A Journey Through Southeast Asian Flavors: Exploring the Variations of Seekers Gin

Seekers Gin, born from the vibrant tapestry of Southeast Asian flavors, offers a unique gin experience unlike any other. Their three distinct variations, Mekong Dry Gin, Jason Kong Gin and Seekers Gold Gin, showcase the versatility of this spirit and its ability to cater to diverse palates.

From Phnom Penh to the world, this distillery made its name synonymous with quality through local production in Cambodia.

Mekong Dry Gin, inspired by the vibrant cultures along the Mekong River, boasts a harmonious blend of botanicals, creating a crisp and versatile spirit. On the other hand, Jason Kong Gin, named after the brand's founder, delivers a more personalized experience with carefully selected botanicals, resulting in a smooth and sophisticated gin. Gold Gin, the distillery luxurious expression, embodies the spirit of refinement, offering a distinct flavor profile that complements both adventurous palates and discerning connoisseurs.

Mekong Dry Gin: A Bold Exploration of Southeast Asian Botanicals

The cornerstone of the Seekers Gin portfolio, Mekong Dry Gin, is a bold and aromatic spirit that captures the essence of Southeast Asia. Unlike traditional London Dry gins, which often emphasize juniper, Mekong Dry Gin features a symphony of botanicals indigenous to its region offering a refreshing and zesty character. Its juniper base, in fact, is complemented by notes of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and ginger, creating a gin that is perfect for bright and citrusy cocktails. It's array of botanicals include:

• Kaffir lime leaves: Offering a citrusy zing and a touch of floral aroma.
• Lemongrass: Infusing a refreshing, grassy note with a hint of ginger.
• Galangal root: Adding a warm, peppery spice that lingers on the palate.
• Coriander seeds: Contributing a subtle citrus and earthy complexity.
• And a secret blend of other botanicals: Adding depth and intrigue to the overall flavor profile.

The result is a gin that is both familiar and exciting. This complex flavor profile makes Mekong Dry Gin perfect for those who enjoy adventurous spirits with a distinct character.

Serving suggestions for Seekers Mekong Dry Gin

Mekong Dry Gin shines in a variety of cocktails, each highlighting different aspects of its unique flavor profile. Here some examples:

• The Classic Gin & Tonic: This timeless combination allows the gin's complexities to take center stage. Use a high-quality tonic water and garnish with a lime wedge or lemongrass stalk for an extra touch of Southeast Asian flair.
• The Mekong Sour: This twist on the classic whiskey sour substitutes Mekong Dry Gin for a vibrant and refreshing cocktail. Combine gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white for a frothy texture.
• The Asian Mule: A delightful twist on the Moscow Mule, this cocktail features Mekong Dry Gin, ginger beer, lime juice, and a garnish of fresh ginger. The ginger beer complements the gin's spicy notes, while the lime juice adds a touch of brightness.

Beyond cocktails, Mekong Dry Gin can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, allowing you to fully appreciate its intricate flavor profile.

Jason Kong Gin: A Floral Symphony with a Twist

Jason Kong Gin, a recent addition to the Seekers Gin family, takes a different approach, showcasing the delicate beauty of the butterfly pea flower. This vibrant blue flower, native to Southeast Asia, not only adds a stunning visual element to the gin but also infuses it with a subtle floral aroma and a hint of sweetness.

The balanced and elegant nature of Jason Kong Gin showcases the craftsmanship behind Seekers Gin. The botanical profile of Jason Kong Gin is more nuanced compared to Mekong Dry Gin. It features:

• Butterfly pea flower: Imparting a delicate floral aroma and a beautiful blue hue.
• Juniper berries: Providing the essential gin character in a more subtle manner.
• Coriander seeds: Contributing citrus and earthy notes for balance.
• Other botanicals: Adding complexity and depth to the flavor profile.

The result is a lighter and more floral gin compared to Mekong Dry Gin. The sweetness from the butterfly pea flower makes it ideal for those who prefer a more approachable gin experience.

