to eight years for an agave to mature. The most commonly used agave species for mezcal is espadin, with tobalá, tobaziche, tepeztate, arroqueño and many more.
Some mezcals are more vegetal, some are floral, and some are sweet and have notes of honey. Others are nutty, or earthy, or taste strongly of minerals. Sanderson recommends trying everything and create a reference point that will assist in exploring the other regions flavours. While if you are looking for a rich, fruit-forward flavour, Robin would highly recommend tobalá mezcal.
Transporting Maguey
But as mezcal grows in popularity, so does the demand on production, and — as Sanderson anticipates — there will be pressure to use automated production techniques using large-scale production and high-end equipment like fibre optic refractometer, fractionator, diffuser and more to meet demands.
This popularity is something Leung is cautious of. “For the sustainability and future of distilling mezcal, I’m hoping that practices and regulations are put in place to ensure the continuation of agave cultivation to prevent the overconsumption of agave.”
This is why it’s important to choose sustainable mezcal brands. These environmentally and socially conscious businesses help to ensure the resilience of mezcal, both as a spirit category and as a cultural story. It’s possible for mezcal to stay true to its roots, after all, mezcal’s small-batch independence and quality are exactly what consumers are looking for.
PROOF & COMPANY PIONEERS ‘SMARTKIOSK’ TECHNOLOGY IN SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE, 19 SEPTEMBER – Proof & Company, one of Asia Pacific’s leading independent spirits distributors, is the world’s first to pioneer the new patent-pending SmartKioskTM technology for ecoSPIRITS in partnership with DFI Retail Group. This new innovation represents the next step in ecoSPIRITS’ Intelligent CircularTM roadmap and marks its first foray into circular packaging solutions for the retail channel; making sustainable reuse of branded spirits bottles available to consumers.
ecoSPIRITs SmartKIOSK at Cold Storage, Tanglin Mall
Proof & Company, ecoSPIRITS’ licensed operator for Singapore, Hongkong SAR, China, Australia and New Zealand, is the first partner in the world to own and operate a fleet of SmartKiosk across the Region. Partnering with DFI Retail Group for the Singapore launch, Proof & Company has deployed the first SmartKiosk in CS Fresh, Tanglin Mall, Singapore, with four more locations pinned for launch later this year.
The new CS Fresh SmartKiosk will offer Singapore’s shoppers access to sustainable refills of a selection of craft spirit brands, including gins from the island’s own Brass Lion Distillery. Other spirits available will include Tried & True Straight Wheat Vodka, Widges Gin, Mackintosh Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Los Arcos Destilado de Agave. By placing their bottle under an intelligent pouring system with brand authentication through a novel Verified Sustainable RefillTM feature and using a touch screen, customers can accurately refill with their favourite spirits. Each sustainable refill offers significant environmental benefits, eliminating an average of 550g of carbon emissions and more than 700g of single-use packaging waste. Consumers will also save up to 20 per cent over the same spirit in single-use packaging formats.
Brandon Grusd, General Manager, Southeast Asia
“Proof & Company is proud to be the very first operator of the SmartKiosk technology globally. Having first pioneered ecoSPIRITS in the on-premise channel back in 2018, it’s a natural fit for our growing network of retailers across Asia Pacific. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for our brand partners, such as Brass Lion Distillery and True Believers, to be at the forefront of consumer innovation. DFI and CS Fresh should be commended for their sustainability leadership in pioneering such a unique shopper experience.”
This technology debut with Singapore’s leading premium grocer aligns with the city state’s Singapore Green Plan 2030, which commits to reducing landfill waste per capita per day by 30% by 2030. As part of their collaboration, for each refill purchased, ecoSPIRITS, Proof & Company and DFI will jointly plant one tree in the CS Fresh Forest under the ecoSPIRITS’ Forest Program.
Paul Gabie, CEO, ecoSPIRITS
“Circular retail for spirits and wine presents enormous opportunities and equally great challenges. Retail purchases make up the largest volume segment for our industry and the largest source of single-use glass waste. As such, it is incumbent upon all of us to find more sustainable ways to serve consumers. Helping shoppers adapt to novel consumption patterns is not easy, but in the face of global waste and climate crisis, adaptation is a must. Together with trailblazing partners like Proof & Company and DFI Retail Group, we can build a future beyond single-use packaging.”
