THE GIN GURU

The East Imperial Gin Jubilee is back. The best of Auckland’s bars and bartenders will showcase a selection of local and international gins. Imelda Ng, winner of the 2017 East Imperial Gin Jubilee, talks about her favourite creations.

Q

It’s the sixth East Imperial Gin Jubilee in Auckland and we’re excited to have you here. How many Jubilees have you entered before claiming this year’s Singapore title?

A

Last year was actually the first time I participated in the Gin Jubilee competition. I felt so lucky to be a part of it.

Q

Are there any local bars you’re keen to check out, or any local bartenders whose entries you’re excited to try?

A

I am excited to meet new friends in Auckland and to try the cocktails at Ostro, Pineapple and Mea Culpa. In Hong Kong, when we are hosting bartenders from other countries, we are more than pleased to extend our hospitality and bring them to our favourite bars in town.

Q

What makes gin & East Imperial such a magical combination to work with?

A

Both gin and East Imperial are blended using spring water which makes them a perfect match, adding East Imperial Burma tonic water with notes of manao lime and Lemongrass further enhances the natural flavours of Monkey 47.

Q

What’s your favorite part about the East Imperial Gin Jubilee both as a mixologist and a customer?

A

My favourite part of the East Imperial Gin Jubilee would be the time when I was a guest bartender at Happy Paradise promoting my award-winning creation - Ferien Gin & Tonic. This gentleman, in a classy yet low key suit sat down and ordered a Gin & Tonic. I asked “would you like to try my own creation?” and he answered with a subtle “yes”. I went on making my creation, served it and observed. After a while it was still untouched and I thought to myself “oh my god, does he not like it? What should I do? Should I go back to making a classic?” An hour passed, he finally called for me “I thought oh no is he going to complain?” It was the contrary, he ordered another one. This really gave me moral support and confidence when it comes to cocktail creation.

Q

How do you suggest Aucklanders can most enjoy the East Imperial Gin Jubilee while it is running in Auckland? Should we be supporting our local bartender... Or getting out there to try all the entries?

A

Go out and try new things. Obviously you support the locals however it’s always a good idea to try and explore new things The bartender industry is a very international community therefore I believe customers should be international minded as well.

Q

How do you suggest the everyday novice bartender uses East Imperial in their drinks at home?

A

It is actually very easy for novice bartenders as they have many different recipes and flavours that are easy to adapt and change at home. You can have lots of fun with the range, for example the East Imperial Yuzu Tonic with London dry style gins with a lemon garnish is simple and refreshing, or the East Imperial Grapefruit Tonic with navy strength gin with a slice of ruby red grapefruit is delicious.