Serving suggestions for Seekers Jason Kong Gin

Jason Kong Gin's unique character lends itself to a variety of cocktails that highlight its floral notes and vibrant color. Here are some suggestions:

• The Butterfly Pea Fizz: This refreshing cocktail combines Jason Kong Gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, soda water, and a garnish of a butterfly pea flower. The elderflower liqueur complements the gin's floral notes, while the soda water adds a delightful fizz.
• The Violet Martini: This elegant cocktail features Jason Kong Gin, dry Vermouth (Cocchi is the Best!), and violet liqueur. The violet liqueur enhances the gin's floral character, creating a sophisticated and visually stunning drink.
• The Gin & Tonic (with a twist): Use Jason Kong Gin in your classic Gin & Tonic for a touch of floral elegance. Garnish with a sprig of lavender or a butterfly pea flower for an extra touch of visual appeal.

Jason Kong Gin can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, allowing you to savor its delicate floral aroma and subtle sweetness.

Gold Gin: A Luxurious Fusion of Spice and Smoothness

Crafted with meticulous care, Seekers Gold Gin undergoes a unique aging process. The base spirit, infused with the signature botanicals of Mekong Dry Gin, is rested in Amburana Oak and Sugar Maple casks. This meticulous aging process imbues the gin with a silky-smooth texture and imparts subtle notes of:

• Cinnamon: Adding a warm, spicy depth that lingers on the palate.
• Coconut: Offering a hint of tropical sweetness and creaminess.
• Vanilla: Providing a touch of delicate sweetness and complexity.

The result is a sophisticated and well-rounded gin that transcends the boundaries of traditional gin expressions. Seekers Gold Gin is an homage to the artistry and innovation of Seekers Spirits, pushing the boundaries of what gin can be.

Serving suggestions for Seekers Gold Gin

Seekers Gold Gin's unique character demands thoughtful exploration. Here are some suggestions to unlock its full potential:

• Neat or on the Rocks: Savor the gin's complex flavor profile in its purest form. The smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it an enjoyable sipping experience.
• The Old Fashioned (with a twist): Replace traditional whiskey with Seekers Gold Gin for a unique and luxurious twist on this classic cocktail. The gin's inherent sweetness complements the sugar and bitters, while the oak and spice notes add depth and complexity.
• The Gold Fashioned: Elevate the classic Old Fashioned further by using a gold sugar rim and a Luxardo maraschino cherry for a visually stunning and decadent presentation.
• The Gold Rush: This citrusy cocktail combines Seekers Gold Gin, honey syrup, lemon juice, and a dash of orange bitters. The honey syrup balances the gin's sweetness, while the citrus notes add a refreshing element.

Beyond the Glass: Pairing Seekers Gin with Food

The unique flavor profiles of Seekers Gin extend beyond the realm of cocktails, offering exciting possibilities for food pairing.

In particular, the Mekong Dry Gin's bold and spicy notes complement well dishes with strong flavors, such as curries. While the floral nuances of Jason Kong Gin are going perfectly with light appetizers and snacks, Seekers Gold Gin's complex flavor profile makes it a versatile pairing option for various culinary experiences. Here are some suggestions:

• Rich and savory dishes: The gin's spice notes complement roasted meats, creamy pastas, and flavorful stews.
• Desserts: The hint of sweetness and vanilla notes make Seekers Gold Gin a delightful pairing for chocolate desserts, fruit tarts, and crème brûlée.
• Cheese platters: Pair the gin with aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a contrasting yet harmonious flavor combination.

All Seekers variations share a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, utilizing copper pot stills for distillation and incorporating locally sourced botanicals with a strong effort to sustainability. In fact, Seekers has been crown the most sustainable brand at the 2023 Chilled Awards in New York and at the 2023 EuroCham SME CSR Awards in Phnom Penh.

We encourage enthusiasts to explore the nuances of each variation and experiment with different cocktail recipes to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of their gins.

With Seekers Gin, the journey of discovery in the world of gin becomes a delightful discovery of flavors, inviting both newcomers and connoisseurs to savor the artistry in every sip.

(images courtesy of Seekers Spirits and Jason Kong Spirit)