The House Collective by Swire Hotels crafts spaces that transcend traditional lodging, offering immersive experiences in culture, art, and luxury. Now, they’ve infused that same philosophy into a bottle in collaboration with Youyun Distilling, the renowned Lijiang-based creators of The Rambler Gins. Meet House Gin: a limited-edition spirit (only 540 sets) that embodies the personality of each House Collective property, from The Upper House in Hong Kong to The Middle House in Shanghai and the Temple House in Chengdu. Launch parties for House Gin made their way in October to Hong Kong, Singapore, Chengdu and Shanghai to charm the discerning palates of those who crave a truly crafted gin experience.
A Gin Inspired by Culture, Crafted with Heart
Each House Collective property is a careful balance of local character and modern luxury, and House Gin is no different. Crafted with the same thoughtfulness that defines every House, this gin brings together a mix of regional and classic botanicals that tell a story — a story of culture, craftsmanship, and creativity. Ingredients in the House Gin include juniper, grapefruit peel, lemon peel, lime peel, chrysanthemum, coriander rosemary, ginger, bamboo leaf, angelica and liquorice.
At its core, House Gin is an exploration of flavour, featuring botanicals like juniper and citrus for that familiar foundation, but elevated by unique ingredients like Chengdu lemon peel, Shanghai magnolia, Hong Kong chrysanthemum and Beijing cedar. It’s a gin with a sense of place, created to be as distinctive as the hotels that inspired it.
While some other Asian gins lean toward the herbaceous, like Japanese gins with notes of yuzu or lemongrass, House Gin is bold and balanced. The floral warmth come through in a way that feels layered and nuanced, setting it apart from the crisp, citrus-forward profile of gins like Japan’s Ki No Bi.
HOUSE GIN Launch in Singapore
In Singapore, the launch of House Gin was celebrated in style, with a by-invite-only event and guest shifts tasting session on 12 and 13 October 2024 at Humpback, Live Twice and Gibson. Guest shifts by Gail Lanorias of Hong Kong’s Salisterra at The Upper House, Matthew Hall of Shanghai’s Café Gray Deluxe at The Middle House and Nick Lappen of Chengdu’s Jing at The Temple House were in town to craft signature cocktails that showcase House Gin’s complexity, with each drink inviting guests to savour the different elements that make this gin special.
Compared to other Asian offerings like Singapore’s own Brass Lion, which brings tropical flavours and zest, House Gin’s approach feels grounded in heritage and subtlety, with flavours that reveal themselves as you sip. It’s a contrast to the fruitier and bolder botanicals often found in the regional gin scene, making it a unique experience.
Crafting Moments Beyond the Hotel Walls
House Gin is more than just a drink — it’s an experience, much like the House Collective itself. By bottling the essence of their properties, House Collective invites you to carry a piece of their world with you, even if you’re miles away from their iconic lobbies and serene suites. Whether enjoyed in a classic G&T or a more adventurous cocktail, each sip is a reminder of the creativity, culture, and warmth that the House Collective is known for.
Discover stunning HOUSE GIN gift sets in four unique designs, reflecting each House’s signature botanical: Chengdu lemon peel, Shanghai magnolia, Hong Kong chrysanthemum and Beijing cedar.
