The initiative, which kicked off on May 15, is presenting its second edition tonight, Friday, May 22!
The William Grant & Sons (WG&S) family, brand owners of such well-known brands as Glenfiddich, Monkey Shoulder, The Balvenie, and Hendrick’s Gin, is shaking #StayHome routines up with the opening of 1887 Virtual Bar, the distiller’s first-ever virtual bar, created in support of the local bartending scene amid the Covid-19 restrictions.
Eponymously named after the year WG&S was founded, the platform will feature weekly guest shifts hosted by bartenders from your favourite watering holes, accompanied by Charmaine Thio and Brett Bayly, the regional brand ambassadors of Hendrick’s Gin and Glenfiddich.
“These are uncertain times for everyone and more than ever, it’s important that we support one another. With 1887 Virtual Bar, the William Grant & Sons family hopes to help our extended family in the local bartending community stay ‘open’ — both virtually and in real life. We’re in this together, and we’re fully committed to supporting our local bar partners, which is why we’ll also match the public’s donations dollar for dollar. We hope the community in Malaysia will tune in and take part,” said Satya Sharma, Managing Director for Southeast Asia, William Grant & Sons.
1887 Virtual Bar kicked off its first shift via Zoom on 15 May 2020 with a guest shift by James Estes, Bartender at PS150. If you missed the inaugural session, join in this Friday, with David Hans, Bartender at Three X Co on 22 May 2020 at 8pm. In the coming weeks, join WG&S ambassadors and local bartenders from some of your favourite local bars as they shake and stir their way to your hearts.
Consumers can make a donation and support their favourite bars by purchasing a digital cocktail off the menu HERE. Each partner bar will showcase four drinks on the ticketing platform and consumers will be encouraged to make a donation to the bar by purchasing a cocktail. Consumers who make the purchase will be able to redeem their chosen cocktail at the bar when it opens.
Even the smallest contribution will go a long way in these unprecedented times, and WG&S will also match the value, up to RM2,000 per bar, standing in solidarity with the local bartending community. Local bars who are interested in being a part of 1887 Virtual Bar can register their interest HERE.
Mark your calendars and see you at the 1887 Virtual Bar (www.tinyurl.com/1887virtualbarmsia)
For updates on the line-up of guest shifts, check out the following pages:
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