Gen Mox Interview: 10 Questions with Kit Cheung, Founder of Perfume Trees Gin
What happens when you mix the spirit of Hong Kong with top quality alcohol? Kit Cheung is here to show us. As the artistic driving force behind Perfume Trees Gin and Tankyu Distillery, Kit’s vision has always been to represent and recall the memories of Hong Kong. Working with local farmers and suppliers, he is capturing the true essence of the place we call home. So grab your favourite cocktail and read on to hear his story, top tips and hopes for the future.
1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m a bartender, educator and co-founder of Perfume Trees Gin and Tankyu Distillery. I’ve been in the F&B industry for over 20 years in both Europe and Hong Kong. Along the way, I decided to become an educator, working with local communities and nurturing young talent to share the art of bartending. This led me to my latest venture, Perfume Trees Gin, a spirit that speaks a story of the place I love: Hong Kong. I spend most of my free time at our “Little House”. A few years ago I came across an old village house in the New Territories and found that I had the opportunity to do something with it. It is now a special place for me to experiment with different botanicals and a spirit haven for friends.
2. Can you tell us something most people don’t know about you?
I used to play in a band. I love rock and roll and if I wasn’t a bartender, I would probably have become a DJ or a musician playing in festivals.
3. What 3 things contributed to your success?
- Trusting the people around me. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
- Sharing. Never be afraid to share your ideas. The more you share, the greater chance you have at making your ideas a reality.
- Being mindful and staying inspired by all that I interact with.
4. What piece of advice would you give to people pursuing what they love?
Think first, focus and keep working on it. Focus on what you love, and find people who love what you hate. Their support will create an instant team.
5. Your gin is inspired by the unique and interesting culture of Hong Kong. Can you tell us a little more about why and how you showcase local Hong Kong flavours?
Every time I travel to a new place, I try to sample its local spirit. I consider alcohol to be a universal language or a canvas. Each flavour has its own story to tell. When others visit Hong Kong, what stories can we tell them? One of the successes of Perfume Trees Gin is our choice of ingredients that resonates with our supporters. Often we hear personal stories relating to our ingredients. The importance is not showcasing a Hong Kong flavour, but rather, invoking memories for people from Hong Kong.
6. What are your three favourite things about Hong Kong?
- The people.
- The culture. It’s steeped in history but still evolving.
- Hong Kong country parks and green trails.
7. How do you approach challenges in your life or career?
I don’t feel sad about what I’ve done, I look forward to the future and keep an open mind. I work with a team to find a solution. It’s important to never work alone. When it comes to challenges, your mentality is the most important part. Just keep smiling and moving forward.
8. How do you see your career and lifestyle evolving? What are you most looking forward to?
Throughout my career, my experiences have all revolved around the spirit industry. I’ve never been a person to just work my shift and head out. Whether I was a bartender, manager or teacher, my attitude has always been to think about how to further develop. With Perfume Trees Gin and Tankyu Distillery, I look forward to working with local farmers, venturing into different spirit categories and to keep making interesting stories.
9. What financial tips would you have when starting your own business?
Focus on saving and earning at the same time. The two can work together. This makes for a better and more interesting life!
10. Complete the following sentences:
Growing up, I believed money was... something that helps you talk. An old saying I’d always hear my uncles say is “No money, no talk!”. We all have things we want to do and money helps.
Now I view money as... a next step. If you keep doing interesting things, money will follow you.
To me, financial empowerment means... the ability to turn your creativity into reality.
My favourite Mox feature is... its smart banking – I earn CashBack every time I use my Mox Card. It helps me with smart saving and spending.
Mox Masterclass: Gin tasting with Kit Cheung
Mox Bank and Kit Cheung are coming together to bring you on a sensory journey. Walk down the memory lanes of Hong Kong as Kit shares his story and inspiration.
The night will feature a blind tasting of three different gins, an introductory class on the art of spirit tasting, and of course, you’ll be welcomed with a signature cocktail to kick the evening off.
New Session
Date: 16 June 2021 (Wed)
Time: 8:00pm- 9:00pm
Price: HKD150 per person
Location: 301, 3/F, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, HK
First Session - SOLD OUT
Date: 2 June 2021 (Wed)
Experience blends from Scotland, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. With Kit’s belief that home-grown alcohol is essential to creating a sense of belonging in a place – be prepared to taste nostalgia in every sip!
Space is limited, so open a Mox account to sign up through the dedicated link in the Mox app under “Discover Tab” > “Mox Masterclass” now!
Remarks: The views expressed by individuals featured in this interview are the personal views of such individuals and do not necessarily reflect, and, should not be taken as the views of Mox Bank Limited.
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