Additional SmartKiosks will be deployed in ecoSPIRITS markets around the world in the coming months. For more information on Proof & Company and its leading Asia Pacific spirits distribution platform, please contact info@proofandcompany.com.
High-res image selects are available to download here.
ABOUT ECOSPIRITS
ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Our patent-pending closed loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides both a powerful cost advantage and a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in 11 countries and 30 cities across the Asia Pacific. Europe and the Americas. More than 1,000 leading bars, restaurants and hotels have adopted the technology, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop services, with coverage in 18 countries worldwide by late 2022. Together with our brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers and venues, we are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and our partners eliminate hundreds of tons of single-use glass waste, plant tens of thousands of trees, and inspire others to change.
For more information, please visit www.ecospirits.com or follow @ecospirits.global on Instagram.
ABOUT THE NEW SMARTKIOSK 1.0S
The new SmartKiosk 1.0S is an intelligent circular retail technology that makes secure, sustainable reuse of branded spirits bottles possible for the first time. Wifi-enabled and powered by ecoSPIRITS’ cloud-based CircularONETM software platform, each SmartKiosk 1.0S is equipped with a large high-definition touchscreen, bottle, and brand authentication through a novel Verified Sustainable RefillTM feature, and fast, accurate refills using ecoSPIRITS’ existing SmartPourTM technology. As an extension of ecoSPIRITS’ existing portfolio of closed-loop technologies, the SmartKiosk enables retailers to leverage existing ecoTOTETM distribution in their local market and offer a scalable, cost-effective refill solution to consumers.
Each SmartKiosk 1.0S unit supports sustainable refill for a range of six spirit products, supported by a two-level merchandising display for branded refill bottles and a rear cabinet for convenient restocking of ecoTOTEs. SmartKiosks feature a Microsoft Windows CE-based operating system and live content and data powered by the CircularONE software platform. This software integrates a range of intelligent features possible, including a large 125cm touch screen display, NFC-based bottle authentication via Verified Sustainable Refill, and fast, accurate dispense using the proven SmartPour system. Kiosks also feature programmable dispense volumes, stainless steel drip trays and locking wheels for ease of handling.
FROM BEHIND THE BAR: THE NEGRONI, A CLASSICALLY MODERN COCKTAIL
ASIA PACIFIC, 13 SEPTEMBER – The lure of a Negroni is its completeness, providing an explosion of flavours while maintaining balance, along with its signature bright red hue. Not just a fantastic way to start a meal, it also works as a nightcap or on its own, and modern variations create myriad Negroni-appropriate occasions. It is at once herbaceous, sweet, strong, and ― perhaps most notably ― bitter. Its straightforward recipe of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and red bitter belies the complexity of each individual ingredient and its ability to be modernised and customised. In fact, it is among the most interpreted cocktails of our time.
Single Origin Negroni
Teresa Negroni with Widges Gin
Since the cocktail’s inception in 1919, Negronis have easily made their way into the canon of classic cocktails, enjoyed worldwide. Ryan McLeod, Co-Founder of Peddlers, recognizes the transportive power of the cocktail, as a “refreshing alcohol-forward beverage with flavours that remind you of Italy.”
Itself a variation, the Negroni is said to have come about in Florence as a riff of the Americano (which was a lengthened variation of yet another cocktail, the Milano-Torino, equal parts bitter and sweet vermouth). In search of a stronger sip than the Americano provided, the soda water was swapped out for a matching equal part of gin and a new classic was born. But as with most cocktail origin stories, there may be some fuzziness to the facts.
“Historically it’s not been proved that this drink was born on equal parts. Indeed, it’s much likely that the vermouth or/and the bitter parts were higher than the gin part. That being said, it’s always interesting to try new variations, and nobody needs to always follow a certain rule: creativity is limitless.” Grazia Di Franco, Mancino Vermouth Brand Ambassador explains.
Peddlers Sichuan Negroni
With the availability of new spirits, the global ability to share information in an instant, and the rise of cocktail culture, the bar and spirits worlds are always evolving, changing, and creating new spin-offs to classic cocktails. In particular, the gin and Amari categories have exploded in the past several years, with brands from craft to corporate all creating their specific signatures, bending and expanding the previously established limits of each category.
