PROOF CREATIVE ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST MAJOR PROJECT IN EUROPE
GENEVA, 22 AUGUST – Geneva will be home to the first Proof Creative project in continental Europe with the opening of Silverback slated for spring of 2023.
Construction is underway on this highly anticipated venue, located inside a stunning 16th-century building in the Old Town of Geneva. The Old Town or “Vieille Ville”, is an ancient maze of cobblestone-lined streets and picturesque squares, filled with art galleries, and historical sights telling the stories of Geneva’s long and colourful history. Silverback is conveniently located in the heart of the historical centre, just a short stroll from the city’s central shopping district and just a stone’s throw from popular outdoor cafes and restaurants. This archaeological treasure is being restored and provides the interior backdrop to the dual-level bar.
Geneva's Old Town, Switzerland
Silverback will house a monumental back bar of spirits with a special focus on Scotch Whisky, Bourbon, Rye, and whiskies of the world including boutique bottlings found in non-traditional whisky-making countries such as Germany, Sweden and of course Switzerland. It will be supported by a sharp list of European wines, high-quality beers and an inspired offering of seasonal cocktails aimed to provide a cocktail for any palate.
“My dream for Silverback is to indulge clients in a unique atmosphere of historical significance whilst offering 500 fabulous whiskies as well as great live music,” says Jean Michel Aubry, the founder of the project. Director of Operations, Roderick Boerma, adds, “This will be a one-of-a-kind project housing an enormous amount of energy. The excitement of being able to do what you love in this historical venue is just incomparable.”
Charlie Ainsbury, Senior Bar Consultant at Proof Creative
“We can see this bar being the ambassador for fine, convivial drinking in Geneva. We want Silverback to be the go-to for anyone looking for a good time in Geneva. A place where the locals, as well as visitors, can freely pull up a barstool to talk to the friendly bartenders or take a cosy banquette and feel like they have their own little corner of Geneva.
Geneva has incredible potential to be a bar destination. It’s an international city with many global companies calling it home so the population is there. Its proximity to other great cocktail cities like Paris and Zurich as well as all its neighbouring countries makes it an ideal weekend destination too. We are very much looking forward to contributing to the F&B landscape here.”
The floor below, in the centuries-old cellars of the building, will house the darker, and seductive sibling of Silverback that will come alive with a revolving live music program featuring local and international musicians. The drinks offering of Silverback will be extended to the floor below with an additional focus on Champagne.
Silverback will share the ground floor of this magnificent edifice with two other venues; a bright, contemporary neighbourhood wine bar as well as a yet-to-be-named restaurant next door, occupying the final tenancy. This multi-venue building will cement itself as a must-visit destination for the city.
Silverback's Work in Progress
Proof Creative’s involvement began in late 2021 and will implement its renowned ’20 Pillar’ creative process which includes early conceptual development, bar functional layout, major equipment sourcing, OS&E curation, spirits curation, drinks development and pre-opening support and training.
The Proof Creative team is busy at work bringing Silverback to life so stay tuned for more on this next year.
PROOF & COMPANY WELCOMES AMARO LUCANO, A PARTNERSHIP BRINGING NEW MEANING TO ‘BITTER SWEET’
SINGAPORE & HONG KONG, 28 JULY – The advocate of extraordinary spirits, Proof & Company, continues to enrich their portfolio with a new spirit partner Amaro Lucano, a beloved Italian brand which boasts a herbaceous array of premium liqueurs.
Mancino Vermouth Secco and Amaro Lucano
The exclusive agreement was cultivated off the back of the Mancino Vermouth and Amaro Lucano merger (2021) in recognition of the Proof & Company relationship with Giancarlo Mancino and the distributor’s efforts and brand growth in the APAC region, with a key focus on the on-trade luxury market.
Of the new partnership, Paul Broadbent, CEO Proof & Company says, “The Vena family live and breathe the Lucano brand, and their timeless statement, “What more could you want from life?” resonates with Proof & Company’s passion in being “advocates for extraordinary spirits”. This is a wonderful partnership and we look forward to taking Lucano to more bars, restaurants and retailers across Singapore, Hong Kong and then China.”
Amaro Lucano 1894 (28% vol) consists of a meticulous (and family secret) blend of more than 30 specially selected herbs, characterising its strong and delicately balanced flavour. The herbaceous mix provides an aroma of pine, lavender and citrus notes, gentian bitterness, a balanced sweetness, spearmint freshness and mild spice upon sip. The versatility and fragrant nature of this bitter, before only known as an Italian aperitivo and (more often) digestivo, is fast trending in the cocktail scene, with bartenders introducing the spirit into classics with a twist or new bitter-sweet concoctions.
“Through our partnership with Proof & Company, we look forward to strengthening our presence in Asia, as well as sharing the brand story with the incredible bar industry and consumer communities,” said Leonardo Vena, CEO and family owner of Amaro Lucano.
Amaro Lucano on 28 HongKong Street's Back Bar
Amaro Lucano Highball, 28 HongKong Street
28 HongKong Street, a pioneer in the Singapore cocktail movement, and advocate of the brand has already introduced Amaro Lucano into their cocktail offering.
