Goodbye And All The Best, Lars Lehmann and Welcome Ted Akiskalos, New MD of Probably The Best Beer, Malaysia

Over the last few years, the media has had the privilege of meeting Lars Lehmann at many a Carlsberg (Probably the Best Beer) function, from having be airlifted on a wire while playing the drums, to trying to create a loud sound while popping a Carlsberg Draught bottle.  Yes, it would seem the job of MD is fraught with many extra tasks, over and above the normal demands of the role.

Mr Lehmann has been promoted to the Executive Committee (ExCom) of Carlsberg A/S as Executive VP of Eastern Europe and also as CEO of Baltika, Carlsberg  Group's company in Russia, wef 1st May 2019.

In his place, the dashing Greek, the new MD Ted Akiskalos, was welcomed at a glitzy event at Brixton 23, with free flow beers under the Carlsberg range.  Mr Akiskalos makes a grand entrance on stage , igniting a beer fountain with dazzling pyrotechnics in the spirit of SEMPER ARDENS, (sounds like something from Game of Thrones, but actually it's Carlsberg's Latin Motto which means "always burning").

In his farewell speech, Mr Lehman had this to say, " It has been Probably the Best three years for me and the company. Together, we had an unprecedented financial year in 2018 with strong growth in revenue, net profit and free cash flow, allowing us to declare the hightest dividends in the history of Carlsberg Malaysia.  None of these would have been possible if it wasn't for our customers and consumers' support towards our brands, our people and our business."

Mr Akiskalos had this to say, " I am most honored and humbled by this appointment because Malaysia which covers Singapore and an associate company in Sri Lanka, is one of the top three markets in Asia, in terms of profitability and growth.  Taking over the helm from Lars, my intent is to continue our growth with our strong brand portfolio and win with our winning customers"

Lars and Ted together on stage...

Mr Akiskalos brings with him 9 years experience, at aged 40, it is already his 3rd role as MD within the Carlsberg Group, from Sweden where he led the company back to double digit growth, and in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau where he transformed HK to be the market leader.

Of course we were lucky enough to have a tumpang glamour moment. 

The night continued with a rapturous violin performance by Divo and Maestro, Daniel Lau, and lots more free flow drinks and a generous buffet spread.  Only thing missing was the usual roast pork that is served at most Carlsberg functions.

We look forward to many events with the dashing Ted Akiskalos at the helm. 

A Somersby Cider Garden, In Morganfields Da Men

If you think about it, there's actually a dearth of nice Alfresco places to chill and dine and drink... So it was rather clever I think, of Morganfields in Damen USJ to have the first Somersby Cider Garden.  Okay, I am sure in sweltering afternoon heat it might not the the idealest of venues, but on the evening we were there for the launch of the Garden, and their specially curated menu to pair with four variants of cider, it was lovely ambience to be sitting outdoors sipping icy cold cider.

To be honest, I am totally not a cider fan, nor a fan of any sweet alcohol.  But the summerlike atmosphere, with Ukeleleist and live entertainment with lots of porky stuff to eat made it quite an enjoyable evening.

Somersby Cider Garden is also I believe the first place to serve cider on tap, in the Klang Valley.  The four varieties of cider we got to sample were Blackberry, Apple, Sparkling Rose (my personal favourite), and the newly launched Elderflower Lime, which is every bit as refreshing as the name implies.

The menu crafted to pair well with the Elderflowers consist of the Jack Daniel's Baby Back Ribs, (ooh, alcohol on alcohol), Sticky Wings,

Fourplay, a naughty play on words if I ever heard it,  Bacon Wrapped meatballs, Onion Rings, Chilli Concarne with Tortilla chips, and sticky wings. 

(Above is the Jack Daniel's Baby Back Ribs)

The Pork Sausage platter consists of Spicy Devil, Smoky Bandit, Herby Dog and Cheesy Cheese...cute names I have to say.

This dish was the best, paired with the Elderflower, the Jim Beam BBQ Baby Back Ribs.  The ribs average around RM70 but is a huge serving that can easily feed two or three.

Malaysia's first Somersby Cider Garden is located at
Morganfields Damen Mall USJ
Address: 872, Persiaran Kewajipan, Usj 1, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Hours: Closes 1AM

Phone: 03-8011 8281

Go With THE GOOD GUYS for this World Cup 2018 Finals, Plaza Arkadia

Frankly, and I know I can be lynched, flayed and scalped for saying this at this time, I couldn't be less interested in football or soccer, so when I was invited to the Carlsberg and TGG launch of the restaurant and bar in Plaza Arkadia, as a venue to watch the finals, I was seriously in two minds whether or not to go.  But then, the lure of a Carlsberg party tipped the scales, as they always know how to throw a good one.  TGG in case you are wondering, stands for THE GOOD GUYS (perasan much?)