For those seeking to create their own signature Negroni; classic or a spin-off, consider the base first – be it traditional gin or a variation with an aged spirit, agave, or something else entirely. From there, the bitter should complement; perhaps it’s from the same region as the base or employs similar botanicals or production methods. One of the most prevalent adjustments seen includes amping up the gin portion and reducing the bitter pour, to cut some sweetness and add a bigger botanical punch. Another option, using aged spirits as the base, is so common that the bourbon version of a Negroni has its own name, a Boulevardier. Trading the vermouth and bitter for modern versions is a great way to add local or custom flair to a signature Negroni.
Our industry experts have a few more suggestions to get started:
Grazia Di Franco
Being a vermouth brand, we always try new Negroni variations all over the world. A White Negroni with Rinomato Americano works amazingly, as does a Claypot Negroni with a touch of amaro: we personally developed a recipe based on a melange of Mancino Vermouth, Amaro Lucano Anniversario, gin and Rinomato Aperitivo Scuro.
Luke Sanderson
An agave-based White Negroni is a great variation; the green and grassy notes from the agave with Suze and Lillet or Cocchi Americano… DELISH! I’m also a big fan of a cocktail called a Lucien Gaudin, which falls somewhere between a Negroni and a Gin Martini. Gin-forward with a splash of dry vermouth, dry Curaçao, and Italian Bitter.
Ryan McLeod
Burnt orange peel Negroni with Peddlers Shanghai Craft Gin is a favourite.
Oh, and any time a touch of coffee is incorporated into a classic Negroni I have enjoyed. I would recommend you give it a try because it’s delicious!
Mancino Vermouth Negroni
The beauty of the Negroni lies in its ability to be executed by anyone. Infinitely customisable, adaptations can come about in a number of ways: the portions adjusted, the base spirit swapped, the vermouth and bitter components updated. At a certain point, cocktails leave the world of being a version of a Negroni to what can best be described as “Negroni-inspired”. While the ability to try new variations and spin-offs is vast, for many people it becomes apparent that a true classic often lay within the 1:1:1 equal parts ratio.
Luke Sanderson from True Believers mentioned “Many view a Negroni as almost a cocktail category unto itself, like the Martini and its many variations. But a Negroni will always be the triple threat of gin, vermouth and bitter.”
Di Franco concurs; “You can play with the ratio, swap the gin with a rum, adding a touch of liqueur or other ingredients, but when the recipe goes too far from the original, you’re just creating a new drink that has nothing to do with a Negroni. And garnish-wise, citrus is always preferred.”
ABOUT MANCINO VERMOUTH
Mancino Vermouth was born in 2011 in a small family-run distillery in Asti, Piedmont. The distillery, established over 60 years ago in 1957, inspired Giancarlo Mancino, owner of the brand, to compose his own vermouth using only the finest hand-picked spices and botanicals. From the moment you pick up the bottle, its classic look and feel, together with the bittersweet concoctions awaiting inside, impress upon you the timeless character that make Mancino Vermouth an integral part of the world’s finest cocktail bars.
For more information, please visit Mancino Vermouth.
ABOUT PEDDLERS GIN COMPANY
Peddlers is a Shanghai gin company started in 2017 with a vision of challenging perceptions of what it means to be ‘Made in China’. Using uniquely Chinese ingredients like Sichuan Pepper and Buddha’s Hand, Peddlers Gin tells a story of diverse regions of China. With exports of their premium gin to over ten countries throughout the Asia Pacific, and triple-digit sales growth, Peddlers is proudly representing Shanghai to the world.
For more information, please visit Peddlers Gin Company.
ABOUT TRUE BELIEVERS SPIRITS
True Believers was conceived by Proof & Company to offer a range of craft spirits that bridges the gap between economical pouring brands, which often fall short in meeting modern consumer preferences for craft credibility, and super-premium craft spirits, which are generally priced out of reach for house pouring programs. Each of the True Believers brands was developed individually to serve as a versatile archetype of its category, suitable for cocktails and sipping alike. The spirits themselves are produced with authentic craft values by highly-regarded distillers.
For more information, please visit True Believers.
THE POPULARITY OF CANNED COCKTAILS WITH MATT SANGER, CURATIF
AUSTRALIA, 9 SEPTEMBER 2022 – A new wave of premium canned and bottled cocktails is quickly changing the game for what we deem the perfect drink. While some might still insist that nothing can replace a great cocktail bar experience; drinking quality drinks at home or on the go has become increasingly popular in today’s society.
This is where Curatif comes in – with their lineup from Espresso Martinis and Tommy’s Margaritas made from hand-selected ingredients to entice even the most critical palate. And because these drinks are put together with skilful hands, the brand has been rewarded time after time with awards such as a Double Gold at the renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition or a triple Gold Medal haul at the recent IWSC Awards reflecting excellence in product quality year after year.