“Amaro liqueurs offer the modern bartender a delicious opportunity to introduce guests to a wonderful myriad of herbal, floral and fruit flavours. The bold, medicinal profile of these traditional liqueurs means they are great to sip on, or to use as a base in a highball or spritz.
Meanwhile, the complexity of amari means they are great to use as an accent in classic cocktails, and the wide range of flavours and aromas make amaro products like Amaro Lucano perfect for signature, original cocktails.” Jason Williams, Head of Advocacy APAC explains.
Official Amaro Partner at Asia's 50 Best Bars 2022
Rich in taste and in history; The Amaro Lucano story begins in Pisticci, at the end of the 1800s. It was here in this small Lucanian town in the province of Matera, where Pasquale Vena, a confectioner with a passion for herbology set out to create the perfect liqueur.
In 1894, after much trial and error, and many concoctions of different herbal combinations he finally found the ideal blend that would become Amaro Lucano – a now secret recipe of more than 30 carefully selected herbs, that has been passed down from Vena generation to generation.
Proof & Company will be distributing three Amaro Lucano spirits, all of which are gluten-free; the Amaro Lucano classic, the Anniversario, a prestigious version to celebrate the company’s 120 years, and the Essenza a new blend which set out to bring the amaro closer to the world of oenology and refined for 12 months in oak barriques used to age Italian Grappa.
In the spirit of Amaro Lucano, “Cosa Vuoi di piú dalla vita?” (what more could you want from life?)
ABOUT AMARO LUCANO
A story made of passion and authenticity enclosed in the secret recipe of Cavalier Pasquale Vena. Amaro Lucano is the result of tradition, quality, knowledge and ideas improved through innovation: these are the values of the Vena family, now in its fourth generation, that make Amaro Lucano one of the most important companies in the spirit market since 1894.
In 2021, the company receives the coveted “Historic Trademark of National Interest” certification, showcasing the recognition of national excellence through the value of their products that have been part of the history of Italy for years.
For more information, please visit Amaro Lucano.
SULLIVANS COVE, NAMED ‘CRAFT PRODUCER OF THE YEAR’ AT THE WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS 2022
AUSTRALIA, 14 APRIL – Sullivans Cove Distillery in Hobart, Tasmania, has won many awards for their quintessential small-batch luxury whisky in the past few years. Now the distillery is celebrating once again after taking home a number of awards in the Rest Of The World category at the World Whiskies Awards 2022. The result comes after last year’s prestigious claim by American Oak Old & Rare (HH0108) for Best Australian Single Cask Single Malt (13 – 20 years) in 2021.
The World Whiskies Awards 2022 ceremony has finally returned to London for an in-person event after two years – and what an event. Held at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on 24 March 2022, the industry’s finest gathered to celebrate the global winners of the 2022 Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards, as well as honouring the latest inductees to the illustrious Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.
Among this year’s winners, Sullivans Cove has been named ‘Icons of Whisky Craft Producer of the Year’. The award is a recognition of the team’s hard work and focused attention to every detail of the whisky-making process, allowing them to craft single cask whisky of the highest standard.
Sullivans Cove Distillery
In addition to winning this title, they were able to bring home two other prestigious awards with Distillery Manager of the Year going to Heather Tillotts and Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year going to Ally Bhana. To top it off, Sullivans Cove Old & Rare 19-year-old American Oak ex-Bourbon release (HH0609) won category winner for Best Australian Single Cask Single Malt.
Heather Tillotts
Ally Bhana
American Oak Old & Rare HH0609
When the panel of esteemed judges came together to validate Sullivan Cove Distillery’s craft for extraordinary spirits, it was an unequivocal victory for all those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. A simple glance at the list of awards proudly displayed by Sullivans Cove Distillery is a great achievement for the Australian whisky industry and reflects how the region has quickly climbed the ranks in this globally competitive whiskey market.
As the global whisky industry is still navigating through the difficulties and the occasional bump in the road, there’s no doubt that everyone who works in this field loves what they do and strives for nothing less than perfection.
ABOUT SULLIVANS COVE DISTILLERY
Sullivans Cove Distillery is Australia’s premier craft producer of single malt whisky. Founded on the shores of Sullivans Cove in Hobart, Tasmania in 1994, Sullivans Cove is one of Australia’s longest-running whisky distilleries of the modern craft era. Sullivans Cove is also Australia’s most awarded whisky, having won three “World’s Best” titles at the World Whiskies Awards in 2014, 2018 and 2019 and many, many other accolades both locally and globally. Sullivans Cove Distillery produces full-flavoured, rustic, hand-made single malt whiskies from 100% Tasmanian ingredients. Allowed to mature over many years in the unique Tasmanian climate in hand-selected, full sized casks, Sullivans Cove whiskies are unrushed, each unique cask allowed to express its own individual character and quality.
For more information, please visit sullivanscove
CITADELLE GIN PUSHES BOUNDARIES WITH THE RELEASE OF VIVE LE CORNICHON FROM "LES EXCENTRIQUES" COLLECTION
ASIA PACIFIC, 4 APRIL – Citadelle Gin, the pioneering brand behind the craft gin movement in France, has officially unveiled its Citadelle Vive Le Cornichon in the brand new limited edition series last week. The first edition in their Les Excentriques collection was launched with partner bars all across the globe, including 28 HongKong Street, Singapore and Union Electric Bar & Rooftop Gin Garden, Australia.
