By Michael Cheang, www.star2.com. August 17 2016

Do you love gin? Do you love that lovely smell of juniper and botanicals in the air whenever you open a nice bottle of the spirit? Do you love nothing more than a perfectly balanced glass of gin and tonic? Well, rejoice Malaysian gin enthusiasts, for Asia’s biggest gin festival is finally here in Malaysia!

For the past three years, the annual East Imperial Gin Jubilee has been held in Singapore alone, but this year, the gin festival is going regional, with events and activities happening in five cities across Southeast Asia, namely Kuala Lumpur (Aug 18-20), Hong Kong (Aug 30-Sept 3), Phnom Penh (Oct 6-8), Bangkok (Oct 27-29), and Singapore (Nov 20-26).

Bringing together some of the world’s finest gins and the region’s best bars and bartenders, the aim of the East Imperial Gin Jubilee is to bring people together across a range of different venues so they can sample creative variations of the classic Gin & Tonic and to explore gin culture.

The event kicks off on Aug 18 in KL, with a host of events for consumers and trade participants taking place over the three days. East Imperial, producers of what is known as the “Champagne of tonic water”, is collaborating with the local bar scene and craft spirits distributor Wholly Spirits for the festival, which will include a city-wide “Best Gin & Tonic” competition for local bars, a series of guest bartender shifts and gin masterclasses, and a Gin Ramble bar crawl.

The festival will culminate with The Gin Lane closing party that will showcase a series of pop up bars and gin brands at The Row, recreated to feel like the now iconic Gin Lane street party, which has been held annually at Keong Saik, Singapore. The Gin Lane, like all festivities held during the Gin Jubilee period, is free for all to attend. Guests can take the opportunity to try out some of the bars’ Gin & Tonic creations which are in the run for Best Gin & Tonic in Kuala Lumpur.

The winner of best Gin & Tonic will be announced on the last day of the festival at an industry-only Recovery BBQ.

Amongst the gins that will be on showcase during the KL leg of the festival are well-known brands like Hendrick’s and Bombay Sapphire, boutique brands such as Monkey 47, Death’s Door and Sipsmith, and specialty craft gins like The West Winds Gin and Siderit.

For more information about the KL Gin Jubilee, including the full events calendar and list of bars and bartenders who will be taking part in the Best Gin & Tonic competition, visit www.ginjubilee.com.

Here is a selected list of events lined up throughout the three days.

New World Gin Pop Up

Aug 18 (6-10pm) @ Nagaba Rooftop

A pop-up featuring guest bartenders from Melbourne – Callan C Green (Wholly spirits), Josh Hodges (Feral Brewing), Jason “Jackie” Chan (The West Winds Gin) and Tasha Lu (Hendrick’s Gin).

Hendrick’s Gin Masterclass featuring Tasha Lu

Aug 18 (2–3pm) @ ‘Rad Pad’ Training Centre

Get up close and personal with Tasha Lu, Brand Ambassador of Hendrick’s Gin for South East Asia. Open to trade and consumers. Register via [email protected].

Oysters ‘n Tonic

Aug 19 (5-7pm) @ Locker & Loft

An elegant British aperitif hosted by Roman Foltan & Carla Soares, formerly of the Artesian Bar, London. Extraordinary London hospitality, fine Gin & Tonics and great conversation.

Wholly Spirits Gin Ramble

Aug 19 (9pm till late) @ The Sticky Wicket

Join the craft spirits experts from Wholly Spirits for a gin tour along some of the best bars in town. Open to consumers. Register via [email protected] to claim a spot.

Euro Takeover: Foltan & Soares

Aug 19 (10pm till late) @ Virgin & Throne

Celebrity bartending duo Roman Foltan & Carla Soares, formerly from the Artesian Bar, London, will be guest bartending for one night only! Come join the party and get a taste of the elaborate “Artesianstyle” gin fizzes!

The West Winds Gin Trade & Consumer Session

Aug 20 (3-4pm) @ ‘Rad Pad’ Training Centre, Petaling Jaya

An interactive session for trade and consumers with Jason “Jackie” Chan, the creator of The West Winds Gin. Learn about the making of craft spirits and in particular New World Australian Gin from the seasoned expert. Register via [email protected] to claim a spot.

Gin Lane Closing Party

Aug 20 (6pm till late) @ The Row

Street party with music, food, drinks and more! Gin & Tonics by the competing bars will be on sale at RM20. Meet the brand ambassadors of gin brands such as Hendrick’s and the creator of The West Winds Gin.