Thousands of gin consumers descended upon London’s Tobacco Docks this weekend just gone, and it was all for the love of tasting the beloved drink – Gin!
It is the largest gin event hosted in Britain and it was first launched in 2012 by husband and wife, Jym and Marie Harris from West Yorkshire. With over 30 locations across the UK to visit and over 100 different Gins to display – it’s no wonder it sells out so quickly.
If you told a group of men or women they would be attending a Gin Festival 20 years old, they probably would have laughed their heads off. It was the ‘mother’s ruin’ and an ‘old maids’ tipple, however today it stands as one of the most diverse, classy and modern drinks amongst all age groups. Whether you add a sprig of rosemary, slice of lime or a sprinkle of basil; it’s simply delicious.
So upon first arriving you receive your tasting glass, bag and booklet on all the brands that are in attendance. You then purchase tokens of four for £20, whereby one Gin purchase is worth one token or one cocktail is worth two. You then make your way through a range of different rooms such as The Masterclasses, The Cocktail Room, The Brands Room, The Sit Down Room, The Food Emporium and the best room of all, The Bar.
You also get the opportunity to buy directly from the distillers; listen to their personal stories and become a part of the journey. I particularly loved hearing about Jam Jar Gins background; a tale about a husband and wife with an over growing garden. They put the garden to good use and distilled Gins in recycled jam jars using all the botanicals from their messy little garden.
The Brands room showcased 11 different Gins and the representatives were on hand to tell you lots more about how best to serve them, plus give you a sample to taste. The samples were beyond generous and you could easily stumble out of this room a little tipsy after consumption.
We then retreated to The Cocktail Room which showcased six different Gin-contaminated drinks to choose from. I opted for the Rhubarb Rumble which contains one of my favourites ‘Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and Ginger Liquer’. The other ingredients in the mix were: Advocaat, apple juice, lemon juice and Rhubarb bitters. I thoroughly enjoyed it but was unable to finish due to its sugary overload!
The main room is my favourite room, The Bar. It’s a huge room which is divided into four different Gin bars; two which contained UK gins, one for fruit liqueurs and the other for international novelties. You can select whatever Gin you want from each bar, where you then receive a 25ml serving, plus a garnish that compliments and various Fever-Tree mixers that are free to pour yourself.
I loved the ambience at the Festival including the live bands that played in The Bar, the layout was clear and easy to get around and everyone was in good spirits (0r surrounded by amazing spirits).
I would highly recommend for any gin lover to get their tickets early and follow @GinFestival on Twitter for all the latest news. Alternatively visit Gin Festival UK for all future locations of the festival and purchase tickets.
*This opportunity has been sent to Daisarella.com by a PR/brand but all opinions are my own*