Given that gin is known not only for its bright juniper bursts but also for its citrusy, herbaceous flavours and floral botanicals, one might think a pickle-flavoured gin hitting bars on April 1 might be an April Fool’s joke. But this savoury gin is just another brainchild of Alexandre Gabriel and the team at Citadelle Gin as part of a continuing effort to push the boundaries of what a gin can be.
Vive Le Cornichon Launch Party at 28 HongKong Street
Created in 1996, Citadelle Gin remains unquestionably a distillery that seeks innovation when it comes to both technique and ingredients. Their latest gin release is a creative masterpiece of using an unusual ingredient to achieve the innovative flavour, in this case, the cornichon.
Vive Le Cornichon (translated as long live pickles) honours the ingredient and defies the traditional sweet, fruity gin expressions, with its pickle-like notes and a palate of voluptuous, vinegary flavour. The first of the “Les Excentriques” collection is infused with 100% French hand-picked pickles from Maison Marc, a brand well known to the lovers of French terroir.
Cultivated, herbicides-free cornichons with no preservatives by Maison Marc
This ultra-limited edition dry gin was naturally developed in the new Citadelle distillery designed by Alexandre Gabriel and entirely constructed by the château’s in-house teams. As gin drinkers are becoming increasingly adventurous with more varieties available in the market, Citadelle took advantage of this enormous freedom to play with the versatile spirit and create a unique delight.
Similar to their other extraordinary spirits, Vive Le Cornichon has also been distilled using the patented process of gradual infusion of juniper berries and 19 other botanicals, this time with the saline flavours of the cornichon redefining the juniper-based spirit. It will certainly be exciting to see Vive Le Cornichon being a natural match to savoury cocktails such as a Gibson or a Dirty Martini at the hands of imaginative personalities at bars.
Citadelle Gin has truly been an innovator in its category with its range now comprising five extraordinary expressions, each bringing a whole new story to life with their respective flavour combinations. Vive Le Cornichon embodies all that is fun and innovative about Citadelle – it stands out from other gins in terms of taste and style, while still being recognisable as part of the Citadelle family. With this unprecedented expression, Alexandre Gabriel is once again pushing against the limits of creativity and experimentation with his teams. His mantra “Impossible is not Ferrand” has never sounded more true.
ABOUT CITADELLE GIN
Citadelle Gin is a brand of Maison Ferrand, located in the southwestern region of Cognac, more precisely at the Château de Bonbonnet where Citadelle Gin was created in 1996. Citadelle is the pioneer of French gin. Alexandre Gabriel developed and patented the first ever progressive infusion process, which consists of infusing each botanical in succession to preserve its organoleptic quality and capture the ultimate flavor. The result of this painstaking technique is original and elegant, subtle and balanced. The Citadelle range, a darling of bartenders everywhere, includes four expressions: Original, Reserve, Old Tom and the Extrême limited editions. A fifth is now available with Jardin d’été. Citadelle is very proud of its creations and rewarded with numerous medals from major international competitions.
For more information, please visit Citadelle Gin.
ABOUT MAISON FERRAND
Maison Ferrand is owned by Alexandre Gabriel, Cellar Master and creator of fine spirits. Based in Cognac, Maison Ferrand produces Ferrand Cognac according to ancestral techniques stretching back 10 generations; Plantation Rum, celebrating the world’s finest rum terroirs; and Citadelle Gin, gin de château. Alexandre’s passion for exploring ancient techniques and developing new ones through constant experimentation has made him a true font of knowledge. He is always looking for new experiences and opportunities to share his discoveries. In 2017, the American Distilling Institute presented him with its highest distinction for his remarkable contribution to the world of spirits.
Read more about Maison Ferrand here.
28 HONGKONG STREET ANNOUNCED YEAR-LONG PARTNERSHIP WITH AWARE SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE, 22 MARCH 2022 – This month, to celebrate women’s growing empowerment in the bar industry, 28 HongKong Street has announced its year-long partnership with AWARE Singapore, the premier organisation advocating gender equality across Singapore. Founded in 1985, the Association of Women for Action and Research continue to champion the right of all individuals to have an equitable say in education, employment, and opportunity.
28 HongKong Street is celebrating women throughout March by spotlighting three barrier-breaking alumni: Charmaine Thio, Desiree Silva, and Jessica ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson. Each of these luminaries have called 28 HongKong Street home at one point in their careers, returning to curate a list of four cocktails available at 28 HongKong Street for the month of March, with 10 percent of the drinks’ sales donated to AWARE, Singapore.
Left to Right: Jessica ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson, Charmaine Thio, Desiree Silva
A pioneer of 28 HongKong Street, Desiree Silva (known affectionately as Dezzy), ran the floor with grace and confidence as floor manager. Today, Desiree is the co-owner of Sago House, which debuted at number 49 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2021, and at number 63 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021. Silva and her co-owners built Sago House from scratch, and courageously opened the bar during Singapore’s lockdown phase. Despite the challenging conditions, their entrepreneurial mindset and passion enabled them not just to survive, but to thrive. That success allowed them to open Low Tide, a tiki-inspired bar serving up tropical cocktails and food with a local twist — all within a year of opening Sago House.
