Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, Malfy Gin continues to use traditional Italian distilling methods, which are said to date back to the 11th century (All photos: Malfy Gin)
Just in time for the year-end celebrations, Malfy Gin — the luxurious Italian gin brand under the Pernod Ricard umbrella — joins the ranks of delightful libations we will be toasting to this Christmas and New Year’s.
There are so many good reasons to love this gin that was launched recently over an Italian summer-themed cocktail hour at The St Regis, Kuala Lumpur. The introduction featured two distinct variants — Con Limone and Gin Rosa — each boasting a refreshing flavour profile.
Guests had the opportunity to savour it neat, on the rocks and in expertly crafted Malfy cocktails such as the Signore Clover Club and Sgroppino. The versatility of this gin truly shines through during the tasting experience.
Malfy Con Limone is absolutely delightful with its infusion of delectable Italian sun-ripened lemons and Amalfi lemon peel. These citrus elements complement the carefully selected botanicals and handpicked juniper, resulting in a gin that stands out as an essential choice for every season and reason.
The aroma is a vibrant blend of zesty citrus notes, harmoniously interwoven with a subtle backdrop of juniper. When it comes to flavour, the gin delivers a pronounced lemon zing, creating a refreshing and invigorating palate. The taste journey concludes with a long and complex finish, making it a deliciously satisfying choice for those seeking a uniquely refreshing gin experience.
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While Con Limone features the invigorating essence of citrus and zesty profile, Gin Rosa takes a different route with a focus on Sicilian pink grapefruits and Italian lemons. The fusion of these elements, along with fine botanicals and handpicked juniper, results in a sophisticated gin with a hint of spice and all things nice.
The aroma is a vibrant medley of bright and fresh grapefruit notes, enriched by the presence of rhubarb, citrus and a subtle hint of anise. As for the flavour profile, the gin delivers a rich and fresh citrus experience, prominently featuring the refreshing essence of grapefruit sans the bitterness. The taste journey concludes with a lingering juniper finish, adding depth and complexity to this elegantly crafted gin.
Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, Malfy Gin continues to use traditional Italian distilling methods, which are said to date back to the 11th century. James Ng, brand ambassador for Malfy Gin in Malaysia, says: “Malfy was launched in 2016 and fully acquired by The Gin Hub — Pernod Ricard’s stand-alone brand company that focuses on the global development of its portfolio of international premium gin brands — in 2019 to accelerate Pernod Ricard’s share of the super premium + gin category.
“Malfy is first and foremost a flavoured gin, made exclusively from ingredients unique to Italy. It is distilled at Torino Distillati in Moncalieri and we very sadly lost our master distiller for Torino Distillati, Denis Muni, earlier this year. His family and friends have our sincerest condolences; he was instrumental to the success of the Italian jewel of our gin portfolio.”
The brand has a distinctive and relevant brand positioning built around its flavoured products, the universal appeal of its Italian provenance, appealing packaging and memorable bar-call name. Ng says: “Malfy is made using the finest ingredients from Italy. Monviso water from Crissolo Spring, the highest and purest spring water in Italy, Italian juniper from Tuscany, Italian coastal lemons, Italian rhubarb, Sicilian pink grapefruit and Sicilian blood oranges.
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“The packaging also evokes homegrown craftsmanship with the stopper made from local oak and the bottle from glorious Italian extra-flint glass decorated using traditional techniques. With artistic rings representing citrus peels and a bright paper label, the bottle truly reflects the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean coast.”
A new global campaign was launched recently to confirm Malfy Gin’s status as a true icon of Italian style. “Immagina Malfy taps into the consumer’s desire to get away from the monotony of everyday life and to live la dolce vita. Malfy’s world is colourful, vibrant and sensorial, all inspired by the taste and smell of the botanicals used to create the unique taste of its gin. Effortless and aspirational Italian style combined with conviviality is at its heart, bringing family and friends together for a shared moment over a G&T,” Ng says.
This vibrant Malfy Gin world extends to its website, featuring bright visuals, recipes and a celebration of the good Italian life. It will get your creative juices flowing.
“Malfy takes pride in embracing the diverse tastes of Malaysia. The blend of juniper, lemon and Mediterranean botanicals not only complements our culinary scene but also offers a refreshing choice for varying taste preferences. The gin encourages experimentation, allowing mixologists and consumers to craft a wide range of cocktails. We aim to stay current with local mixology trends by collaborating with bartenders to create signature cocktails that resonate with the Malaysian palate.
“We have exciting initiatives, events and collaborations in the pipeline, aimed at creating memorable experiences and celebrating the unique spirit of Malaysia,” Ng says. Two other variants, Originale and Con Arancia (orange), will also be available in the market soon.
This article first appeared on Dec 4, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
