A nation’s drinking culture derives from the evolution of local tastes and the history of the processes by which its favourite spirits are produced. And in that long evolution and history can be found the innovation, creativity and adaptation that resulted in contemporary preferences and methodologies.
Almost from the time spirits were first distilled, an endless series of cocktails based on them have been created to delight ever-changing palates. Tropical countries have witnessed a wide variety of cocktails specially made to cool heated brows. The best known of these are still among the most popular – the Mojito, a classic rum cocktail invented in Cuba, and the Mai Tai, another rum concoction first served at Trader Vic’s, the great restaurant-bar chain that spread from California around the world, including to Bangkok. The Mai Tai got its name from the utterance of a Tahitian friend of the bartender who created it, upon having his first sip, “Maitai!” which means “awesome”.
Apart from these two universally admired tipples, there is also the Daiquiri, the Pina Colada, the Dark & Stormy and many more. Mixologists around the world continue to create their own refreshing drinks to counter the afternoon heat, using local ingredients. These marvels of the bartending craft are not only unique in their flavours, but also in the way they represent their unique origins.
Mekhong – the Spirit of Thailand
If there’s a good story behind a good drink, it serves to enrich the cultural taste of each sip and helps imbibers appreciate what’s gone into its creation. Mekhong is a spirit that shares the long history of Thailand, its homeland. And that history has been well preserved at House of Mekhong at the Bangyikhan distillery in Pathum Thani. The keepers of the official record were thrilled recently to welcome the connoisseurs of the Michelin Guide and share with them the remarkable tale of the spiced rum of which Thailand is so deservedly proud.
House of Mekhong is a gold-painted building filled with mixed-media installations that recount the spirit’s cherished background. Like other much-visited distillery museums around the world, it perfectly mingles artefacts of the past with modern technology. It covers the history of spirits made both in the West and the East, gradually focusing on the traditional wisdom that went into Thailand’s home-brewed liquors and finally the birth of Mekhong itself.
Utterly unique in the world, the famous Thai spirit is the result of a fermentation process involving molasses, the ends of glutinous rice and a secret combination of Thai herbs. Visitors to the House of Mekhong come to understand this process and the way Mekhong became an important part of the lifestyle here. The bond runs deep, as seen in the vintage TV commercials on view, which also show the progression of its packaging and brand image in the past century.
New look, new taste: The signature Mekhong cocktails
Thailand’s oldest spirit has steadily evolved over the years and at the same time maintained a key role in the Thai economy, cuisine and culture. The latest developments include the great new Mekhong Thai artisanal cocktails that perfectly match different kinds of dishes. Ideal for the dining table, the Mekhong Sparkling, Mekhong Mantra, Mekhong Cha-Thai and Mekhong Thai Sabai join in a celebration of Thai people’s tastes and easy-going attitude.
House of Mekhong has a subtly positioned yet highly inviting bar where the spirit’s rich history can be tasted on the spot. Its presence comes as a surprise to most visitors – and as a cheery delight. But it affords a chance to sample some of the history of Thailand’s famous spirit in an engaging and lively way.
The truly new look ... new taste of the Thai Spirit.
House of Mekhong is located at the Bangyikhan Distillery, 2 Tambon Bang Khuwat, Amphoe Muang, Pathum Thani. Educational tours can be arranged by appointment.
This content was brought to you by Mekhong, Official Supplier of the MICHELIN Guide Bangkok 2018.
www.mekhong.com
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