Charmaine Thio’s journey at 28 HongKong Street began in 2015 where she started out as a barback and worked her way up to become head bartender. Since then, she has embarked on a new adventure as the regional brand ambassador of Hendrick’s Gin.
Jessica ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson, Co-founder of No Sleep Club
Jessica ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson spent four years at 28 HongKong Street, working her way up from part-timer to front of house manager before becoming a personal spirits advisor for EC Proof. After leaving EC Proof, Hutch co-founded No Sleep Club in 2019, a venue that focuses on coffee and cocktails alongside some of the tastiest dishes in Singapore. With such a carefully curated menu and great hospitality, No Sleep Club landed at number 8 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021 and at number 26 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021.
“I think it’s incredible that the AWARE is pairing up with venues that are inclusive in hiring and staffing, and also ensuring that their venues are inclusive and a safe space — especially for nightlife, which is a predominantly male-centred universe.”
AWARE is a non-for-profit organisation, and 28 HongKong Street is honoured to contribute to this charity that actively supports UN anti-discrimination declarations regarding sexual harassment, gender discrimination, age opportunity awareness, and strengthening the laws, policy, and mindsets pertaining towards the lives of women.
“We just wanted to give something back to the community and strive in all aspects to make it an industry we can truly be proud of,” says Christopher Peart, General Manager of the celebrated Singapore cocktail bar.
After March and through the rest of this year, each month will see 28 HongKong Street collaborating with a different cocktail bar from around the world. Our global friends who embrace diversity and support the cause will be creating a special cocktail exclusive for 28 HongKong Street, with those proceeds being donated to AWARE.
So come by, have some cocktails, and celebrate the great work done by AWARE.
About AWARE
AWARE is the leading women’s rights and gender equality group in Singapore. The non-profit organisation works to identify and eliminate the gender barriers through research and advocacy, education and training, and support services.
Since its formation in 1985, AWARE has carried out research into numerous issues affecting women, including workplace sexual harassment, poverty of older women, and Singapore’s compliance with UN anti-gender discrimination standards. Their CARE services provides case management, counselling, legal advice, Befriending and other assistance to women in need.
Learn more by visiting their website at https://www.aware.org.sg/
About 28 HongKong Street
Hidden behind an unassuming 1960’s shophouse façade, 28HKS is a word-of-mouth venue for people who might appreciate the kind of venue that we enjoy ourselves: relaxing at the beginning, growing a tad louder as the night goes on. The drinks focus’ is on artisanal spirits and American-style craft cocktails. The food is gussied up American comfort food made from scratch for sharing.
You can visit the venue from 5:00pm to 10:30pm, Monday to Saturday. You can follow the journey on Instagram.
CELEBRATING WORLD BARTENDER DAY WITH OUR ADVOCATES OF EXTRAORDINARY SPIRITS
SINGAPORE, 24 FEBRUARY 2022 – What started out in a cocktail competition became a popular day that is celebrated in the global bar industry. Toasting to the creativity and talents of those important people tending bars all across the globe, World Bartender Day pays tribute to individuals who have shaped the industry for future generations throughout history.
To show the love and appreciation for our advocates who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of spirits with people around the world, here are five incredible individuals who are making waves in their community. These bartenders run the gamut from industry-renowned professionals to the up-and-coming bar talents. From Singapore to Sydney, Shanghai, and Hong Kong to New Zealand, let’s take a look at what makes these bartenders and their signature serves exceptional.
Nicholas Edward Alexander, Head Bartender at Writers Bar, Singapore
With almost a decade of bartending experience at numerous prestigious bars and restaurants in New York City, Nicholas brings with him a wealth of knowledge and mastery to Writers Bar at Raffles Singapore.
His signature drink “Guilty Pleasure” is reminiscent of a 1950’s pitcher of Old Fashioned with muddled oranges and cherries but in an exceptional form. The rye brings spice to balance the fruit while the bourbon reminds him of his favourite dessert, the banana bread.
Lorenzo Antinori, Beverage Manager at Argo, Hong Kong
Lorenzo Antinori, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts group bar guru has over 10 years of experience in the F&B scene across Europe and Asia and masterminded the rise of several globally renowned bars. As a believer in experiential cocktails, he strives to create story-driven drinks through innovative techniques.
The Single Origin Negroni was inspired by his visit to Malaysia, where he saw a cocoa pod and thought how cool it would be to age a Negroni inside. There’s much to admire about this drink at Argo with such inventive ingredients and winning flavours.
Andrea Marseglia, Beverage Director at Teresa Bar, New Zealand
Meet Andrea Marseglia from New Zealand who has over a decade of international bar experience. With a focus on seasonality and foraging, it’s no wonder that this Aperitivo & Cocktail bar is an oasis of sustainable practices.
Not only does he enjoy making all sorts of cocktails, but the co-founder of Neighbourhood Foraging also enjoys using ingredients sourced locally. Inspired by the fauna on the way to Bluff Hill, Andrea foraged New Zealand’s native ingredients and infused them into bourbon to create an earthy taste while enhancing those caramel and coconut notes of the Ferrand Cognac. The result? A uniquely delicious Bluff Hill Sazerac.
