Tanqueray 10 and East Imperial Exclusive 2013

November 27, 2013

Tanqueray 10 and East Imperial Exclusive 2013

Bachannalia @ Coleman Road

Jigger & Pony @ Club Street

Cache @ Club Street

Ah Sam Cold Drinks Stall @ Boat Quay

The skies had opened up just an hour prior to the meet up… But by God’s blessing, the rain stopped right on the minute.

Walking in, the opulence drew my breath… There was something in the air at Bachannalia, other than the Masonic architecture. The club was closed for the day, and had only been opened for their honoured guests. This was to be the starting point of an amazing night…

The “Ice” was broken very quickly as Kevin Law-Smith from East Imperial and Hannah Waters from Diageo came round to introduce themselves. As each guest strolled in, they were greeted excitedly with familiar faces, some from years before…

And there was Mark – the Bartender/Charmer… His smile alone would “light up” the room. His passion for his drinks added “fuel to the flame”. ;P

Swiftly, Mark conjures up a Gin and Tonic with specially prepared ice cubes, topped off with Orange zest and laced glasses with Cinnamon sugars. That set the “bar”…

Of course we had to ask Mark to do a “clean” Gin and Tonic – no frills. This was really good! (Back to Basics)

Well lubed, we proceeded to the next location over at Club Street. A place called Jigger & Pony. We were warmly greeted by the humble Aki-san. As we all settled down, he was busy preparing his concoction – the “Kaikan” - A Gin Fizz variant infused with a subtle mix of milk .

The food was equally good. Orders of tapas-like side order such as Meatballs in Mushroom Sauce, Bacon and Minced Pork Meatballs in Cheese Sauce, and Steak Sandwiches.

And as quickly we came, quickly we left! As much as we had wanted to stay, we had a tight schedule to follow if we were to be able to cover the rest of the itinerary.

Hence we arrived at Izy – a fusion Japanese eatery with Minimalist and open concepts. We walked right to the back of the premises, wondering why we’ve come up against this wall. Puzzled, I dropped my gaze to the floor and saw this: "A Golden Key can Open Any Door"...

Just then, the mirrors on the wall were pushed open! Revealing a hidden, dark, cult-like lounge. Polished pipes hung from the ceilings, leather sofas laid in the darkest corners of the room.

Then emerging from the shadows, our Bartender, Kely. He dishes out a myriad of cocktails: “Black Thorn”, “Berry Smoky”; “High Ball” just to name a few…

They brought out some bar snacks as well: Fried Yam and Truffle Salt; Tempura Ebi.

It was already late. We dashed straight to our last stop - Ah Sam Cold Drinks Stall.

This is not an easy place to find at all! Almost hidden on the second floor amongst the row of shophouses along Boat Quay, and its entrance and signboard tucked under the spa's that is on the third level.

And once you enter, you will be forgiven if you had mistaken this place for a local museum of sorts. Greeted by this retro green-framed cold drinks container that paid homage to the sponsors for the night - East Imperial and Tanqueray Gin (Diageo).

Sam, the proprietor and bartender was all dressed up and out to please. A set of primitive tools were whipped out, and immediately put to work on a myriad of Citrus. This was the last stop, we had more than "one" drink, this was to be a challenge thrown down unto to Sam.

But he rose to the occasion! The drink was absolutely refreshing, not artificially sweet, the zest not overpowering the Gin and Tonic. A great one to end the wonderful and memorable evening.