Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world – Auckland has come up trumps in hosting the annual East Imperial Gin Jubilee for the first time in New Zealand from 27 February to 4 March.
After four successful jubilees in Southeast Asia, premium beverage maker East Imperial is set to unite New Zealand’s gin novices and aficionados for the first time.
As a celebration of all things gin, the festival will bring together the world’s finest gin brands with Auckland’s best bars and bartenders over five days.
Highlights include a citywide ‘Best Gin & Tonic’ competition between 33 local bars, master classes and a Gin Ramble bar trail.
Keep your phone handy to capture the best ‘Ginstagram’ (with the winner receiving a year’s supply of East Imperial), and be sure to head to Gypsy Caravan on 4 March for the legendary Gin Lane closing street party for pop-up bars and gin aplenty.
East Imperial co-founder Tony Burt says there is a growing interest in cocktail culture in New Zealand.
“We are delighted to be bringing the festivities to Auckland this year, and look forward to celebrating and spreading the love for all things gin and tonic,” he says.
The Gin Lane party is free for all to attend, and guests can take the opportunity to try out some of the competing bars’ gin creations for $10 per drink.
Check out the full list of participating bars below and see the official event schedule here.
East Imperial Gin Jubilee
27 February – 4 March 2017
ginjubilee.com/auckland
Auckland participating bars and bartenders
The 33 participating bars and bartenders who will be mixing up gin & tonics for the competition include:
46 & York – Felix Rhodes
69 – Sabastion Smith
1885 – Carl Shadbolt
Azabu – Kula Watcharawanne
Beirut – Anton Baylon
Britomart Country Club – Rene Schwiesselmann
Cassia – Pratek Arora
Chai Lounge – Sammy Akuthota
Clooney – Yusuke Sakabe
Devon on the Wharf – Sameer Galav
Fukuko – Jonny Park
Golden Dawn – Haans Mayer
Gypsy Caravan – Marian Deroche
Madame George – Jonny Almario
Mea Culpa – Jeremy
Moo Chow Chow – Oscar Lods
Mr Toms – Shota Takee
Oaken – Dan King
Ostro – Bence Harangozo
Paris Butter – James Collyer
Pineapple – Elliot Temm
Pocket Bar – Damien McDowell
Red Bar – Campbell Bond
Revelry – Melanie Sicard
Caretaker – Dan Robertson
The Corner – Remuera – Kamran Tee – Boon
The Gin Room – Cameron Attfield
The Jefferson – Sam Wilson
Tiny Triumphs – Matt McCrae
Woodpecker Hill – Calypso Kulasegram
This article was first published on FoodToLove.co.nz.
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