This coming Monday sees the prestigious Bristol Cocktail Week return for a third year.
Established in 2011 by Bristol bartender Annie Mason, this year’s “7 days of spirituous celebration” features 14 events supported by 18 premium spirit brands and 11 of Bristol’s finest drinking establishments.
According to industry insiders, Bristol gives London a serious run for its money when it comes to craft cocktail culture; no mean feat given the cities’ size difference. But as well as being one of the most exciting times in the city’s bartending calendar, Bristol Cocktail Week 2013 promises regular drinkers the chance to discover more about the wonderful world of craft cocktails and how they are created.
With the first day dedicated to the bartenders’ Cocktail Cup competition, the rest of the week explores Scotch, Tequila, Whiskey, Vodka, Gin and Rum, with an open-to-all event planned for each evening:
The Mauretania plays host to Drinking With The Tzar (Friday) where local swing band Bartoune Trio will entertain guests as they nibble Russian-inspired canapés and sip Stoli cocktails. Expect vintage china and light bite food pairings with your Hendrick’s gin delights at Saturday’s Curious Gin Palace from the quirky Wild At Heart and El Jimador Tequila & Tacos on Wednesday at Hermanos.
Those who prefer brown spirits are spoilt for choice with the Tennessee Jack’s Southern Style Blues BBQ at Papaji’s, the Appleton v El Dorado Harbourside Rumble at The Grain Barge and the ‘5 bar, 5 Scotch’ Malt Meander with Diageo Whisky Expert Colin Dunn, which culminates at Bristol’s original ‘speakeasy’, Hausbar.
Full details for all events can be found at http://BristolCocktailWeek.org.