My career in the beverage industry has given me many opportunities to try new spirits and have a variety of drink experiences. I’m always on the lookout for something new and worth sharing. I’m interested in all aspects of drinks; from how it tastes, smells and feels, to the brand story, bottle details, and process.
Gin is one of my favorite spirits. We’ve featured numerous gin cocktails at DrinkManila and have mounted several successful gin events, so to say that gin is near and dear to my heart is an understatement. I’m thrilled that our local gin market is expanding and that I get to try out gins made by Filipinos. I’ve been fortunate enough to be one of the first few to taste a new homegrown Filipino gin from the country’s number one selling gin company (Source: Drinks International, The Millionaire’s Club, June 2021). 1834 Premium Distilled Gin is Ginebra San Miguel’s latest offering, and I’m excited to reveal this premium Filipino gin that we can be proud of that the world has been waiting for.
The Story
1834 Premium Distilled Gin’s story highlights the era of discovery in Manila during that time. 1834 marks the year the Port of Manila was opened to world trade, which facilitated the influx of new cultures, ingredients, produce, and technology into the country. Manila became one of the best cities to trade, luring Americans, Brits and other European countries, and Asian merchants to our shores. And as we interacted with the world, we gained new perspectives and our own customs and traditions grew to be more refined and sophisticated. In the drinks aspect of this, we were introduced to different kinds of liquor from all over the world, and this also had an impact in our drinking culture.
1834 was the golden era of commerce and trade in the Philippines, and the values gained from these times, excellence, refinement, and honor have been embedded into each bottle of 1834 Premium Distilled Gin. It’s a unique gin that’s proudly Filipino, with a formulation that includes endemic Phliippine botanicals like calamansi and sampaguita, and is produced by Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest selling gin (which also started in 1834).
The Bottle
The talented Filipino team of Plus63 Design Co. wanted a visual and tactile bottle design for 1834 Premium Distilled Gin and took inspiration from Manila’s golden era of exploration and culture. The bottle design tells a story of exploration and excellence, and features images of the galleon trade and compass rows from old maps. Even the inside label has an illustration of the Philippine map. 1834’s bottle has intricately embossed nautical elements and botanicals highlighted in the gin like sampaguita, calamansi, lemon, orange, and juniper.
The Aroma
1834 Premium Distilled Gin has zesty notes of young calamansi, followed by the soft, delicate, floral notes of freshly picked white petals of sampaguita that round off the nose. I wouldn’t mind smelling like it, to be honest. You can put it in a perfume atomizer and spray it on yourself! All kidding aside, it smells glorious, and that definitely adds to the drinking experience.
The Taste
1834 Premium Distilled Gin has a balance of citrus and floral notes that’s great to sip on its own or on the rocks. It’s also perfect for refreshing gin and tonic mixes and cocktails. I made a The Perfect Serve gin and tonic recipe with 1834 that’s zesty and refreshing, perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients: 45 ml 1834 Premium Gin Tonic water (to top) Cucumber slices Calamansi wheels Ginger slice Directions: Build in a glass with lots of ice.
Where to Buy
1834 Premium Distilled Gin is available online in Hurry’s, LazMart, or Shopee Mall, Ralph’s Wines and Liquors and The Marketplace.
Whether you’re a gin newbie or a seasoned discerning drinker, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin should be at the top of your must-try list.
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Drink Responsibly.
ASC Ref. Code: G057P0308221S