Well, as fate would have it, I can safely say I know at least ONE Good Guy in the group of THE GOOD GUYS, an old friend who is also one of the co-owners...the other 4 I cannot vouch for their goodness or otherwise, but heck, sometimes just knowing one is good enough.

The good guy, Brian Wong and I.

Located in the trying to be swanky Plaza Arkadia, THE GOOD GUYS is actually located away from the madding crowd, and aims to be a family but yet happening kind of place.  The extensive porky menu looks interesting, and if I am not wrong, this is their second outlet, the first being in Damansara Uptown.  To add to the "family friendly" theme, it is the only outlet in Plaza Arkadia that serves Sommersby Cider on tap.  Although I know it's not alcohol free, somehow in my mind cider ranks as "soft drink".

Big Screen Area, perfect to watch the Finals of the World Cup. 

The place has a comfortable area which has a large screen, almost like a large living room, but I imagine or dread to imagine how packed it will be on the night of the finals.  However, I think the entire street and plaza will be filled with the World Cup Finals related events.

The owners were presented a special bottle of beer by Carlsberg MD, Mr Lars Lehmann, a bottle that contains yeast from 1883.  I really would be quite curious to know what that bottle tastes like.

 Managing Director Lars Lehmann with that precious bottle brewed with 1883 yeast...

Leeching on to Mr Lehmann to "tumpang glamour".

As with many establishment run by Malaysians of Chinese descent, of course the ubiquitous Lion Dance and ceremonial roast pig are essential as emblems of good fortune and prosperity as well as a visit by the god of  Prosperity himself.  This launch was no different, and even had the cacophonous explosion of fire crackers to ward away any spirits that were not Carlsberg related.

The ceremonial pig...

A visit by the god of Prosperity...

The Lions are checking out the roast pig...

Cheers to the Lions.....With Probably the Best Beer....

And the ceremony ends with a bang...

Of course nothing like freshly carved roast piggy with Probably the Best Beer In the World.

So, head on to THE GOOD GUYS (TGG) at Plaza Arkadia for the World Cup Finals. 

I look forward to checking out their food menu soon, which looks exceedingly promising. 

Carlsberg Pop A Draught

Carlsberg really knows how to throw a party.  The invitation was mysterious, it said the launch for the unveiling of a new innovation in the already existing Carlsberg Smooth Draught.  Whatever could it be?  Portable draft beer taps tapped from miniature kegs?  That would be cool.

The event was held at a hitherto unknown location to me, at Jenerator KL City Walk.  KL City Walk itself was like a different planet to me, for from the main road, you never would have guessed that such a place existed. 

After a couple of beers at the "holding area" we were finally ushered into the event venue, and greeted by an interactive screen, almost something you'd expect to find in the brewery itself. 

Meanwhile, the hostess for the night was telling the crowds to try to open the bottles using innovative methods, such as the edge of a table, screwdriver, heel of a shoe, spoons, and a whole host of other implements you never think to use, in the absence of a bottle opener.  Ah, so maybe they were launching mini kegs with portable taps. 

And then all was revealed.  Managing Director Lars Lehmann introduced the new product, which is the .......

POP CAP!!! So now, you can have a draught anywhere anytime even without a bottle opener.  Well, arguably the technology itself is hardly new, but it is a rather good idea to incorporate this simple solution, I have to admit. 

To launch the POP CAP, the hostess got the crowd to POP in unison, while the collective sound was measured by a sound meter, and the target was to better the record of the previous launch, which was 118 decibels.  It was rather entertaining actually. 

The crowds were hushed, and on the three two one countdown, all popped in unison achieving a collective POP sound of 128.5 decibels.  

The crowds cheering the POP achievement of 128 decibels. 

A close up on what the pop cap looks like.  Again, it's not exactly new, but well, why reinvent the wheel.

After that, they really made Lehmann work for this money, for he became the main focus of entertainment, harnessed by wires for a special flying drum performance, and while in mid air, choreographed to a visual and acoustic symphony amplifying the POP innovaton through sound and sight. 

There was also an individual popping contest to see who could pop the loudest. 

So, "NOW YOU CAN POP A DRAUGHT ANYWHERE"

For Further enquiries, contact:
Koh Kian Mei
Senior Brand Manager, Carlsberg  03-2222 6340

May Ng
Senior Executive, Corporate Communications & CSR 03-5522 6404