Gin Malaya brings local flavours and classic gin making together in a distinctly Malaysian expression.

Gin Malaya, Malaysia’s first award winning craft gin, recently took centre stage at RC Bar, The Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, with an exclusive masterclass that celebrated the flavours, ideas and craftsmanship behind the homegrown label. Hosted by co-founder Eu Jin Foong, the intimate gathering invited guests to discover a spirit shaped by two cultures and a distinctly Malaysian point of view.<o:p></o:p>
The spotlight fell on the new Gin Malaya Original, which marries the traditions of classic gin with botanicals familiar to the Malaysian palate. Hand foraged Scottish Highland juniper provides its crisp, structured backbone, complemented by the citrus notes of lemongrass, the delicate freshness of pandan and the gentle heat of Bentong ginger. Together, these ingredients create an aromatic and savoury expression that captures the brand’s philosophy, “Two Worlds. One Spirit.”<o:p></o:p>
Through a guided tasting, Eu Jin traced the origins of Gin Malaya and the thinking that shaped its identity. The idea began with a question of how gin might taste if viewed through a Malaysian lens. Drawing inspiration from the flavours woven into the country’s diverse food culture, the brand set out to reinterpret these familiar ingredients through traditional distilling techniques.<o:p></o:p>
Guests then experienced Gin Malaya through a series of signature cocktails. The refreshing Malaya Rock paired pandan with coconut water, while The Torch combined bunga kantan, Campari and lemon for a bittersweet edge. Cocotams offered a richer combination of kaya and coconut, while Pandan Malaya layered pandan with smoked ginger and butterfly pea. Rounding out the menu, the Kantan Fizz brought together Gin Malaya Kantan, lemon and soda in a bright, uncomplicated serve.<o:p></o:p>
Extending the experience beyond the masterclass, the signature Gin Malaya cocktail collection will be served at RC Bar until 31 October 2026, offering a contemporary exploration of Malaysian flavours through the distinctive botanical character of the spirit.<o:p></o:p>
“Gin has traditionally been viewed through a very Western lens, so we started asking ourselves: what would a gin inspired by Malaysia taste like? We looked to the flavours we grew up with and know so well from our food culture, and began exploring how we could translate those familiar flavours into a gin. That was really where Gin Malaya began,” Eu Jin shared.<o:p></o:p>

True Malaysian Spirit

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia August 2026

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia June/July 2026

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia May 2026

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia April 2026

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia March 2026

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia February 2026

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia December 2025 / January 2026

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia November 2025

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia October 2025

L'Officiel Hommes Malaysia September 2025

True Malaysian Spirit

Related Articles

Fashion

Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2026 collection pushes fabric innovation forward

Arts, Culture and Lifestyle

Everything you need to know about Marvel's upcoming releases

Fashion

A Deep Dive Into Hyunjin’s Iconic Cartier Collection

Recommended posts for you

L'Officiel Beauty Guide

L'Officiel Beauty Guide 2026: Deep PM Restoration

Arts, Culture and Lifestyle