Matt Sanger, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Curatif chats about the popularity of canned cocktails and the brand’s place in this new craft ready-to-drink era.
Matt Sanger, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Curatif
Curatif's Canned Cocktails
How has the canned cocktails trend evolved in the last few years and what do you think are the reasons for the gain in popularity?
If we take away the lens of cans and bottles, it really is cocktails that have kicked into overdrive over the last couple of years, with the shift towards higher quality and greater convenience.
Great cocktails are composed of incredible spirits, beautiful bases, intentional balances, tempering bitters and refined sweetness. They become a journey that in turn creates emotional memories. Now with so much consideration towards portability, it’s possible to have that ‘Oh Wow’ moment at home, in a hotel mini bar, on a plane, or wherever you choose.
Curatif's Canned Cocktail Range
What is the biggest challenge in the canned cocktail space?
Cans for one! Besides aluminium shortages, there is the perception around cans – for decades the only things that came in cans were designed to outlast a nuclear winter. Think beans, soups, anchovies – Spam! – they came in cans for reasons that are obvious – impervious to light and oxygen, easier to transport and store – the exact same reasons that make them the perfect vessel to ensure quality and freshness for world-class cocktails.
So, when consumers see our small cans on the shelf there is a bridge that we need to make for them between the can and the cocktail, which we’re doing by taking out top gongs at all the most prestigious award ceremonies around the world. Good things really do come in small packages!
Why did the team decide to start Curatif and what were the goals for creating canned cocktails in the spirit industry, considering other categories?
Australians love their RTDs – in fact, we consume more RTD per capita than any other country. The combination of convenience and culture – think barbecues, beaches, and festivals – as well as a healthy thirst-causing climate, has set the stage for down-under to become not just the capital of convenience consumption, but also the testing ground for major brand owners to test market their RTDs.
Unfortunately, traditional RTD is typically a brand extension – a signature spirit and mixer serve that attempts to take a bottle brand into scenarios it couldn’t otherwise enter. There has never been a lot of sophistication or innovation in the category, so we started asking; “Why can’t real cocktails be convenient too? Why does convenience have to equal cheap and cheerful?”. So we got to work on making world-class cocktails, in cans.
Silver Award Winner at 2021 World Premix Awards, Never Never Distilling Co. Negroni
What are the primary inputs that set Curatif aside from any other brands in this canned cocktail space?
Everything starts from scratch – at our facility we brew our own coffee in our own made-to-order brewhouse using coffee sourced by our great pals at Seven Seeds Coffee, we blend fresh juice with fruits from the central coast of Australia, and we do all of our own flavour work and R&D. We only use best in class spirit and liqueur partners, and so while that means that our product commands a premium pricetag, it’s because our cocktails are created using the absolute best ingredients. That level of attention to detail is the reason why the first thing that everyone says when they are introduced to the brand is “I can’t believe that came out of a can!”
And what are the areas of innovation and trends do you foresee in this wave of premium canned and bottled cocktails?
We’re working on some really exciting new concepts, and we’d love to see the category expand with like-minded makers who want to bring class leading spirits, liqueurs, and aperitifs to the fore.
I think you’re definitely going to see more major brand owners who want to play in this space. The message has been loud and clear from both consumers and trade that ready-to-serve is a perfect solution, whether it is efficiency or improving consistency, or simply elevating the home-premise experience that customers are aspiring to attain – so expect to see cold-press coming to RTD, as well as the advancement of other mindful consumption concepts.
At Curatif, we’re focusing on how we can expand into other cocktail list favourites – whether that’s going to mean clarifications, shrubs, fizzes, or other expressions that have previously been too challenging for the RTD format the message is the same – watch this space.
ABOUT CURATIF
Created and perfected with the finest ingredients from around the world. Curatif cocktails are the drinks of the world’s best bars. Their ambition pushes the boundaries, which allows the brand to create an incomparable product, an opportunity for consumption to be elevated, improved, and for aspirations to be achieved.
As a dynamic independent start-up, Curatif has a keen focus on three core principles: Quality, Convenience and Sustainability. It is a daily pursuit to embed these values in the way they produce their exceptional ready-to-serve cocktails. Ultimately they aspire to deliver the most divine luxury, convenience without compromise.
