Bristol Cocktail Week kicks off next Monday (October 20th) and has, as always, a great line up of events and activities.
If anyone ever asks you for the definition of ‘Man The Fuck Up’ then simply tell them Bristol Cocktail Week. Taking place just 8 days after the end of London Cocktail Week (also known as ‘Bonus Week’ to Berocca salesmen), Bristol celebrates its own cocktail culture over 7 days of festivity, fun and undoubtedly plenty of Nose-Dives.
Bristol Cocktail Week is now in it’s 4th year and having been to the previous 3 we can tell you it is definitely worth a visit. If you are based anywhere in the surrounding area then get down and enjoy some fantastic talks, tasting and events.
If you are not a South West based bartender then we suggest jumping onto thetrainline.com and sorting yourself out a ticket. Not only do you get to experience all the talks and events we’ve listed below but it is also the perfect excuse to check out one of BarLifeUK’s favourite nights out.
As always there is a very Bristol feel to the events happening during the week. Some of our highlights include:
Somerset Cider Brandy tasting (Tuesday 7pm) – It doesn’t get much more west country than Somerset Cider Brandy. It appears on pretty much every cocktail list in Bristol and if you haven’t tried it or given it proper thought then you are missing out on a great product. Come and try some of the best.
Harvey’s Sherry tasting (Wednesday 2pm) – If you aren’t regular BarLifeUK readers (how dare you?) you won’t know about our love of sherry. One of the brands that is really driving the surge of this category is Harvey’s, we were lucky enough to go to a Harvey’s tasting a little while ago and strongly suggest you get along to this one and find out how much more there is to their range than Bristol Cream.
Jinzu trade launch (Thursday 2pm) – Last year Bristol’s very own Dee Davi won the Diageo Show Your Spirit competition which saw her own spirit creation Jinzu put into production (more about Dee’s adventure here). After a lot of work Jinzu, a sake based gin full of eastern botanicals, is ready for you all to try.
Bacardi ‘A Night of 1930’s Cuba’ party (Friday 8pm) – If you’ve not been to a Bacardi party then get along and see for yourself just how epic they are. If you have been to one before you don’t need us to tell you to go.
As you can see it is worth the effort of getting involved and if you want to go along more details can be found on their website. If you want to get hold of a trade wristband head to the Facebook page. We’ll see you at the Bacardi Party.
Bristol Cocktail Week at a Glance
Monday, 20th October
Bristol Cocktail Cup heats – trade only
Tuesday, 21st October
2pm – Haus Rules Cocktail Competition – trade only
7pm – Somerset Cider Brandy tasting – all welcome FREE ENTRY
Wednesday, 22nd October
2pm – Harveys sherry trade tasting – trade only
7pm – Harveys sherry tasting and food matching evening – all welcome FREE ENTRY
Thursday, 23rd October
2pm – Jinzu trade launch – trade only
7pm – Jinzu Gin Ball – all welcome FREE ENTRY & CANAPES
Friday, 24th October
8pm – Bacardi “A Night in 1930s Cuba” party – all welcome – £5 entry. FREE ENTRY WITH WRISTBANDS
Saturday, 25th October
8pm – Hendrick’s “Gin Through The Ages”. £10 entry. £5 ENTRY WITH WRISTBAND
Sunday, 26th October
Awards Ceremony – trade and by invitation only
* capacity is limited in many of the venues so come early to avoid disappointment. Wristbands do not guarantee entry!