Gin has always been a mainstay in many Filipino get-togethers. The country is widely considered as one of the top gin drinking nations in the world and in the case of Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), its story is intertwined with the nation’s history.
As the company celebrates its 190th anniversary this year, GSMI took the opportunity to celebrate World Gin Day by showcasing the Art of Gin.”This year’s World Gin Day holds a special significance for us as it coincides with the 190th anniversary of our flagship brand.
To celebrate this milestone, we’ve crafted a one-of-a-kind World Gin Day experience, letting gin-enthusiasts step back in time and celebrate the rich history and craftsmanship of Ginebra San Miguel. After all, you do not get to 190 years without a milestone or a masterpiece”, said GSMI marketing manager Ron Molina.
Aside from showcasing the art of cocktail mixing, the highlight of the WGD event is a walk-through museum filled with Ginebra artifacts, commemorative items, art pieces, and collectibles and an edu-tainment (educational-entertainment) performance showing the three-part journey of Ginebra’s 190 years of quality craftsmanship: OriGINs, GINnovations, and ImaGINations.
The OriGINs, narrated by historian Alvin Campomanes chronicles the history of the Philippines’ first-ever gin, which was born on March 10, 1834 at the Distileria Licorea de Ayala, a distillery located in Quiapo, Manila. It was first sold in 20- to 60-liter demijohns, locally called damajuana, as a drink for the wealthy and exclusive to peninsulares and insulares.
But with the commercialization of alcohol in the mid-1800s, gin was made cheaper and more affordable to the masses and packaged in square bottles, also known as frasco or cuatro cantos which still remains today .It also showcased the bottle label painted by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo which depicted St. Michael the Archangel vanquishing the devil.
The GINnovations’ chapter in the Art of Gin explores advancements and innovations in Philippine gin-making. Today, the distillery produces some of the most recognizable brands in the Philippine liquor market that cater to different segments and tastes, such as GSM Blue for the young, Ginebra San Miguel for the hard-working Filipino, GSM Premium Gin for the practical premium drinker, and 1834 Premium Distilled Gin that appeals to sophisticated tastes.
The latest addition to the collection is the Archangel Reserve, in a limited-edition one-liter emerald green commemorative bottle, launched at the WGD event. The new gin is a 90-proof premium dry gin, made from 6 botanicals namely juniper berry, angelica root, coriander seed, lemon peel, orange peel, and liquorice. Distilled in copper pot stills for an exquisite taste and smooth finish, Archangel Reserve is a testament to Ginebra San Miguel’s rich heritage of gin-making spanning 190 years.
The ImaGINations chapter evolves into a modern variety show, exploring how Ginebra San Miguel has become part of the lives of the Filipino people.
Through the years, Ginebra San Miguel has resonated with generations of Filipinos through its iconic Calendar Girls and memorable TV ad campaigns. At present, more than being the people’s drink, Ginebra San Miguel has also become a cultural icon, a part of pop culture.
influencing everything from sports and music to fashion and film.
From its humble beginnings at a small distillery in Manila, Ginebra San Miguel has mastered the Art of Gin and has evolved into one of the Philippines’ most respected brands today.
Ginebra San Miguel has withstood the test of time, consistently embodying gin’s outstanding cool, clear, and versatile qualities that lifts it above other spirit drinks.
