Bartenders, brand ambassadors and flavour experts will gather in Aberdeen for the second year running to exchange ideas, techniques and product information at a drinks festival from bar operator and events company, 10 Dollar Shake.
Drink! Aberdeen is taking place across a number of venues in the city between Monday 23 and Sunday, May 29 and includes a number of dinners, seminars, tours and tastings to educate and entertain on the culture of drinking.
Managing director of 10 Dollar Shake and co-founder of bars The Tippling House and Rye & Soda, Adrian Gomes, said:
“This is the second year we have held Drink! Aberdeen and we wanted to build on those events that were popular in year one, whilst also ensuring we were continuing to challenge people’s perceptions on certain drink categories and brands. We wanted to curate an events programme in 2016 that inspires people, both hospitality workers and consumers, and break new ground for niche categories in this region such as bourbon, cachaça, brandy and the new wave of coffee trends.
“We’ve opened up the programme this year to more local businesses including Cue BBQ, Orchid and Muchacho, bringing global brands and local businesses together in the spirit of collaboration.”
Guest seminars and workshops include Marian Beke of recently-opened London bar The Gibson who made a name for himself as Bar Manager at Nightjar, a late-night jazz bar known for elaborate garnishes and impeccable service. Marian will be hosting a masterclass on Capucana Cachaca, demonstrating his unique style of drinks. Another former Bar Manager from London, Simon Toohey (ex-Callooh Calley, Shoreditch) will be hosting a spirit infusion workshop using Ysabel Regina Brandy.
Three international wine-makers travel to Aberdeen for the week from Argentina, South Africa and Australia to host dinners and tastings at Rye & Soda and The Tippling House.
Also included in the schedule is an Old Pulteney whisky tasting with Sian Buchan of Drink Cabinet UK and a session with Gordon Hughes from importers Eaux De Vie who will be explaining (and sampling) the differences between rum distilleries across the Caribbean, all paired to Cocoa Ooze handmade chocolate pops.
One of the highlights of the week is a full day takeover by London ethical coffee company Union Hand-Roasted who are bringing champion baristas, international competition judges and expert tasters to Rye & Soda for a day of masterclasses, single farm tastings, coffee cocktail demonstrations, latte art battles and live music from the likes of Leanne Smith, The Great Bear and Steven Milne of The Little Kicks.
Mr Gomes continued: “For the second year running we’ve managed to attract some of the cream of UK and international talent to come to Aberdeen and inspire the next generation of hospitality talent in the North-east of Scotland and beyond.
“I’m delighted at the support shown by our suppliers and key brands to support not only our business as it continues to evolve, but the region as a whole, proving that there is life in this industry out-with London and the bigger cities in the UK.
Drink! Aberdeen will run between Monday 23 and Sunday May 29.
For event and ticket information, visit www.drinkaberdeen.com