It’s #LSADrinks time! Wondering what’s new in the world of all things ABV? This month includes Martell, Tiger and more.
The May 2024 edition of #LSADrinks continues to take a look at the most exciting events and launches happening in Malaysia and beyond. Whether it’s the Venture Beyond by Penfolds pop-up or the launch of the Martell Single Cru collection, there’s just so much to look forward to in the world of ABV. Keep reading to find out what’s new this month!
Tiger celebrated launch of Soju Flavoured Lager in Malaysia with Loco
If you’re a fan of both the refreshing Tiger Beer and soju, you’d be happy to know that Tiger has now introduced its Soju Flavoured Lager here in Malaysia. Available in Gutsy Grape, Tiger Soju Flavoured Lager (5.5% ABV) combines the sweetness of soju with the renowned profile of the lager. Part of the ‘Feel The Twist’ campaign, the unveiling of the new product is an allusion to self-expression.
On 10 May 2024, Tiger hosted a launch party featuring performances by Loco, 3P, Dato Maw, YUNGKAI, S.A.C and more. DJs Queen T, Julian and Sherry Alyssa entertained the crowd throughout the night with their respective sets. Held in Tropicana Gardens Mall Convention Centre, guests had the opportunity to win exclusive Tiger merchandise via games such as Plinko Dunk, savour a specially curated cocktail and of course, taste the Tiger Soju Flavoured Lager.
Willemijn Sneep (Heineken Malaysia Berhad’s Marketing Director) on the launch of Tiger Soju Flavoured Lager: “With the launch of a product that is bold and lively, we want consumers to be part of the fun by providing them with a space to explore and experiment. It was exciting to see the way people expressed themselves playfully – we hope our fans continue to celebrate their everyday occasions in fun ways with the Tiger brand, and always with a twist”.
Learn more HERE.
Penfolds debuts Venture Beyond by Penfolds experience in Malaysia
From 2 May to 12 May 2024, ‘Venture Beyond by Penfolds’ will takes place at the Atrium of The Starhill. Finally here in Malaysia, the one-of-a-kind activation first took place in Thailand and Singapore. Now, wine enthusiasts can look forward to a special experience as Penfolds brings you on a journey via wine flights, masterclasses and more. At the pop-up, you can check out the massive Scuba Mask and get up close with Penfolds’ limited edition Venture Beyond 2023 gift boxes. In addition, this is also an opportunity to explore the likes of Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, St Henri Shiraz and its Superblend series.
Entry to the Venture Beyond by Penfolds pop-up is free but you can also participate in specially-curated programmes. The ‘Sip and Paint with Penfolds’ Wine Flight entry type (RM49) comes with general admission, a wine glass painting experience and the opportunity to savour three pours of Australian wine — Max’s Cabernet Sauvnignon, Bin 28 Shiraz and Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz. As for the ‘Icons of Australia: 40-Mins Penfolds Wine Masterclass’ entry type (RM189), expect a curated cheese platter as well as a masterclass featuring premium Penfolds wines like Grange, Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon and St Henri Shiraz. The latter will be led by Zoe Gan, Penfolds Malaysia’s Luxury Sales Manager.
As part of the Venture Beyond by Penfolds experience, the Australian winemaker partnered with Mikaela Stafford (an interdisciplinary digital artist) on the packaging design for Penfolds Max’s range, Bin 28 Shiraz 2021 and Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2021. The marine theme created by Stafford is a nod to exploration and discovery.
Learn more HERE.
Martell introduces its Single Cru collection
For the very first time, Martell is offering its Single Cru collection here in Malaysia! Using eaux-de-vie garnered from specific terroirs in the Cognac region, each release is expressive and extraordinary. The Martell Single Cru Collection comprises three editions: Discovery, Aged and Vintage. The Discovery series takes you on a journey alongside the main crus — each beautifully influenced by exposure, climate, soil composition and geographic location.
Shaped by Christophe Valtaud (Martell’s Cellar Master), the Discovery edition includes the vibrant Martell Single Cru Fins Bois (RM580), spicy Martell Single Cru Petite Champagne (RM580) and fruity Martell Borderies (RM620). The latter — known for its candied fruit profile — has been a signature cru for Martell since the Maison’s inception more than 300 years ago. The Aged Edition, on the other hand, sees the addition of the powerful and woody Martell Single Cru XO Grande Champagne (RM1,440) as well as the luscious and aromatic Martell Single Cru XXO Borderies (RM2,830). Both derived from exclusive Cognac terroirs, the cognacs possess an elevated richness from the organoleptic properties developed during ageing.
As for the limited edition Martell Single Cru Borderies 1999 (RM10,800), Valtaud began with Borderies eau-de-vie from the Gallienne estate. To reach aromatic culmination, the Cellar Master then aged the eau-de-vie for 23 years in fine-grained oak barrels. Rich, citrusy and smooth, this Vintage release is as fine as it gets. It’s said that only ten units will be available here in Malaysia.
Christophe Vaultaud on the Martell Single Cru Collection: “Ever since the days of Jean Martell, the ethos of Maison Martell has been to express the best of the Cognac terroir. With Martell Single Cru, a rare and prestigious collection which represents less than 1% of Martell cognacs, my aim was to reveal the richness and diversity of the very finest crus. My hope is that this aromatic exploration of the Cognac region will speak to adventurous cognac drinkers, opening their minds and palates to new tastes, and enabling them to build their own personal collection–one which reflects their preferences and the pleasure of discovery”.
