So you might have seen that I was VERY excited to be at the Bristol Gin Festival this weekend. I’ve been wanting to go for a couple of years but tickets tend to sell out rapidly and I’m always about a week to slow so when I was invited by Gin Explorers I jumped at the chance.
Not entirely sure what to expect I dragged John along with me to act as chief photographer and driver whilst I was in charge of sampling the goods.
We were warmly welcomed at the door and in exchange for our tickets we were given a large glass, badge, pen and a book FULL of information on the 150 gin that were on offer. In order to buy a drink you had to buy tokens which were £5 each. As I knew I was going to be the only one drinking, we had 3 tokens between us.
The gins were split into 3 bar areas – British, International and Flavoured / Sloe varieties.
![IMG_0260 IMG_0260](https://i1.wp.com/happywiseowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/img_0260.jpg?w=697&h=551&ssl=1)
![IMG_0250 IMG_0250](https://i2.wp.com/happywiseowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/img_0250.jpg?w=735&h=551&ssl=1)
It’s only in the last 18 months that I’ve discovered gin but am really limited in knowledge – the only thing I do know is that I don’t like slimline tonic with it!
There were a few gin companies there to explain their products and allow you to have a sample or two – these included Adnams, Masons, Pinkster (flavoured with raspberry – yum!), Whitley Neil, Locksley and Brockmans. The company that invited me, Gin Explorers, also had a stand -they do a monthly subscription box containing 4 different gins, a tonic and another little goodie to delivered to your door. Gin Explorers are a spin off company from the folk who bought you the Gin Festival.
![IMG_0249 Me meeting Cheryl at Gin Explorers](https://i0.wp.com/happywiseowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/img_0249.jpg?w=952&h=640&ssl=1)
![IMG_0252 A Gin Explorer Box](https://i0.wp.com/happywiseowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/img_0252.jpg?w=480&h=640&ssl=1)
Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the shear volume of choice I decided to play it safe with Edinburgh Gin Elderflower Liqueur which was a great first tasting! You could drink it neat (which was thick & sweet but delicious) or opt to have it topped with tonic water which I did. Fever-Tree tonic were the sponsors for the evening and provided a whole host of mixers.
John had to choose wisely as the driver and could only have one so he went for a Braeckman Hazelnut Jenever Gin which was to be drunk neat. It was creamy and nutty and reminded us of an after drink especially around Christmas.
![IMG_0254 IMG_0254](https://i1.wp.com/happywiseowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/img_0254.jpg?w=716&h=537&ssl=1)
![IMG_0257 IMG_0257](https://i2.wp.com/happywiseowl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/img_0257.jpg?w=716&h=537&ssl=1)
After flicking through the guidebook and still being non the wiser I decided to make my final drink of the evening Whittakers Gin made in Harrogate. My decision was based on the fact that Whittaker is my Mum and Step-Dad’s surname…a very technical thought process here! This gin was garnished with thyme & juniper (garnishing is a whole other level of intricacy!) I have to say this wasn’t my favourite of the evening as it was REALLY dry.
The event was really busy, great fun and really well laid out. Have a look at the Gin Festival website to see if there’s one coming up near you and get yourself a ticket or two!!
Three cheers for the Gin Festival!!
Sadly GinFestival have gone into administration but you can find your nearest gin festivals at https://www.eatdrinkseek.co.
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