With our shift back to a more face-to-face lifestyle (though still exercising caution, people!) there’s been a swift return to live liquor launches and events. Maybe it does feel like it’s time to party, after so much lockdown time. We’ve been receiving a lot of recent spirits and tipples, so here’s a look at the latest batch to hit Manila.
SUI generis
“Sui generis” means without peer. As it happens, Suntory just launched its peerless SUI Gin, made from a combination of botanicals that are distinctly Japanese: yuzu, green tea, and ginger.
With a food-pairing launch at 102 Izakaya, led by world-class mixologist Mark Herrera, SUI Gin entered the local market and elevated palates. Created by Suntory, SUI is combined with traditional gin botanicals – juniper berry, coriander seed, angelica root, cardamom, cinnamon, bitter orange peel, and lemon peel – for a gin that is clear, refreshing, and pairs well with any and all dishes.
The bottle and packaging are exquisite, its bold Kanji character inked by master calligrapher Tansetsu Ogino. The curated SUI Gin-based cocktails at the launch highlighted each of the three delicate botanical flavors. It’s a gin you can really match with any event or cuisine, but served with Japanese dishes, it is outstanding.
Silver chill in a can
Heineken just launched its new Heineken Silver at a launch party at Rockwell. What makes this beer special? It’s Heineken’s latest extra-refreshing and premium lager that is lagered at -1°C for a crisp flavor and subtle finish.
Why the sudden chill? Through this extra-cold process, more cold haze is allowed to form and be filtered out, thus removing proteins and rough-tasting tannins, leaving a delightfully refreshing taste that’s accessible and easy to drink.
Flavor-wise, Heineken Silver is brewed with natural ingredients (Heineken’s famous A-yeast and pure malt, as well as sustainably sourced barley) for a smooth and refreshing finish, a fruity aroma and balanced, bitterness at 4% ABV. So with a lower alcohol content, you’re invited to keep the Silver flowing. Available in Manila stores and online now.
Roll out the barrels
Jameson introduced its new craft beer series to the Philippines, launching the Stout and IPA Editions in a recent live tasting event at BGC. Jameson Stout and IPA Editions are what you get when you finish off signature Jameson Irish Whiskey for four months in repurposed craft beer barrels. The result: bold new flavors for its Irish whiskey.
The Jameson Stout Edition features an initial aroma of freshly cut hay, complemented by crisp orchard fruit (green apples, pears and a hint of lime zest), with hints of mild pot still spices like green tea and milk chocolate. The Jameson IPA Edition has an floral and herbal nose, with notes of hops, grapefruit and orchard fruits, complemented by wood shavings, nuttiness, and delicate spicy tones. Both have a refreshing new character.
Follow Jameson on Facebook at Facebook.com/JamesonWhiskeyPH.
A casual red for sunny days
One of the most recognizable — and best-selling — Australian wines in the world has just added a new flavor profile: Jacob’s Creek Cherry Red was launched in Manila, a light-bodied red wine that’s full of flavor, made sweet and easy to drink through the juicy plum fruit with a round finish. With aromas of ripe black and red berries and a touch of toastiness from oak, it’s not like your usual red wine, and it’s great for celebrating any occasion.
“Cherry Red is semi-sweet, approachable, playful: a wonderful starter wine that fits well with Filipinos’ discerning taste,” said Jacob’s Creek brand executive Kurt Ducusin at a recent Manila launch.
Follow Jacob’s Creek on Facebook.
The Piper’s calling
From Chivas Brothers comes 100 Pipers, the No. 2 Scotch whisky in Asia, officially launched in Manila. An award-winning blend created in 1965 by Chivas Brothers’ Master Blender Alan Baillie, 100 Pipers comes from a mixture of 25 to 30 carefully selected malts from the Speyside region of Scotland, blended together to create a sweet, complex, and rounded blend with a fruity nose and a delicate honey flavor. The whisky is matured in first-filled American oak casks that lend smoothness and smokiness to the final product.
Recognized as among the Top 20 Blended Scotch Whiskies of the world, “Its smoothness and accessible pricing make it perfect for the Filipino barkada,” says Pernod Ricard brand manager Mark Arreza.