Zhen Gin is Asia’s very first sipping and climate-positive gin. The brainchild of two Singaporean buddies, Terence and Min, it utilises rice crops devastated from torrential rains along with a myriad of Eastern botanicals sourced from the indigenous regions of Taiwan. Their goal was simple: to create a world-class product, to spark social change and to provide support to Taiwanese farmers through fair trade.
Artisanal distilleries and brewers are nothing new in this day and age. But considering what these boys are doing, we probably haven’t seen anything like it. Read on to find out why we’re stoked!
About Zhen Gin
In Taiwan, typhoons and torrential rain pose a massive threat to the country’s food supply and the stark devastation means many farmers suffer. A striking reality that many farmers in Taiwan face, the founders made the momentous decision to turn what’s considered waste into a spirit of change. This not only provided support toward affected farmers, but also raised awareness about the plight in the process. With that, Zhen Gin was born.
Zhen Gin is an artisanal gin that takes inspiration from the Chinese character, “真”, which signifies being true and genuine. It reflects Terence and Min’s view on authenticity and sparking climate and social change using their signature gin—made using damaged rice crops. Two years in the making, the duo not only created Asia’s first climate-positive sipping gin but also aims to spark social changes through it.
Honouring the brand’s sustainability ethos, Zhen Gin is made using rice, but not just any rice. Their unique blend is made using damaged rice. More specifically, the damaged rice from typhoons, droughts and other natural disasters that would’ve otherwise produced climate-damaging methane through microbial decomposition.
These damaged rice crops are directly collected from affected local farmers along with the Eastern board of Taiwan, from Chi Sang in Taitung to Yilian, to create the aromatic base spirit. Working closely with like-minded distillers in Yilan, founders Terence and Min wanted to give the spirit a genuine Asian character. Showing that Eastern botanicals are just as good or even better than it Western counterparts; much of the experimentation involved the duo dabbling in herbs of the East, from well-known to obscure varieties known only to the indigenous, to craft their signature product.
Inspiring Social Change Through A Shared Love For Gin
What makes Zhen Gin unique is its commitment to environmental preservation and inspiring climate change. The brand aspires to be a social catalyst that will affect three pillars, namely sustainability, talents and gastronomy.
The first pillar of sustainability goes beyond the preservation of agriculture and aquaculture. It also prioritises cultural sustainability: the conservation of local indigenous tribes and their respective heritages.
The second pillar, talents, seeks to provide a regional and international platform for independent artisans passionate in following their dreams. Finally, gastronomy fosters an appreciation for food and gin; where the gin’s intricate flavour profiles are further accentuated through collaborations with culinary talents.
How Zhen Gin is Made
A tedious process that’s as much an art form as it is a necessary procedure, the “damaged” rice is first fermented for two to three weeks to create rice wine. It is then subsequently distilled into a base spirit of 90% ABV to retain as much of its base flavour as possible.
Botanicals are then added in their raw forms into the base spirit. No additional flavours or synthetic components are added post-distillation.
Zhen Gin’s Tasting Notes
Zhen Gin is a delicate, velvety-smooth gin that can be sipped neat or on the rocks; characterised by fresh floral notes of Yunnan osmanthus, pomegranate seeds and orange. The alluring malty tone of rice grains is matched by piney Bhutanese juniper and further accentuated by other Eastern botanicals; including the malty overtones and a lingering white pepper-like spice of Thai coriander seeds.
A not-so-secret addition of orange-root marries the many components well, giving the gin its iconic citrusy flair. A high-quality product suitable to be enjoyed on its own or in a cocktail, it punches safely at 40% ABV.
Zhen Gin is currently retailing online at S$150 (U.P. $180) for 500ml; or S$60 for a miniature-sized bottle of 180ml, with islandwide delivery. Delivery is free for purchases above S$150, while a S$5 delivery fee applies for purchases below S$150.
Order here.
All photos are credited to Zhen Gin.
Read Uncover Asia’s guide to gin.
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