Welcome to the world of gin enthusiasts! World Gin Day is an occasion that gives us a reason to raise a toast to our favorite GSM Gin. White is the color of fun this year as Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the maker of the world’s no. 1 selling gin, is celebrating World Gin Day (WGD) in a “cool, clear, and versatile” way. Starting with a media launch on June 8 at The Westin Manila in Ortigas, a series of events will be held to highlight June as World Gin Month.
World Gin Day (WGD) is celebrated every year on the second Saturday of June, the day is all about celebrating the finest gins from around the globe. So, please mark your calendars, and let’s gear up for this exciting day! But, what is World Gin Day? It’s a day dedicated to the popular beverage which brings together gin lovers from all over the world to rejoice in the taste and legacy of gin. From classic gin and tonics to exotic gin cocktails, the world of gin has something to offer for every palate. The importance of celebrating this day lies in acknowledging the rich history, varied types, and complex production process of gin. Also, it’s a chance to explore new gins, experiment with food pairing, and connect with fellow gin lovers. So, let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of GSM “Cool, Clear, and Versatile” finest gin.
“We join gin enthusiasts worldwide in celebrating World Gin Day. As pioneers of this event in our country, we aspire to ignite the spirit of greater appreciation for more Filipinos to know gin’s outstanding qualities, as it is a drink that is ‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile,’” says GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina.
Gin 101
Gin has been around for centuries, but its history is anything but ordinary. It originated as a medicine in the 16th century, made from juniper berries and other botanicals. Eventually, its medicinal properties faded into the background and gin became a popular spirit for social drinking. There are several types of gin. London Dry gin is probably the most well-known, but there’s also Plymouth gin and Old Tom gin. Each class has a different flavor profile, depending on the botanicals used and the country of origin. Gin is made through a process called distillation. Grain alcohol is mixed with botanicals and then heated, causing the alcohol to vaporize and condense back into a liquid. This liquid is then filtered and bottled. The specific process can vary by brand or type of gin, but this is a general idea. Learning about gin might seem intimidating, but it’s worth taking the time to explore. Who knows, you might just find a new favorite spirit!
Gin Is Cool.
The actor and model Zanjoe Marudo like the cool and refreshing gin experience to punctuate the day. For him, being cool is more than style and moves; it is being calm, too. “Alam niyo kung anong totoong COOL sakin? Yung pagiging kalmado ko (You know what’s truly cool for me? It is my being calm),” says Zanjoe. His choice of gin is popular to this day – Ginebra San Miguel, which has been his favorite since his days growing up in Batangas.
Gin Is Clear.
Basel Manadil’s choice is GSM Premium Gin, a distilled gin made with natural ingredients and fine botanicals. Popularly known as “The Hungry Syrian,” the Syrian-born Filipino vlogger’s viral posts have made him a clear favorite among millions of netizens. As he would say, “always be CLEAR with your intentions no matter where you go. Because everything you do, can make an impact to others.”
Gin is Versatile.
Actress comedian Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol likes her gin to be versatile, a drink she can enjoy in many ways. This love for versatility in drinks is something that she also carries in life. The fact that this comedian was able to transform herself into a serious pageant contender truly is outstanding and admirable. Herlene has won over Filipinos with her charming wit, down-to-earth personality, and of course, her remarkable versatility. “In life, dapat VERSATILE (In life, one should be versatile). If you are good at one thing, you can also be good at anything! Stay true while learning many things.”
The three of them – Zanjoe, Basel, and Herlene – will not only grace the WGD celebration but will also be present at various events of GSMI during the “Gin Is In” celebrations starting in June.
“We are proud to say that they truly embody the best qualities of gin: Zanjoe is ‘Cool like Gin Is In.’ Basel is ‘Clear like Gin Is In,’ and Herlene is ‘Versatile like Gin Is In,’” Molina added.
