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[title]Asia’s premier gin festival, the East Imperial Gin Jubilee, kicked off this year in KL this past August, before it embarked on a whirlwind tour across the region and cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, before culminating in a grand celebration and finale in Singapore.
During the festivities, our city saw a host of gin-related events and activities including masterclasses, parties, guest shifts and more, all celebrating the humble liquor. Participating bartenders from all over the city also competed for the title of Best Gin & Tonic in KL. The winner would then go on to compete in the Grand Finale in Singapore against winners from other cities to claim the honour of having Asia’s Best Gin & Tonic.
Love In June with G'Vine Floraison. Photo: East Imperial Gin Jubilee
Beating out 19 others to the title, the winner of this year’s East Imperial Gin Jubilee Best Gin & Tonic in KL is Sam Yap of Three x Co, with his winning creation Love In June. The cocktail is named after the birth month of his first love, and is inspired by their subsequent journey together – reminiscent of the unforgettable lingering bittersweet experience of first love.
Love In June is made with the floral G’Vine Floraison gin (which is produced in Cognac, France), East Imperial Grapefruit Tonic, elderflower liqueur and olive juice. Sam also incorporates wine into the recipe to honour G’Vine’s place of origin. Coincidentally, the G’Vine Floraison flower is handpicked only in the month of June.
We had a quick chat with Sam before the finals in Singapore (happening this Dec 8).
Why bartending? And if you weren’t bartending, what would you be doing now?
I studied hotel management and tourism. But after six months of industrial training in a hotel, a friend introduced me to a bartending job, and I never looked back. If I weren’t bartending, I’d be working in the hotel or travel industry.
What’s your favourite cocktail? Aside from Love in June, of course.
I like the Negroni – it’s a delicious bittersweet cocktail. And it’s strong too.
Describe your cocktail-making style in three words.
Classic. Sexy. Storyteller.
What’s the most unusual drink request you’ve ever gotten?
Once, a regular customer requested for a cocktail made with a rare whisky that cost RM2,000++. I made a Whisky Sour Twist with oolong tea and they loved it!
What’s the best bartending advice you’ve ever received?
Always remember why you started.
Sam and Love in June will be competing against winners from Auckland, China, Hong Kong and Singapore in the East Imperial Gin Jubilee finale in Singapore on Saturday, Dec 8. For more information and updates, visit the East Imperial Gin Jubilee website or Facebook page.