On Wednesday evening we enjoyed a fantastic and unusual tasting, hosted by Tony Burt and Mikey Ball from East Imperial. They are a NZ company producing some of the world’s finest and most authentic Tonic Waters.
Tony and his business partner Kevin, first came up with the idea after their regular premium Gin buying trips to Glengarry Parnell. They realised what was really missing was a premium Tonic water to go alongside. They started with an authentic 1903 Tonic recipe from Kevin’s family, and began sourcing the best Quinine from the original Dutch plantations in Java. All the tonics have totally natural flavours from ingredients sourced across Asia.
In front of us on the table, were 4 different Tonic waters and a Ginger Beer (in their specially designed 150ml bottles), alongside 5 fantastic Gins. The tasting consisted of first trying the tonic on its own, then the Gin. Each of the Gin Producers were there to explain their philosophy, production and style. We then combined the two along with a garnish, for the ultimate G&T experience. These final combinations were designed by mixologist Mikey Ball and really elevated both products.
The matches were:
East Imperial Old World Tonic with Blush Rhubarb Gin and a piece of ginger.
East Imperial Burma Tonic with Hidden World Floral Gin and a lime wedge.
East Imperial Yuzu Tonic with Sacred Springs Gin and an orange slice.
East Imperial Grapefruit Tonic with Scapegrace Gold Gin and a slice of grapefruit.
East Imperial Mombassa Ginger Beer with The Botanist Gin and spearmint leaves.