Gin and food pairing
Gin and food pairing may sound strange to some, but for gin lovers, it’s a match made in heaven. When it comes to food pairing, the best gin pairing is with charcuterie boards. The bold and salty flavors of cured meats, pickled vegetables, and cheeses complement the herbal and floral flavors of gin. If you have a sweet tooth, you can try the classic gin and tonic with a slice of lemon and a piece of dark chocolate. The bitterness of the chocolate is balanced by the sweetness of the gin, resulting in a delicious taste. Another exciting gin and chocolate combination to try is pairing aged gins with dark chocolate truffles. This pairing creates contrasting notes, and the subtle complexity of aged gins highlights the flavors of the chocolate. Whether you opt for savory or sweet pairings, there is an entire world of gin and food out there for you to explore. So, let your taste buds run wild and experiment with different gin and food pairings. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite combination!
GSM Bar Academy graduates ‘mix’ back
One of the highlights of the WGD event is the presence of three mixologists who are scholar-graduates of the Ginebra San Miguel Bar Academy, a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that gives Filipinos a chance to change their lives through education – training students in bartending, flairtending, and basic entrepreneurship.
With the goal of producing globally-competitive and job-ready graduates, while elevating the quality of the bartending profession in the process, the GSM Bar Academy is proud to say that it has produced an astounding 100% immediate employability for all its graduates in 2022.
During WGD, three graduates of the GSM Bar Academy – Jhyrus Denver A. Domingo, Angela Felarca, and JP Peñaflor – who are all employed in top bars in Metro Manila, will showcase their mixology skills in a friendly competition with the theme, “Gin Is In, ” which will feature the world’s most popular and bestselling gin Ginebra San Miguel and other brands, GSM Blue and GSM Premium Distilled Gin.
The success of the GSM Bar Academy in transforming the lives not only of the students but also of their families and the community has not gone unnoticed. In fact, the program will be a recipient of the prestigious International CSR Excellence Award, to be formally awarded on June 16 in London, UK.
‘Gin Is In’ Nationwide
Part of the WGD celebration will be the launch of the second season of G-MIX Nation Online Series, hosted by Luis Manzano, which will be shown for the first time and will feature new cocktail recipes. Alongside is the Home Bar Kit that features Ginebra products and tools for mixing different kinds of cocktails, which is sold online and at select supermarkets.
To ensure gin enthusiasts across the country can partake in the “Gin Is In” festivity, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. will also host mini events in around 50 bars nationwide, including those in Pampanga, Naga, Cebu, and Cagayan De Oro. These bar activations will offer consumers exclusive promotions, raffle giveaways, and outlet merchandising, providing an opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the celebration.
To sustain the momentum of the “Gin Is In,” there will be various activities in hundreds on-premise outlets from July to December. Participating outlets will receive exclusive benefits, special “Gin Is In” stubs for consumers to support their patronage.
GSMI’s World Gin Day celebration is just the beginning of a series of exciting events, allowing enthusiasts to declare their love and support for the vibrant local gin culture. In the country, gin is synonymous with Ginebra San Miguel. It is the country’s pioneering gin and the oldest consumer brand still in the market, but still remains cool, clear and versatile, a timeless classic yet still in tune with the times.
Each bottle of Ginebra San Miguel undergoes a stringent production process to ensure optimal quality. As a testament to the strength of its brand name, variants such as GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, have been introduced to cater to different market segments. Just launched last year, its 1834 Premium Distilled Gin has now become a sought-after drink among those with sophisticated taste, as they are enamored with its infusion of classic juniper berries and unique Philippine botanicals such as Sampaguita and Calamansi.
GSMI is the producer of Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin, according to leading global drinks journal, Drinks International. GSMI’s other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, GSM Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy, the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu and the newly launched G&T Ultralight Spirit Drink.
Raising a toast to gin
Raising a toast to gin: What better way to celebrate World Gin Day than by toasting your favorite gin? You can gather with your gin-loving friends, put on your creative hats and come up with unique ways to bring out the gin in the toast. How about adding a dash of gin to your cocktail, or designing a unique gin cocktail where the gin takes center stage? If you want to take your celebration beyond the day, you can stock up on gin-themed merchandise such as gin glasses, gin-scented candles, or even a gin-making kit! Let the world know your love for gin with every sip and every purchase. Happy World Gin Day!
As the world celebrates Gin, it is time to raise a toast to the finest GSM gins! From the history of gin to the production process, discovering the types of gin. Celebrate the best gin cocktails and explore gin-themed merchandise. Finally, explore the best gin festivals and distilleries around the world to expand your gin horizons. Cheers to GSMI, let’s keep the gin flowing!
