Inventory for october 19th, 2014
The BCB storm has calmed and we’re back with our weekly inventory. This week we take a look at the growing Gin Guild, the winner of the Peter F. Heering Sling Award 2014, Goldberg launches sparkling soda water, Bacardi Germany expands its premium portfolio, and this years’ world’s 50 best bars were revealed.
Berlin never lacks in the breakfast department, though those of us who crave poached eggs are often left wandering the streets, lost. Not to despair! This Saturday, October 25th, Das Brunch returns with a menu that should delight anyone with taste buds: carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike.
To wash it down Silo Coffee will be serving up fresh juices, Bloody Marys, craft beer, and homemade cider. Autumn ain’t so bad.
1) The Gin Guild Groweth
Last week London played host to a gala held for The Gin Guild who welcomed twenty four new members into their ranks, bringing their membership to over 100. The Gin Guild is a trade association that’s supported by four major gin distilling companies: Bacardi, Diageo, William Grant and Sons, and Chivas Brothers.
It aims to represent the gin industry as a whole, promoting gin across the globe while widening its appeal to customers. That night first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Charles Maxwell, of the Thames Distillers.
Nicholas Cook, Director General of the Guild, said: “The Guild is the natural home of gin innovation, including new start-ups, craft distillers and craft distilled gin, and it was a great pleasure to welcome our new members. Gin is enjoyed world-wide and the Guild is reaching out internationally.”
2) Berlin Sling Award 2014
After much anticipation the Bar Convent Berlin became the home to the Peter F. Heering Sling Award finals. On October 6th the Dane Nick Kobbernagel Hovind won over the prestigious jury with his cocktail ‘The Sloe Sling’ that includes Plymouth Sloe gin, Aalborg Taffel Aquavit and Peychaud’s Bitters. Nick received 500,- Euro as well as a silver Stelton shaker.
3) Goldberg’s Soda Water
Not satisfied with providing the bar world with bitter sodas, Goldberg just launched a ‘back to the roots’ product: soda water. The retro packaging keeps the elegant, sparkling water in place and in easy reach when your heavy whiskey might need some lightening up.
4) Bacardi Germany expands Premium Portfolio
October is a month of rejuvenation, some rest after the hectic of summer. But while dry, yellow leaves fall to the ground beside you Bacardi Germany has been busy expanding its premium portfolio. Five high-quality John Dewar & Sons single malts were just welcomed to the Bacardi family.
Previously unreleased these Scottish whiskeys each have an individual character and have been distilled and aged in their oak barrels for generations.
John Burke, JW & Sons’ global category director dark spirits, is quoted on Bacardi’s press release stating that “the single malt category is our industry’s largest growth possibility”. And now Bacardi owns five of ‘em.
5) Worlds’ Best 50 Bars
No surprise, London’s Artesian has once again been named first place in the World’s Best 50 Bars list. For the third year in a row the hotel bar has proved itself to be the top of the top. London is well represented in the list with the White Lyan coming in at 20th place.
Berlin’s own Buck & Breck was named at place 21 as an intimate speakeasy that does it right. Last year named as a ‘place to watch’ Tales & Spirits in Amsterdam managed to join the list for the first time this year, at place 44.
