Malacca is Here

Do a quick Google search for Tanqueray Malacca gin and you'll get what all the hoopla is about. A gin that was far too ahead of its time is now back for a one-time-only (for now at least) run of 100,000 bottles. That sounds like a lot, but most of gin sales are on-premise, meaning bars and restaurants. A good bar can go through a case a night and this gin has serious world-wide demand right now. I think we could go through 100,000 bottles in California bars alone over the next year if the word gets out. I just tasted it and it's solid. It also comes in a one liter bottle, so you get a little more for your dollar.

Tanqueray Malacca Gin 1 Liter $32.99 - A now legendary attempt by Tanqueray to be forward thinking, the Malacca Gin, was just a little too ahead of its time. The rumor mill claims that they found a tanker full of this stuff and were it not for the incredible demand of the world's cocktail enthusiasts it would have been discarded. Who knows if that's true, but this less dry version of Tanqueray is finally back. Originally released in 1997, this was Tanqueray's ode to the lost Old Tom style of gin. Unfortunately, gin was not hot at that time and certainly not something totally different like this. Only few disappointed sobs could be heard when it was discontinued in 2001. Fast forward to 2013 and the Malacca is the talk of the town. Malacca is much softer than the standard Tanqueray. A distinct citrus quality further sets it apart from its namesake. These qualities make is ideal for mixing, hence its popularity with many top mixologists. Unfortunately, Diageo has agree to release only 100K bottles, which seems like a lot, but I assure you it is not. (David Othenin-Girard)

-David Driscoll