Inspired by Bristol’s vibrant and growing cocktail scene, top Bristol cocktail bartender Annie Mason brought together a crack team of bartenders and other industry experts to start Bristol Cocktail Week in 2011. Now in its fourth year, Bristol Cocktail Week 2014 will take place from Monday, 20th to Sunday, 26th October 2014 in partnership with 10 drinks brands and 9 of Bristol’s best independent cocktail bars and venues across the city.
Says Annie Mason, “The idea of Bristol Cocktail Week is to showcase the skill and quality behind Bristol’s best bars and bartenders while giving cocktail consumers the opportunity to try something new and, of course, have a good time.”
Cocktail lovers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a week of Bristol’s cocktail culture by attending several exciting and informative public events. From a Somerset Cider Brandy tasting to a Harvey’s sherry food pairing; a night in 1930s Cuba with Bacardi and a “Gin Through the Ages” party with Hendrick’s gin celebrating the history of gin through the medium of a cocktail, there’s sure to be something to suit all tastes. Entry to week night events is free of charge. Wristbands which entitle the wearer to discounts on cocktails and entry are available for cash purchase for £5 from Weber & Tring’s on the Christmas Steps or Red Light on Unity Street, Bristol.
Also, throughout the week in a series of trade-only events, Bristol’s bartenders not only get the chance to improve their cocktail-making skills and knowledge of this year’s partner drinks brands, but have the chance to compete in the knock out heats of the much-revered Bristol Cocktail Cup to decide Bristol’s Best Bartender of 2014.
The week comes to a fitting crescendo at the prestigious Bristol Cocktail Week Awards ceremony for trade and invitees only where the mantle of Bristol’s best bartender will be passed on to this year’s winner of the Bristol Cocktail Cup, sponsored by partner brand Chartreuse. New this year, the Bristol Cocktail Week team has been asking members of the public to vote online to decide which is the Bristol Bar offering the Best Service (sponsored by Gentleman Jack), the Best Cocktail Menu (sponsored by Portobello Road), the Best Atmosphere (sponsored by Wray and Nephew) and which is the Best All Round Bar (sponsored by Herradura)
Bristol Cocktail Week’s partner venues this year Amoeba, Averys’ Cellars, Hausbar, Hyde & Co, The Mauretania, The Milk Thistle, Red Light and new locations Pata Negra and The Doghouse. The partner brands this year, which reflect the latest trends in the cocktail industry, are Bacardi, Chartreuse, Gentleman Jack, Herradura, Portobello Road and Hendrick’s gins, Wray and Nephew rum, local brand Somerset Cider Brandy plus one brand with a long association with Bristol – Harvey’s sherry. In addition, this year’s Bristol Cocktail Week will see the launch of the new gin and sake blend Jinzu created by Bristol bartender Dee Davies; winner of Diageo’s 2013 World Class “Show Your Spirit” competition.
For more information, visit the Bristol Cocktail Week website.