The East Imperial Gin Jubilee [22-26 August 2018]

Returning for its third year of Gin and Tonic appreciation, education and entertainment, The East Imperial Gin Jubilee returns to Kuala Lumpur for five whole days. With a great line up of events including an exciting kick-off party at Bar Trigona and the best G and T in KL competition, the festival promises a week of gin-tastic activities. 

Given its growing affection for the drink, Kuala Lumpur will be the first city in the region to kick off the festival in Asia this year. “Gin and Tonics are becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia, where the weather is summer all year round. The drink’s approach ability has given KL-ites a whole new outlook on the cocktail scene and cocktail culture," says Shawn Samuel, CEO of the Gin Jubilee's local organiser, Wholly Spirits. "The Gin Jubilee will build on the G and T's popularity here by exposing drinkers to many trending, as well as new gin brands from around the world, and at the same time, educated consumers on how a great mixer like East Imperial’s range of superior tonic waters can enhance the drinking experience."


Taking place between 22 –26 August, the event features the following highlights:

Opening Party at Bar Trigona by Kyrö Distillery Company

Venue: Bar Trigona, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Time:  7pm to late
Date: August 21, 2018

Photo credit: Eat Drink KL

Begin this year’s Gin Jubilee on the right note at the visually stunning Bar Trigona at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Powered by Finnish gin brand Kyrö’s rye-based gins, expect a special menu of cocktails and G and Ts created by head bartender Ashish Sharma, priced at RM30 a glass.

Gin Lane at Plaza Batai
Date: August 25, 2018
Venue: Plaza Batai
Time: 6pm to late

The signature closing party of the East Imperial Gin Jubilee takes a garden soiree turn with a clutch of the festival’s participating bartenders serving their creative renditions on the G and T, made with East Imperial’s superior tonic waters. This year, the gin-spired event will serve its drinks with biodegradable cups and straws, and feature a special retail corner for punters to take the experience home.

The Best Gin and Tonic in Kuala Lumpur Competition

The Gin Jubilee aims to do just that with more masterclasses, sipping events and another new menu of creative G and T creations to taste around town. With 20 bars on this year's roster, venues and bar stars from the likes of Bar Trigona at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, Three x Co, Coley and Pacific Standard Bar at the Alila Bangsar will be presenting cocktails made with this year's sponsor gin brands and East Imperial's range of tonic waters to wow the public. The bartenders will also be vying for this year's Best Gin and Tonic prize in Kuala Lumpur via voting on social media and an expert panel of judges.

East Imperial China 🇨🇳 | We’re delighted to introduce Jamie He, the latest member to #EastImperial. Jamie is one of the most acclaimed bartenders in China, and prior to joining us was the Bar Manager at the pioneering Janes + Hooch, Beijing’s only venue that ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars for three successive years. Her role for the premium mixer category is the first of its kind in the region, and something we’re incredibly proud of. Jamie will help spread education and passion for #EastImperial across Asia’s booming cocktail scene. If you happen to see her, please say hello 👋 otherwise give her a follow #AsiasOwn #UpholdTradition #ToastTradition #EastImperial #EastImperialChina #JamieHe #TeamEastImperial

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This year's top bartender will join 2016 winner Angel Ng from PS150 and 2017's Kazi Tanbir from HYDE in the Best Gin and Tonic in Kuala Lumpur hall of fame. He or she will also earn a trip to the Singapore finale (November 30 to December 8) to compete for the Asia's Best Gin and Tonic title.

Look out for new sponsor gin brands

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This year, the Gin Jubilee has also enticed over ten craft gin brands to put on a slew of events, kicking off with a bang on the August 22 public holiday. These gin makers range from established favourites like Hendrick's Gin, Monkey 47,St. George Spirits, Fords Gin and The West Winds Gins, to the maverick stylings of Citadelle, The Botanist and the Kyrö Distillery Company. Market newcomers Four Pillars Gin and G'Vine will also be capitalising on the Gin Jubilee to acquaint Kuala Lumpur with its unique point of view when it comes to gin making.

For more information on this year's East Imperial Gin Jubilee, see www.ginjubilee.com.