IWSC judges best brands for a gin and tonic and a Bloody Mary
This year, the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) tried to answer the question of which brands are best for a gin and tonic and a Bloody Mary. The new categories drew on some seasoned palates with a team of judges led by Ivan Dixon, the spirits and beer buyer for Harvey Nicholls. Their verdict …
Pickering’s Gin raises its profile during Edinburgh festivals
Pickering’s Gin is raising its profile in its native Edinburgh during the city’s festivals this summer. The brand’s team will be running Pickering’s Gin 1950s American Airstream Cocktail Bar (pictured) at Summerhall, where the distillery is based, serving a range of gin-based cocktails on tap from midday until late. It will coincide with the plethora …
Hendrick’s increases presence at Edinburgh Fringe
Hendrick’s Gin is bringing its biggest-ever programme of curious events to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe through an immersive pop-up. After the success of shorter runs at the annual cultural festival, William Grant & Sons is extending its brand’s residence this year with the Hendrick’s Emporium of Sensorial Submersion from August 7 to 30 – the …
Distilling pioneer inspires small-batch gin launched in Manchester
A new small-batch gin created by a leading distiller has been launched in Manchester, inspired by the man credited with making the world’s first good-quality English gin. Thomas Dakin Gin is made in a baby pot still using a secret recipe of 11 botanicals including juniper, orange peel, English coriander, cubeb, and “red cole” – …
Quaglino’s creates indoor gin garden with Tanqueray
Quaglino’s restaurant in London has transformed its bar area into an indoor garden with Tanqueray Gin. The Giovanni Gin Garden, running until August 31, features a pergola wrapped with emerald vines, glowing lanterns and elegant fronds of pale lilac wisteria silk hanging from the arches. Working with installation artists, it also sees twisting natural branches …
Hendrick’s Gin launches online training for bartenders
A new online training tool has been launched for Hendrick’s Gin, aimed at improving the perfect G&T serve at mainstream bars, pubs and clubs. This new interactive, video-based training microsite takes bartenders through how to make a perfect Hendrick’s and tonic, from the glassware to the use of ice and cucumber garnish. Starring Hendrick’s global …
Sipsmith creates summertime Sipping Garden with London hotel
London distiller Sipsmith has joined forces with Le Méridien Piccadilly hotel in London’s West End to create the outdoor Sipsmith Sipping Garden. The transformation of the hotel’s Terrace Grill & Bar terrace offers a refreshing range of specially-created Sipsmith cocktails plus picnic-inspired light dishes from chef de cuisine Michael Dutnall. Designed with traditional British summer …
Two UK bartenders win gastronomic trip to France with G’Vine
Two bartenders from the UK are off on a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic trip to France after winning a competition run for G’Vine gin. Emma Andrew, manager of Heads & Tales in Edinburgh, and Nathan O’Neill, head bartender at Dandelyan at the Mondrian London hotel, were among 11 winners in the global competition. See below for their …
Bars plan tastings, events and menus for World Gin Day
Bars, restaurants and pubs across the UK are set to run tastings, events and special menus to celebrate World Gin Day on Saturday, June 13. Now in its sixth year, the annual celebration has been embraced by the trade, distillers and gin lovers around the world. Here is a small selection of the huge variety …
Bombay Sapphire announces world’s most imaginative bartender
A twist on a classic Martini using a salt and earth syrup helped to earn Sigrid Ehm (pictured) from Austria the title of Bombay Sapphire’s world’s most imaginative bartender. She triumphed in London at the global final of the competition which featured a series of challenges over the course of a week, taking them to …
