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. 

Prosperity Begins With a Pop, Carlsberg Ushers In Chinese New Year 2019

As usual, Carlsberg kicks off the Chinese New Year celebrations with much aplomb, from lion dances to pole dancers, beers paired with their signature succulent roast pork, and this year a whole chinese banquet paired with the different Carlsberg products.

Held at the HXC Grand Ballroom in ICC Pudu, this year's Prosperity Begins With a Pop promised to be a fun event even from the entrance.

Nothing more welcoming than the Carlsberg signs at the entrance...

The behemoth of Carlsberg products on display

The signature succulent roast pork which graces quite a number of events was a great starter to the night, and helped "line the stomach"

This year the bottle caps come in 4 colours, representing Happiness, Prosperity, Wealth and Good Luck, with a chance for lucky winners to win stuff if their cap is the winning cap. Some of the more interesting prizes include an E Mahjong table, Groceries of up to RM800, etc.

“Proud to be in the forefront of innovation, we celebrate this CNY with not just one colour – red but three, adding vibrant green, pink and blue - to Carlsberg and Carlsberg Smooth Draught bottles and cans, giving a modern twist to the four Chinese greeting messages of Prosperity, Happiness, Wealth and Good Luck!” Lars Lehmann, Carlsberg’s Managing Director, said in his opening address.

Back by popular demand for the third consecutive year, “Probably The Best CNY Shopping Experience” activations will be held at participating supermarkets and hypermarkets on 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26 and 27 January 2019. Thus far, 65 winners got lucky at the activations that took place on 30 December, 5 and 6 January winning the Grand Prize of groceries all paid for by Carlsberg!

Campaign. Do check out their website for details on how to win.

The first Yee Sang of the year for me, and it was delish, I have to say.  In fact, all the food at the hitherto unknown HXC Grand Ballroom was pretty good.

One of my favourites in the Carlsberg portfolio.

Definitely the highlight for me, this decadent abalone stew infused with Carlsberg smooth draught, although I couldn't taste it in the actual dish...but hey, there was more than enough from the bottle to make up for any lack of draught flavour.

For more info on the various competitions, check out their websites at

www.facebook.com/CarlsbergMY

www.probablythebest.com.my

Brooklyn Brewery Comes To Town On Tap, at TGG Plaza Arkadia

It's always a pleasure to be invited to Carlsberg events, and when the invite is for the opening of a new craft beer bar at TGG, Plaza Arkadia, one cannot say no.  The entire upstairs of the TGG place has been decked up as a Brooklyn dedicated bar.

So what is Brooklyn? (Apart from being a place)
It was an educational session for us, to learn that Brooklyn Brewery is the no. 1 American craft beer exporter and is available in more than 30 countries.
It was founded in 1988, currently ranking #11 in volume among United States craft breweries. It has received numerous accolades and awards for its brews, including the 2018 Beer World Cup Gold Medal for Brooklyn Lager. Now who knew there was a Beer World Cup...that would be a match I wouldn't mind watching.

Carlsberg Malaysia is the exclusive distributer for two of their most popular variants – Brooklyn Lager and Brooklyn East IPA.  Hence their presence here.

The host for the night was Thomas Teo, the Commercial Development Manager of Craft and Specialty of Carlsberg Singapore, interviewed by Kim of Thirstmag, who shared with us interesting insights on craft beer and food etc.  It's exciting that these are going to be monthly events hosted by Carlsberg Malaysia, with thoughtfully paired foods from selected Carlsberg partner outlets.

At TGG, the food pairing was with five specialities including the TGG Special Fried Rice, TGG Spicy Steamed Pork Ribs, moo ping (BBQ pork skewer), salted-egg chicken, and Thai mango salad.

The pairing of Brooklyn Lager with it maltiness paired splendidly with the Moo Ping, which incidentally was superb.  I would have been happy just to eat that all night paired with the Lager. 

One of the most beautiful sounds in the world is the sound of clanking glasses to a spirited Cheers or Yam Seng, especially amongst friends.

The TGG Spicy Steamed Pork Ribs and Thai mango salad were paired  the robust, hoppy aromas in Brooklyn East IPA.  Actually food pairing is rather subjective, and to me the differences were minimal, and I felt that both the Lager and IPA would have gone well with any one of the dishes.  In fact, the IPA with the Moo Ping was also superb. 

So what are craft beers?  They're usuall brewed in smaller batches by Independent Brewers, and usually would have their distinct richer flavour which would appeal to various types of beer drinkers.  The brewers can obviously play around with their recipes to produce beers that are unique to the brewery, by playing around witht eh combinations of hops, malt, etc.

For now, craft beer lovers in Malaysia have two Brooklyn Brewery beers to choose from: the award-winning Brooklyn Lager and the hoppy Brooklyn East IPA – available in bottles since Dec ’17, and finally in draught this year!

The Brooklyn Mega Set comes with your choice of Brooklyn Lager of Brooklyn East IPA in a frozen mug at a special promo price of RM40++ (normal price: RM50++). You can also enjoy more frozen mugs of Brooklyn Lager / East IPA all night long at RM15++ only (normal price: RM19++). Both promotions are available until 28 February 2019 or while stocks last.

Visit carlsbergmalaysia.com.my for more information on Brooklyn’s craft brews!

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.