Tales of the Cocktail 2015

Around the world in 30 Gins!
There can be no question around gins currently soaring popularity. Gin cocktails have never been so popular in recent decades and the classic gin martini is being restored to its rightful position at the pinnacle of cocktail culture. Gin is simply the king of cocktails. Gin lends versatility to mixing by its very design, adorning an enormous amount of cocktails that pay tribute to this botanically driven spirit.

Today it is definitely not easy keeping up with the seemingly weekly new vibrant offerings the gin category is currently exuding.

But it wasn’t always this way, where did it all start? Gin has known its fair share of ups and downs. The post war period of the 50’s and 60’s was a time when bars may have barely stocked 3-4 gins; in the 70’s gin was seen as a washed up old broad with her best days behind her.
Oh how things have changed. Why has gin become so popular once more and why are we enjoying such a gin renaissance globally? Is there such a thing as a benchmark or a ‘must stock’ gin in this brave new world or those your bar should not be without? What are the mixed drinks held responsible for our joyous glee?

What better time than now to explore some of the more notable recent innovations from industry giants and lend a nod to some of the smaller brands making quite a splash in local markets around the globe.

Join gin expert Raj Nagra, together with historian and distiller Jared Brown, and celebrated industry figures Julie Reiner and Mike Enright, on a journey of gins modern history and discover why we’re currently experiencing this gin reawakening and forecast where we’re heading. These 4 gin authorities will uncover the roots of Gin’s resurgence, how innovative distillers and passionate bartenders led to this modern ‘Gin Craze’ and explore the best and most surprising Gins from across the globe. Uncover the new and emerging styles and families that allow the Gin lover to make sense of all this incredible choice. Are Gins an expression of geography or terroir? Can there really be such a thing as a ‘local’ gin? What are the most unique botanicals that are delighting the modern palate? And what are the most delicious ways to serve these gins? Join us for a high paced journey of discovery as we bring the world, and the world of Gin, to New Orleans for a journey like no other!