CENTENARIAN CONCOCTION

SipSmith

Raffles Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with London-based micro-distillery Sipsmith, has celebrated the iconic Singapore Sling’s 100th anniversary with the Raffles 1915 Gin. Expect hints of kaffir lime, cardamom, pomelo and lemongrass with botanicals common to the Sipsmith’s award-winning London Dry Gin – a mix purported to “evoke memories” of the Sling. Long Bar, Raffles Hotel.

AGAINST THE GRAIN

Hwayo

Soju has earned a rep as an affordable social lubricant, but premium brand Hwayo is out to restore the most popular Korean liquor to its former glory – as a drink fit for royalty. The results are delicious. Korean rice grains and spring water are used in Hwayo distilleries, as opposed to the sweet potato and tapioca in mass-produced soju. This leaves a clean-tasting, smooth beverage that’s free of additives. Now available locally in 17, 25 and 41 per cent concentrations. Manhattan at Regent Singapore and Tapas 39 (at 39 Duxton Hill), or online at www.hwayo.com

BOTTLED HEAVYWEIGHTS

Icon

Chivas Regal The Icon is Chivas Brothers’ newest entrant into the non-age-statement arena, and it’s pulling no punches with this premium blend. The Icon leverages on no less than 20 of the most prestigious distilleries in the Chivas portfolio (Strathisla and Longmorn among them). The handblown decanter is a nod to the original 1909 Chivas Regal bottle. Pernod Ricard Private Sales, www.pernod-ricard.com.