When you think about Singapore, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t gin. That’s something that Tim Whitefield, Andy Hodgson, Charlie van Eeden and Chris Box set out to change when they created Tanglin in 2018.
The Western expats were sat on a Singapore rooftop enjoying a selection of gins when they realised that the area didn’t have a gin to call its own. Considering Singapore’s recent surges in the hospitality and bar scene, they saw a perfect opportunity to change that.
After successfully pioneering the Singaporean spirits industry, Tanglin is now expanding and has chosen Australia as its first export market.
Tanglin is currently available in two unique flavours on our shores: Orchid, and Mandarin Chilli. Both expressions are a mix of Eastern and Western botanicals, combining traditional gin with the taste of Asia.
The Orchid Gin, Tanglin’s first release and signature product, has traditional typical notes of European gins, combined with whole Indian vanilla beans, java pepper and amchoor (a fruity spice powder typically used in Indian and Pakistani dishes). There’s also the addition of whole organic oranges, straight from Whitefield’s garden in Victoria.
Meanwhile the Mandarin Chilli Gin, as the name suggests, combines citrus flavours with chilli and young ginger to give it “a little zing.”
Whitefield, who is also Head Distiller, said these flavours in a gin have rarely been experienced by Australian palates, and reflect his desire: “to capture in the spirit the five main cultural groups that have made Singapore what it is today – Chinese, Indonesian, Malay, Indian and European.”
“Our brand is as much about celebrating Singapore as it is about celebrating gin. Singapore is unexpected, just like our gin,” Whitefield said.
The unique flavours, combined with Singapore’s distinctive climate of high humidity and consistent temperature have given Tanglin an edge on the world stage so far, already winning silver medals at the 2018 International Wine and Spirit Competition in Hong Kong and the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Tanglin’s first two Australian products are available now and can be ordered by contacting orders@tanglin-gin.com