Learn more HERE.
LamboCellar launches five-course menu pairing with Champagne Carbon
Looking for a unique menu pairing experience? Head over to La Fleur by LamboCellar to savour a special five-course French offering featuring Champagne Carbon. On the menu, dishes include Salmon Tartare with Zesty Lemon & Dill Ricotta and Crisp
Cress Salad; Handmade Seafood Pomodoro Pasta; Crystal Pineapple Mint Infusion as a palate cleanser; Refined Coq au Vin with Velvety Mashed Potatoes; as well as Passion Fruit Creme Brulee for dessert.
To complement your meal, sommelier Gilbert Byron has selected three champagnes. They include the sensorial Carbon Cuvée Sunset White Luminous, the tangy Champagne Carbon Cuvée Bugatti EB01 2002 Luminous Edition Limitée and the complex Carbon Cuvée ƎB.02 Chiron 300 + for Bugatti Vintage 2006. Each pairing is created to elevate every mouthfeel for a culinary experience to remember.
The limited time five-course menu at La Fleur by LamboCellar is priced from RM958 with champagne pairing — and from RM358 without pairing. The menu will be available from 13 May to 30 June 2024 and reservations at least three days before your visit is encouraged.
Learn more HERE.
Aberfeldy hosted whisky pairing dinner at W Kuala Lumpur
At an intimate get-together at W Kuala Lumpur’s Woobar, Aberfeldy played host as the brand organised a whisky pairing dinner featuring its core expressions. Led by Dexter Ng of Bacardi-Martini, guests had the opportunity to savour the Aberfeldy 12-Year-Old, Aberfeldy 16-Year-Old and Aberfeldy 21-Year-Old alongside delectable dishes created by the team at W Kuala Lumpur. The rich and elegant notes of the single malt scotch whisky were complemented by creations such as the Cured Salmon Trout with Cucumber Gel, the Roasted Duck Breast with Whisky Orange Sauce and the Grilled Angus Beef Loin with Whisky Lobster Velouté. To end the meal, a Smoked Chocolate Mousse dessert was served to match with the intense floral characters of the Aberfeldy 21-Year-Old.
Learn more HERE.
Jyri Pylkkanen is as Southeast Asia’s Regional Malts Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich and The Balvenie
The Balvenie and Glenfiddich (both part of William Grant & Sons) now have a new Regional Malts Brand Ambassador for Southeast Asia! The Finnish brand ambassador — also the co-founder of Helsinki’s Son of a Punch — will be taking charge of helping the brands grow in the region. “These iconic brands, distinctive in their own manner, embody a rich heritage of excellence in the world of premium whiskies. From Glenfiddich’s Maverick attitude to The Balvenie’s heart of craftsmanship, I’m excited to bring these brand stories to life through my experiences and create new ones with the Southeast Asia community of bartenders and consumers”, he said.
Learn more HERE.
Heineken Refresh to return on 15 June 2024
On 15 June, Heineken Malaysia will be hosting its renowned Heneiken Refresh event! To be held at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon, the highly anticipated party will feature the likes of Brazilian EDM star Alok, Singaporean DJ WUKONG and Malaysian DJ Blink alongside Glenn Yong, Victoria, Ashley Lau, Mr Yang and MJ. It’s said that 10,000 passes have been redeemed during Phase One but there will be more passes to be redeemed online when Phase Two launches. Are you excited?
Learn more HERE.
Hendrick’s is bringing back its Cucumber Currency Exchange
The Cucumber Currency Exchange will be returning this year from 16 to 22 May 2024! It’s your opportunity to redeem a glass of Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic using cucumbers as currency. Even better news, more than 140 bars across Malaysia will be participating in the exciting campaign. They include Botak Liquor, Concubine, Jann and Ms Bianca in KL, Magazine 63 and Over & Above in Penang as well as GAIA in Johor Bahru.
In conjunction with the special period. there are a myriad of programmes planned. On 15 May, head over to WIP @ Bangsar Shopping Centre to savour specially curated cocktails by Charmaine Thio (Hendrick’s Gin Southeast Asia Brand Ambassador). On 17 May, you can also win yourself a Hendrick’s Miniature bottle at Fritz by searching for mini cucumbers throughout the space.
Learn more HERE.
Check out the Hennessy x NBA pop-up at The Exchange TRX
Available from now until 19 May 2024, the Hennessy x NBA pop-up can be discovered at The Exchange TRX’s Centre Atrium. Take the opportunity to explore the coming together of fine cognac and basketball — this year with “Without Your Spirit, It’s Only A Game” as its theme. At the pop-up, you will be able to try handcrafted cocktails, win prizes and browse one-of-a-kind merchandise such as caps and varsity jackets. Here, you can also get up close with the Hennessy V.S.O.P x NBA 2024 Limited-Edition gift box. Slated to launch in July, the collectible release features a hardwood floor-inspired design.
Learn more HERE.
Stay tuned for more #LSADrinks updates!
(Hero image credit: Penfolds/ Featured image Credit: Martell)