Last week, we tried out The Bar at 55 Whitefriargate’s newest event – their new Hotham’s Gin Tasting Night. Taking place one Friday a month, it promises to be an unforgettable evening of gin appreciation; an exclusive event, where you’ll discover the artistry and craftsmanship behind one of the finest gins in town. And in a word, it was brilliant.
Upon arrival at number 55, we were immediately drawn over and welcomed in by the open door and banging tunes emanating from Bar55’s entrance. Heading through and into the door at the end of the hall, we walked through a warm and stylish corridor, before arriving at the bar proper. An area set aside for the evening’s tasting greeted us, neatly arranged tables topped with an alluring array of bottles and fresh fruits that instantly piqued our interest.
After sitting down, our host Marian, the Manager of Bar55, welcomed us and gave an interesting and insightful summary of the history of gin. He introduced us to Hotham’s gin and gave a brief history of Hothams and The Bar at 55, before the main event began.
We started by cleansing our palette with cool water, before trying the first of the 3 gins we would be trying. We started with Hotham’s Original Gin, trying it neat to taste all the notes and flavours – a floral, peppery experience with juniper as the prominent flavour. With a dry finish that lingered pleasantly, this was my personal favourite! After finishing our taster, we tried it in a gin and tonic made with Indian tonic and a blueberry garnish, a delightful drink that cemented itself as a new favourite for me straight away.
After another drink of water and a short chat about the flavours, we moved on to Hotham’s Bar55 Gin, a custom mix with citrus notes. I’ll let you identify the exact flavours yourself if you go – it’s part of the experience! But it was incredibly refreshing, and even more so with Mediterranean tonic and a pink grapefruit slice. Perfect on a hot Summer day!
The final gin we tried was Hotham’s Cardamom Gin, a lingering and light flavour which my partner immediately chose as her favourite, and which lent itself perfectly to the drink we tried after tasting it neat – a gin and ginger ale over ice, garnished with ginger.
After the main tasting, we were in for one more treat – the experience comes with a cocktail of your choosing included, using one of the 3 gins we tasted! I chose the Bar55 Martini, made with the Bar55 Gin, Sweet Vermouth, grapefruit juice and bitters, while my partner chose the Noisette, made with the Cardamom gin, Frangelico liqueur, chocolate bitters and vanilla syrup. Both were delicious, and I’ll admit, I took a shining to the Noisette myself – when she told me she couldn’t drink anymore I was more than happy to finish it!
To summarise, we found the event a phenomenal experience. Be it a fancy date, a birthday treat, or a unique night out with friends, it offers an unforgettable journey into the vibrant world and history of gin. Highly recommended for all gin enthusiasts and those looking to broaden their horizons in the world of spirits.