Eason Guo, Head Bartender at The White Moth, Beijing
Recently crowned champion of Diplomatico Rum’s Artisans of Taste competition in China, Eason Guo perfected his craft to create this sustainable and impeccable cocktail. Leveraging two types of Diplomatico Rum with sour plum soup and plum bitters, Guo was able to obtain a more robust and well-rounded flavor in his signature Diplomático serve, Hao Ye.
The rich aroma of Diplomático Rum takes the Head Bartender of The White Moth back to the classic Beijing specialty – sour plum soup. Pushing the boundaries further by using up all parts of the coconut, we are presented with a memorable drink.
Hélène Bord, Bartender at Apollonia Bar, Sydney
Hélène Bord is a 1/3 oz Spanish, 1/3 oz French, 1/3 oz American who’s still figuring out ounces while in OZ. Little did she know when she made the move from Spain to Sydney for her studies that she would develop a love for hospitality. This young bartender’s current passion project is making cocktails that tantalise all senses and creating unforgettable experiences for her guests.
With Dirty Gimlets (her signature drink), she can make sure anyone visiting Sydney gets the perfect summer cocktail experience they deserve – not to mention one that embodies her passion for hospitality. Nothing shouts of a Mediterranean summer more than a refreshing citrus-forward cocktail with marinated olives.
Let us celebrate the unsung heroes that are tending bars all over the world. Given many recent challenges within the hospitality and bar industry, it is heartwarming to see the resilience and determination of this global community. These are passionate people who help each other, who are kind when it matters, and who rally together during tough times while delivering the highest quality of cocktails and experiences for their guests.
Show your love for the bartenders you know and love on World Bartender Day by giving them a special shout-out or even turning the tables around by buying them a drink.
PEDDLERS SHANGHAI GIN CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR AND THE SPIRIT OF THE TIGER
SINGAPORE, 25 JANUARY 2022 – Shanghai-based Peddlers Gin Company is celebrating Chinese New Year in 2022 – the Year of the Tiger – with a series of events and partnerships in Singapore.
The cornerstone event will be a two-week partnership with Projector X, an indie film theater that will feature Chinese New Year related screenings and Peddlers Gin cocktails paired with Chinese delicacies from 26 January to 6 February. To ring in the festivities with delicious dumplings, film-goers and the public alike are welcome to enjoy some G&Ts and special Shanghai Dumplings from 29-30 January only.
At the same time, six bars from Singapore’s exciting cocktail scene will each feature 3 Peddlers Gin specials for 2 weeks in Peddler’s Tiger Bar Crawl. There will be special menus at partner venues Sago House, Stay Gold Flamingo, Barbary Coast, 28 HongKong Street, Druggists, and Set of Six. At these top bars, guests can explore drinks inspired by ingredients and botanicals from around the different regions of China.
Some of the highlights include:
28 HongKong Street’s "Vice & Valor"
Barbary Coast's "Count Cassia"
Sago House's "Peddler's Street Side Special"
As part of its global Chinese New Year campaign, Peddlers will be releasing exclusive interviews with people across the generations in China who were born in a Year of the Tiger. From an 86 year old hunter-turned conservationist to a 24-year-old surfer, a rice farmer, a hip hop star, and everything in between. Each story paints a picture of Chinese culture, celebrating the human spirit in a country undergoing unprecedented change.
Peddlers Spirit of the Tiger Campaign Teaser
Peddlers special limited edition gift box with a custom Spirit of the Tiger cocktail mug, available online and at events.
“The Lunar New Year is about celebrating what’s new, honouring what came before, and feasting with family and friends. 2022 is the Year of the Tiger – an animal that represents bravery in Chinese culture.
Along with some exciting events, delicious food, and cocktails, we’ll be releasing exclusive content that captures the spirit of the tiger and sheds a human light on China and its rich cultural diversity. We can’t wait to share these stories – and some cocktails – with the world”, said Joseph Judd, Marketing Director of Peddler’s Gin
Peddlers use the London Dry method, which means no additives or artificial flavours are added after distillation. Their use of a traditional copper pot ensures a crisp, clean taste. Peddlers Gin is double distilled, with a vapour infusion of the delicate Chinese botanicals including Sichuan pepper from the mountains of Hanyuan, near Chengdu.
The expansion of Peddlers Gin Co around the world follows a surge in demand as an adventurous new generation seeks unique gins which push the boundaries of flavour and craft. With notes of Sichuan pepper, Buddha’s hand & Chinese mint, the award-winning flavour profile of Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin is delicious in a cocktail or mingling with mixers. Along with being critically acclaimed, earning medals at the San Fran World Spirits Awards and CWSA, Peddlers Gin stands out for its distinctive and award-winning bottle design.
Now being served at bars around Singapore, Peddlers Gin is helping to pioneer the craft spirit industry in Asia.
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.
PROOF CREATIVE CELEBRATES THE RE-OPENING OF THE GLAMOUROUS BKK SOCIAL CLUB AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BANGKOK
BANGKOK, 16 DEC 2021 – The Land of a Thousand Smiles had another reason to beam as the stunning Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River reopens its doors to the public this month. Originally scheduled to launch in December 2020, the project has been hindered by strict Covid restrictions. Catapulting itself onto the global stage by entering at number 90 in the World’s 50 Best 2021, is the BKK Social Club, a glamourous hotel bar that speaks to Buenos Aires during its golden age of opulence, through the lens of energetic modern-day Bangkok.