For more information, please visit Curatif.
FROM THE DISTILLERY TO THE BARS, AN UNFILTERED PEEK INTO THE LIFE OF SINGAPORE'S GIN MAESTRO
SINGAPORE, 4 AUGUST 2022 – A love for crafting uniquely Singaporean tipples has been keeping Brass Lion Distillery motivated. More importantly, the brand hopes to elevate the city’s local drinking culture and further affirm Singapore’s thriving bar scene on the world map by building a global spirits brand. With the booming popularity of gin cocktails in Singapore, Brass Lion Distillery seeks to educate international and local audiences about how to create handcrafted spirits, while diversifying the industry with Made in Singapore drinks as Singapore’s first distillery.
In this Singapore’s National Day feature, we are given an exclusive look at the gin brand as Brand Ambassador Kino Soh shares a peek into her life, plans for world (gin) domination, and introduces her favourite bars to visitors and residents of Singapore alike.
Kino Soh, Brand Ambassador of Brass Lion Distillery
Brass Lion Distillery's Butterfly Pea Gin
What is an unfiltered look at your 24 hours, from your morning routine to your favourite way of unwinding?
I have a hectic work schedule and a full list of duties, but every morning starts off great, thanks to my magical mug of coffee.
When I get to the distillery, each day is an opportunity to create new possibilities and experiences. My day can be anything from an uninterrupted workday of grinding away at projects, to hopping behind the bar for some research and development on new drinks, or taste-testing freshly distilled gin.
It’s never a dull moment when you’re working with one of Singapore’s finest (and friendliest) – but after a long day of hard work, it feels so nice to go back home, kick back and relax. I love the company of good friends and a Brass Lion Butterfly Pea Gin with soda.
As someone who comes from a city with the most Asia’s 50 Best Bars, what are your favourite bars to go to?
There are so many bars in Singapore that are worth mentioning and since there are hundreds of high-quality bars, picking one is relatively tricky.
In Bad Company is known for throwing the most memorable parties in town, serving great food and having an extensive selection of our gins. Stay Gold Flamingo would be my go-to if you’re looking for a place with everything you need for a fun night out. Great drinks and excellent customer service from the friendliest team – these guys are great, and you won’t regret your visit.
Another noteworthy venue is MO Bar. It’s one of my favourites because of its eclectic menu and warm atmosphere. In addition, they offer a delicious satay-flavoured cocktail called Satay by the Bay. The cocktail is an excellent blend of the Brass Lion Singapore Dry Gin, bitters, and of course, satay. The fantastic team at the bar also makes me feel at home whenever I’m there.
Brass Lion Distillery
Tasting Room
If someone is looking for an incredible selection of gins that encompasses the spirit of Singapore, how would you recommend them to drink Brass Lion Gin?
A Calamansi Gimlet is one of my favourite drinks to make; it’s made up of Brass Lion Singapore Dry Gin, calamansi cordial, and lime. This simple yet delightful cocktail is our twist on a classic gimlet. It highlights the spicy, citrusy, and floral notes of The Singapore Dry Gin by pairing it with the tart and floral-flavoured calamansi fruit.
This refreshing drink goes great with many local dishes and we designed it specifically for Singapore’s weather!
Brass Lion Distillery has been around for four years now, so what do you see coming up next?
Is world domination too much to ask for? Frankly, we want to be Asia’s most recognised premium gin and be able to share the sunshine of our tropical spirits on a global stage. Plans were put on hold during Covid-19, but we are excited to get back in full force now that borders are opening up.
We’ve already made great strides towards achieving this goal thanks to our high-quality, handmade products that consist entirely of natural ingredients. In addition, we’ve joined the ecoSPIRITS initiative, which strives for sustainable production practices in the supply chain of premium spirits brands.
ABOUT BRASS LION DISTILLERY
The birth of the idea came back in 2012 when they were looking for a spirit crafted here in Singapore. After embarking on a six-year journey to create a spirit that can truly encapsulate the heart of Singapore, Brass Lion Singapore Dry Gin was brought to life.
Building upon classic gin foundations of juniper berries and coriander seed, the first Singaporean micro-distillery introduced traditional Asian flavours such as the aromatic torch ginger flower and citrusy lemongrass. The result? A smooth, vibrant spirit that is the quintessential expression of The Singapore Dry Gin – a true reflection of the cultural melting pot that is Singapore.
For more information, please visit Brass Lion Distillery.