Drink Industry

“And God said, “Let there be vodka!” And He saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let there be light!” And then He said, “Whoa – too much light.” — Anonymous

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 Bartender’s Bartender: Jay Khan of COA Hong Kong

Nicholas Ng
Jay Khan | Altos Bartenders' Bartender | Asia's 50 Best Bars 2020 | Food For Thought

Jay Khan is one of Asia’s best known bartenders, not only because he makes excellent cocktails, but has helped further educate the public about agave. The Hong Kong born native was recently crowned the Altos’ Bartender’s Bartender at the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 and in addition to that, his bar COA has also placed number 3 at the Asia’s 50 Best Bars this year. We speak to Jay to pick the his brains on his thoughts about bartending and bartenders. Continue reading →

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 Art of Hospitality Award: David Nguyen-Luu of Manhatan Bar Singapore

Nicholas Ng
Manhattan | Michter's Art of Hospitality Award | Asia's 50 Best Bars 2020 | Food For Thought

Manhattan Bar at the Regent Singapore needs no further introduction, with its time and time again ranking as at the World’s 50 Best Bars and Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Winning the Legends Of The List award in 2019, and also number 1 bar in 2018, Manhattan has gone on to win the Art of Hospitality Awards this year, which comes as no surprise. We sit down with Bar Manager David Nguyen-Luu to learn about more about their approach to hospitality. Continue reading →

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 Sustainable Bar Award: Ashish Sharma of Bar Trigona

Nicholas Ng
50 Best Cocktail | Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2020 | Bar Trigona | Food For Thought

Bar Trigona in Four Season Kuala Lumpur has won the Ketel One Sustainable Award at the  Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020, taking the crown for the second year in a row. The honey-centric bar’s practice of using the liquid gold as its focus and its efforts to keep everything sustainable from leaf to twig. We had a chat with Ashish Sharma, Head Bartender of Bar Trigona to learn a bit more about their sustainability efforts and their adopt a beehive programme. Continue reading →

A Bloody Good Gin: Stuart Gregor of Four Pillars Distillery

Nicholas Ng
Stuart Gregor | Four Pillars Gin

When it comes to gin distilleries, there are few that has the reputation that Four Pillars Distillery has. From its signature Rare Dry Gin to its delicious Navy Strength, you can see why this distillery has won countless awards. Being crowned best international gin distillers at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2019, we pick the brains of Stuart Gregor, Co-founder and Trade Director of Four Pillars Gin. Continue reading →

The Sagacity of Richard Seale of Foursquare Rum Distillery

Nicholas Ng
Richard Seale | Richard Seale of Foursquare | Food For Thought

When it comes to rum, there are few distilleries that equal the complexity of the Barbadian Foursquare Rum Distillery. Other than being world renown for producing some of the highest quality rum in the world, they proved this by winning best rum producer at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2019. One of their latest offering is the Foursquare Sagacity, and who better than the rum royalty himself Richard Seale to educated us on the wisdom and philosophy of the Foursquare Rum Distillery. Continue reading →

The Evolution of Cocktail Culture in Kuala Lumpur

Nicholas Ng
Cocktail Evolution | Food For Thought

Kuala Lumpur has seen a burgeoning cocktail culture in recent years with more and more concept bars sprouting throughout the city. From speakeasies to rooftop bars, Kuala Lumpur is quickly becoming one of the favourite places for bartenders and mixologists to come and hone their craft. Because of the unique climate for tropical fruits and herbs which is indigenous, it is only a matter of time these ingredients are exploited. We speak to mixologists from some of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous bars to find out what they think. Continue reading →