Conceptualised in collaboration with Proof Creative and the renowned international Design Studio AvroKO, BKK Social Club offers Latin American-inspired drinking and a sense of escapism in the sanctuary of peace and quiet in this bustling hub of artistic Bangkok.
Earthy hues, plush fabrics and a feature vaulted & mirrored backbar at BKK Social Club
The lush interior was conceived by the award-winning team at AvroKO and centres around a stunning main room inspired by the Belle Epoque era, a dramatic and imposing mirrored backbar display and inviting velvet banquette seating for guests to enjoy. Flanking the main bar on either side are two semi-outdoor spaces; one, a haven for cigar aficionados, whilst the second is an ideal space for communal get-togethers.
The arrival experience at BKK Social Club brings you straight from the centre of Bangkok into the tranquil heart of the hotel. Large opaque glass doors open and transport you back to a snapshot of Argentinian history, while each team member engages you with a warm welcome. Plant-filled chandeliers, backrests that stretch to the ceiling, cigar rituals and a view of the hotel’s infinity pools entice guests to explore the venue at their own pace and allow for multiple interactions.
The stunning entrance atrium at BKK Social Club
The bar program at BKK Social Club is led by the innovative Beverage Manager Philip Bischoff, a renowned bartender hailing from Germany, as an industry trailblazer he has worked in some of the world’s most awarded hotel bars, including Manhattan Bar, Singapore, and the Amano Hotel in Berlin. Philip’s has a secondary role as Beverage Ambassador for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts APAC, providing concept direction, mixology training & menu guidance to the hotels and their teams.
Guests can expect one of Bangkok’s strongest bar teams under the tutelage of Bischoff. Drinks names and direction at BKK Social Club take their cues from the People, Places and Parties throughout the rich cultural history of Bueno Aires.
Bischoff says, ” Bangkok is putting its stamp on the world cocktail map, and I want to be right at the heart of it all – at the forefront of global mixology, innovation and craft.’
The cocktails showcase his love of traveling through their use of endemic Thai flavours; paired with artisanal spirits from throughout South America, focusing on Argentinian producers. Cocktails will be backed with an extensive offering of rare and much sought-after craft spirits, alongside a solid collection of vintage champagne.
The charismatic Philip Bischoff leading the team from the front
The Pistachio Margarita was first crafted by Philip for a cocktail event in Athens and has been one of his signature serves ever since. A vibrant and citrus-forward twist on a classic, with Arquitecto Tequila as the hero spirit and bolstered with zesty Thai lime, earthy pistachio orgeat and a tart, aromatic raspberry salt.
The Evita Cocktail is a homage to the ‘Spiritual Leader of the Nation” Eva Perón, who helped shape the country through her continuous charitable and noble works. A spirituous blend of Plantation Pineapple Stiggin’s Fancy Rum, Italian Bitters, endemic citrus and a hit of spice coming from cinnamon and bay leaf. This drink has the heart of a Negroni, but the soul of a sour.
The Pistachio Margarita
The Evita Cocktail
“The lives of people in Buenos Aires and Bangkok revolve around social gatherings,” says Philip; this space will be no different with bespoke communal cocktails coming in bottle sizes that scale up to magnum size and ensure a constant stream of the local high society from the city and international taste hunters.
The food offering at BKK Social Club shines a light on the culinary traditions of these two gastronomic capitals. An elevated snack menu that offers guests a glimpse of the strength in depth of the hotel’s neighbouring kitchens led by executive chef Andrea Accordi. A ‘must-try’ is the scallop & yellowtail ceviche, combining the traditional Leche De Tigre of South America with pan Asian flavours of Soursop and Lotus Root.
The opening of the new hotel and its expansive food and beverage offerings has been led by General Manager Lubosh Barta, alongside Director of Food and Beverage Vishal Sanadhya and Hotel Manager Jasjit Assi.
Director of Food and Beverage, Vishal Sanadhya
“We are excited about the reopening of BKK Social Club. It has been an incredibly difficult few years for the industry, and we are thrilled to see life slowly return to normalcy, and are looking forward to welcoming guests from around the world to the bar. We hope for the bar to be a welcomed addition to the growing Bangkok cocktail scene and to join the ranks of the best in the world.”
BKK Social Club is a project that first kicked off between the Proof Creative team and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in early 2019 and further strengthens the collaborative ties between the teams, stretching back to the opening of Manhattan Bar in 2014 and includes the World’s Top 50 Bars Charles. H in Seoul and Bar Trigona in Kuala Lumpur and ARGO in Hong Kong. BKK Social Club developmental work was led by Senior Bar Consultant Bobby Carey, with support from Creative Director Jason Williams.
Says Carey, “Four Seasons have consistently pushed to create innovative bars, that are local institutions of the second golden age of fine drinking; and I have no doubt that BKK Social Club will continue in that tradition. Collaborating with Lubosh, Vishal, JJ, Philip and the team has been a great experience and I wish them all the best in this iconic Four Seasons launch.”
