The Philippine Star ALLURE - Spirited conversations

Do women and drinking go together?

Definitely so, as shown by the tasting events “Women and Tipple Series” recently mounted by DrinkManila.com and Discovery Primea. The events fostered spirited conversations led by women on what women like to drink.

Guests had the opportunity to gather with bartenders, brand ambassadors and other drink enthusiasts to try new spirits and cocktails for a unique shared drinking and learning experience. Kick-starting the series at Discovery Primea’s Edge bar was DrinkManila editor-in-chief Tatum Ancheta, who discussed how the beverage industry is evolving, thanks in large part to women who appreciate a good tipple.

Guests got acquainted with Don Papa Rum, a premium aged small-batch rum from Negros with DrinkManila’s mixology expert Icy Mariñas, who showcased recipes that highlight the versatility of this local rum. Also on hand were Don Papa’s Erica Larkins and Cristhel Molina.

Next came Ladies’ Gin Night at Gilarmi Lounge where the ladies discovered The Botanist Gin — the first Islay dry gin made with 22 hand-foraged local botanicals with nine berries, barks, seeds and peels — through engaging talks by brand manager Diane Reyes with a gin masterclass conducted by brand ambassador Alyona Vinogradova.

Ladies also enjoyed the talk by celebrity photographer Sara Black on how one can integrate health and wellness despite a busy schedule, while NJ Torres-Jacobson led the conversation about empowering women in achieving body and health goals.  

The last leg of the series featured a special liqueur tasting from Destileria Limtuaco’s line of Philippine Craft Spirits: Manille Liqueur de Calamansi, Manille Liqueur de Dalandan, Paradise Mango Rum and Amadeo Coffee Liqueur. Mixologist Kathryn Eckstein Cornista and Destileria Limtuaco’s Aaron Aw shared the story behind each bottle of these export-quality liqueurs. Adding to the fun was the mobile brow bar from Benefit Cosmetics Philippines — a brand founded by women, led by women, and made for women.

Christine Cacho, Kheem Courdec, Crystal Burnett, Frances Espinosa and Icy Mariñas.

For sure, the Women and Tipple Series encouraged the ladies to be curious, experimental and bold enough to go behind the bar and try making their own drinks.a