After the successful World Gin Day celebration where the product excellence of 1834 Premium Distilled Gin was featured, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. now showcases its 1834 through a series of intimate masterclass and food pairings entitled, “Discover Excellence: An 1834 Experience.”
The first masterclass series was held in The Bevvy, a hidden gem nestled in Makati, where food and gin experts were treated to a meal curated around the taste of 1834 Premium Distilled Gin prepared by award-winning mixologist Niño Cruz. Niño has graced countless competitions, occasions, and momentous events throughout the Philippines and different parts of the world and a former brand ambassador of prestigious global brands.
The event was hosted by 1834 Premium Distilled Gin brand ambassador Paolo Abrera.
1834 is the year everything started for Filipino gin. Inspired by Ginebra’s history and the tempting flavor of 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Niño crafted three exclusive cocktail concoctions, each using 1834 Premium Distilled Gin as its base.
The first of these creations was Jardin Mejor, a gin cocktail with Tomato Water, Capsicum, and Tonic as ingredients. Though seen as an unusual mix, it paired best with roast chicken, bringing out the hidden umami and mirroring the mingling of traditions and flavors in Manila during 1834.
The second drink was called Heneral – a harmonious fusion of White Negroni, White Wine, and Dry Vermouth. The Heneral drink was paired with a succulent Pan Roasted Ribeye Steak. Host and ambassador Paolo Abrera shared, “I usually pair my steak with wine, but this pair surprisingly goes so well together! And this drink will indeed make you brave like a general, ramdam mo yung tapang ng mix!”
For the last pairing, Sol de las Islas was featured, a mix uniting Lychee and Dark Chocolate, Grapefruit Bitter Calamansi Juice, and Sampaguita. The drink was garnished with the “Face of the Sun,” an ode to the Katipunan Flag, and was paired with the exquisite Shrimp a La Plancha, grilled to perfection on a skewer.
The impressive curation and construction of the cocktail recipe left a lasting impression on the guests’ palate and was made even more special by the 1834 Premium Distilled Gin.
This carefully crafted gin is made using only the finest ingredients, including unique Philippine botanicals, balancing the uplifting flavor of calamansi and the floral finish of Sampaguita. It is available in The Marketplace, Mitsukoshi Fresh, select SM Supermarkets, hotels such as The Marriott Manila, Sheraton Manila, Westin Manila, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, and bars in the metro: James & Daughters, Neo Café and Bar, Saikou Bar & Café, Flora Gin Bar. Also available online: LazMall, Shopee Supermarket, and Singlemalt.ph.
Josephine Caldo, Ginebra’s Group Product Manager for White Spirits shared that “1834 is a product that is truly Filipino, made by Filipinos, for the Filipino… and the rest of the world. It is rightfully the gin the world has waited for. In fact, in the first-ever Manila Gin Fest held recently at the BGC, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin was honored as the second most enjoyed gin, besting the better-known gins from US, France, and the UK.”
The 1834 Premium Distilled Gin is steeped in history and heritage, and its allure continues to captivate gin aficionados. Ginebra San Miguel will continue to take enthusiasts on an enchanting journey back to the golden era of the 1800s, where gin found its place in every Filipino home, by hosting more masterclass and food pairing events.
Food and gin experts watch the mixology demonstration