To keep up to date with all the current news from the bar, point your cursor towards https://www.fourseasons.com/bangkok/dining/lounges/bkk-social-club/ or find them on their social spaces on both on Instagram and Facebook @bkksocialclub.
ABOUT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BANGKOK AT CHAO PHRAYA RIVER
Make your way to Bangkok’s coveted riverside and discover our urban sanctuary in the city’s creative district. Surrounded by galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafés, our Hotel is a hub of energy and style. Take in sweeping river views from our outdoor lap and infinity pools, savor inventive cuisine in our collection of restaurants, find solace in one of our green courtyards or simply relax in one of our 299 guest rooms.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dan Schacter | dan.schacter@fourseasons.com
ABOUT AVROKO
AvroKO has established a new paradigm in the hospitality industry, encompassing a multitude of disciplines while creating thoughtful and engaging architecture, brands, products, and environments. Since its launch in 2001, AvroKO has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative design firms in the field, due in large part to the group’s integrated design process and focus on creating emotionally connected experiences. In the past decade, the firm has grown to four offices (New York City, Bangkok, San Francisco, and London) working on projects across 22 countries in 32 cities.
For media inquiries, please contact the Bangkok office:
info@avroko.com | +66 2 108 1777
FROM INNOVATOR TO INSTITUTION - TEN YEARS OF 28 HONGKONG STREET
SINGAPORE, 1 November 2021 – 28 HongKong Street, Proof & Company’s very own award-winning cocktail bar, turned 10 years old on October 31 2021. To celebrate, we’re taking a look at where we came from and what’s been achieved — and launching a short film titled “You Had To Be Here“.
28 HongKong Street
When 28 HongKong Street co-founders Spencer Forhart, Paul Gabie and Snehal Patel arrived in Singapore they brought with them a love for cocktails, spirits, and the bartending craft. They were enthusiasts of what would soon be called the second golden age of fine drinking. In 2011, this golden age had spread around the world, but a craft approach to cocktails in Singapore was still largely in its infancy. Save for a few bright spots, the bar scene in the city was a far cry from what was happening in London, Melbourne, and San Francisco. The trio missed the bar experiences they had at New York cocktail bars like Milk & Honey, Employees Only and Angel’s Share, so they decided to bring to Singapore a little of what they loved from back home. 28 HongKong Street opened on Halloween 2011.
It was an instant success. It took Michael Callahan’s, founding General Manager, experience and our founders’ vision to identify raw local talent and raise their skills to a world-class level.
Michael Callahan, Founding General Manager of 28 HongKong Street
“The novel idea was to create something unique in Singapore and to bring that to the world, rather than bringing something from the world to Singapore, as was the fashion at the time. To that end, we took international standards, but employed locals and empowered them to make this outlet their story.”
28 HongKong Street pioneered an unwavering commitment to ingredients, preparation, and technique. The bar put in place one of the country’s first high-quality ‘nice ice’ programs, strict use of fresh ingredients, and a culinary approach to making syrups, infusions and more. Many of these principles are the norm these days but weren’t at the time. 28 HongKong Street created the demand for cocktail block ice where there was none before; today it is widely available in Singapore.
Paper Tiger; Alipus Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, dry sherry, Gran Classico Bitter
Another important 28 HongKong Street innovation was to introduce out-of-market craft spirits to Singapore. The enthusiasm for alternative small batch, artisanal and craft brands was pivotal in marking 28 HongKong Street as a unique experience, enhancing the cocktail offering and cementing the bar’s reputation for creating cocktails with nuance. The demand for these brands also provided the impetus to launch Proof & Company, Asia Pacific’s leading independent spirits company, and subsequent endeavors such as Proof Creative, True Believers, and ecoSPIRITS.
A wall of spirits from around the world
It wasn’t long before the global bar community took notice. In 2012, 28 HongKong Street’s first full year in operation, the bar made its debut at number 10 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list — quite an accomplishment for a newcomer, in a city about as far away from the traditional cocktail world as one could get. Not only would 28 HongKong Street stay on that list for seven straight years, but it would soon find a lot of company from other bars across Asia. Other acknowledgements followed: coveted awards at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards in 2014 and 2015, for Best International Bar and Best International Bar Team respectively. For a little Singapore cocktail bar to win these awards was a big deal.
A trophy case displays awards and gifts received through the years.
Tales of the Cocktail, Spirited Awards on Display
But it isn’t the 28 HongKong Street way to rest on one’s laurels. The bar adopted an identity and a set of values, created by a remarkable roll call of people across the years who built and evolved 28 HongKong Street. Just look to the many alumni who have gone on to achieve greatness in the industry beyond the bar’s unmarked door. There must be some magic within the walls.
A proud moment for 28HKS bar captain Lukas Kaufmann
As famed bartender, Steve Schneider recently said: “You know, anyone can be hot for a year or two. But these folks at 28 have done it year in and year out for the last 10 years.”
Serve the community long enough, and a bar can cross the threshold from innovator to institution. Today it is clear that 28 HongKong Street has crossed that threshold. Born to celebrate the institutions its founders admired, and through its innovations, its ability to inspire others and its longevity, 28 HongKong Street is an institution of fine drinking in Singapore. We’re celebrating a wonderful decade of 28 HongKong Street with this short film here. It is a visual poem and a love letter to 28 HongKong Street that not only commemorates the last 10 years but builds anticipation for what comes next.
