RAISING THE BAR

Stand out gins and art-deco sake

With gin riding the popularity wave, it takes more to stand out from the crowd. Here’s a primer on the latest contenders.

The one for bartenders only

The experimental Hendricks

Orbium is so limited, it’s confined to a few bars in Singapore, one of 10 markets globally to feature it. Master distiller Lesley Gracie has injected the floral essence of Hendricks with quinine, vermouth and blue lotus blossom to create a quinated gin, to explore its darker, herbalicious side. For the select bars entrusted with this gin, you’ll find creative martinis, gimlets, slings and more. Go to Origin Bar, IBHQ, Nutmeg and Clove, Oxwell & Co, Madame Fan and Atlas Bar (permanent menu), Gibson, Jigger & Pony, Skai Bar and Barbary Coast (till end December) for a taste. hendricksgin.com/orbium

Say Sauvignon

François Lurton, from the famed 4th generation Bordeaux wine growing family, has put his Sauvignon Blanc savvy to good use in the first French gin with a Sauvignon base. Sorgin was christened after the

Basque sorceresses of the same name and gets its mild, soft character from a neutral grape spirit and Sauvignon spirit base. The play is on extracting aromas from macerating fresh Sauvignon grapes, juniper, broom, violet and blackcurrant buds. Sorgin can be made only once a year, and is delightful drunk neat, or with tonic to bring out more bitterness from the citrus. $118 (700ml) from gainbrands.com

Finland takes nature seriously, and Tënu Gin encapsulates a deep connection to the pristine taiga forests of the north. Its intricate label is stunning, and the 47% ABV might take some by surprise. The Forest Blend is less emphasised on juniper and more on citrus, mossy grass and pine oils, with ripe berry to round off. Distilled and bottled in the Valamo Monastery Distillery in Heinävesi. At select bars including Alchemist Beer Lab and Begin.