The era of Covid remains a challenge for bars around the world, but 28 HongKong Street is looking forward with excitement and ambition. With a team of inspired talent, a desire to provide memorable drinking experiences and a pipeline of creative initiatives ahead, the future looks good, and it looks delicious.
About 28 HongKong Street
Hidden behind an unassuming 1960’s shophouse façade, 28HKS is a word-of-mouth venue for people who might appreciate the kind of venue that we enjoy ourselves: relaxing at the beginning, growing a tad louder as the night goes on. The drinks focus’ is on artisanal spirits and American-style craft cocktails. The food is gussied up American comfort food made from scratch for sharing.
You can visit the venue from 5:00pm to 10:30pm, Monday to Saturday. You can follow the journey on Instagram.
PROOF & COMPANY’S NEW LOOK LEADERSHIP TEAM ANNOUNCED, BUILDING FOR A POST PANDEMIC RECOVERY IN APAC
SINGAPORE, 18 October 2021 – Since commencing his new role as CEO of Proof & Company in April, Paul Broadbent has been focused on building the best team to guide the rapidly expanding drinks company in Asia into its next phase of growth. As part of this growth strategy, three key appointments have been made in the past month adding to two prior appointments in Trisha Chan (General Counsel) and Damian Kaehler (General Manager – Australasia), who joined Proof & Company earlier in the year.
In a commitment to strengthen the company’s brand building reputation, Proof & Company has appointed Vienna Thompson into the newly created role of Head of Marketing.
Vienna is a seasoned brand, communications and marketing professional with over 15 years’ experience in APAC. She prides herself on a non-traditional career trajectory that has spanned agencies, consultancies and in-house roles across multiple industries, thus bringing a different perspective to the drinks and consultancy business.
Based in the Singapore headquarters, Vienna will lead an expanding marketing team across APAC, building not only the Proof & Company brand but the 50+ extraordinary spirits brands within the portfolio with a focus on consumer and brand experience executions across the Proof & Company markets.
Vienna Thompson, Head of Marketing
“Proof is an intoxicating (shameless pun) business for a brand marketer; with an entrepreneurial and creative foundation, portfolio of exciting partner brands, passionate people, spirited community… and I’m thrilled to join the newly formed leadership team tasked to evolve an already cool, highly regarded brand. The opportunities, and fine drinking occasions, are endless.”
In Proof & Company China, Craig Aldous has been appointed as the General Manager, replacing Chris Lowder who exited the business in July after a month-long transition between the two. Craig brings a wealth of knowledge in doing business in China with 10 years with Elders China as CEO and more recently CEO of Woolworths China (including Summergate Wine and Spirits). One of the largest wine importers in China, Summergate employed 400 staff and represented over 80 brands of wines and spirits.
During his time with Woolworths China, Craig developed a customer-centric culture within the organisation, following the mantra, “If your job is not to serve the customer then it is to support those people who are serving the customer”.
Craig Aldous, General Manager, China
“China is a challenging market but presents opportunities for premium brands – which Proof & Company has in abundance! I’m excited about the portfolio and the calibre of partners we work with in the region, as well as the visionary initiatives the company is taking to promote environmental sustainability through its ecoSPIRITS program.”
The third and most recent appointment is that of Brandon Grusd as General Manager of the Southeast Asia region based in Singapore. Grusd’s history before Proof & Company includes three years with Maritime & Mercantile International with headquarters in Dubai, UAE and spanning 16 other geographies, through which he undertook a variety of roles in different sectors, including; Head of Spirit Education, Non Alcoholic Category Management for International Markets & FMCG, Head of New Product Innovation & Onboarding, Category and Brand Management for Speciality Products, Corporate Social Responsibility Leader and Advocate and most recently WSET L3 Educator.
Prior to his time with Maritime & Mercantile International, Brandon held a senior role in Dubai as Group Operations Manager, responsible for the management and growth of consultancy project teams throughout the region and abroad – experience which is crucial for the work that Proof Creative does in Singapore and globally. Brandon will now relocate to Singapore with his family to drive the market that started it all for Proof & Company 10 years ago.
Brandon Grusd, General Manager, South East Asia
“I have been impressed with the growth, innovation and urgency of Proof & Company from afar for some time now and I could not be more excited to be joining the team in Singapore. They have effectively expanded through this pandemic by cultivating strong partnerships while maintaining notoriety in the APAC region. I will look to further build team capabilities, driving forward our consumer and brand building focus areas and continue to deliver and grow award winning concepts and distribution through our network.“
Proof & Company continues their expansion in APAC under the leadership of Broadbent, with a simple strategy to reach more customers, more often. Taking premium craft spirits to more regions of Asia and more accounts, especially the retail channel in all markets, has driven the growth of the business, even during challenging trading periods in the region.
Paul Broadbent, CEO, Proof & Company
“Each of these appointments have a proven track record in strong leadership which resulted in improved financial performance, increased satisfaction from brand owners and stakeholders, and higher engagement scores from their people, which were all the qualities I was seeking while building out this new leadership group.”