Cocktails In The City Review

The biggest cocktail master class came back in full force this year in the form of Cocktails in the City. Located within Manchester Town Hall, 15 of Manchester’s bars teamed up with 15 brands ranging from tequila to rum and vodka to create a cocktail that would wow the consumers and tempt them to part with their tokens. Not only that though, The Liquorists held tasters for all ranging from ‘The Taster’ which involved two cocktails, main stage demonstrations and a cocktail booklet to ‘The Connoisseur‘ which included a champagne cocktail reception, food from Almost Famous, three cocktails and a Liquorists tutored tasting session.

This year, I was lucky enough to be asked to judge, giving me the perfect opportunity to see what the bars and brands came up with.

Starting the night with the bar in the sky, Cloud 23 served up two cocktails in the form of what myself and fellow judge Keeley Watts described as a Starter and Dessert using rum brand Ron Zacapa. The ‘starter’ came with Ron Zacapa, sherry syrup, yuzu juice and whisky aged bitters that were served with bread, chorizo and feta cheese, whilst the ‘dessert’ was created using Ron Zacapa, maraschino, Tip Pepe sherry, sweet vermouth and came with smoked almonds. Pop-up bar specialists Escapade were next with their unusual takes of creation and glassware. The creations being their enthusiasm and team work to create a Blue Lagoon within a closed jam jar (check out the photos, link at the bottom, to see what I’m on about!) plus a Heinz Bloody Mary using Heinz tomato soup, vodka, lemon and spice mix – served in the Heinz soup can. Innovative, and it worked! 31DOVER,the premium online drinks retailer, collaborated with BarChick, the best bar guide on the internet, to come up with a signature cocktail for the evening named The 31 Dover – gin, lemon juice, honey syrup and topped with Champagne.

Harvey’s Marmalade Fizz

One of the new kids on the scene, The Liquor Store, collaborated with well-known tequila brand Jose Cuervo Tradicional to create the Maria Pickford which involved the tequila, lime, maraschino, pomegranate syrup and topped with pineapple foam and cracked pepper. A fantastic blend of flavours, and one that used the worlds first tequila in the best way. Chase Marmalade were partners with Harvey Nichols Second Floor Bar to produce Harvey’s Marmalade Fizz. Using the ever popular marmalade vodka, Campari, lemon and lime juice as well as egg white, sugar, Seville marmalade and topped with soda, the serving of it all in a jam jar complete with a dried orange wheel created one of the more visually stunning cocktails of the evening. A look that complimented its name went to Mojo’s and their cocktail with tequila brand Calle 23. The Pink Chihuahua had the simple ingredients of a healthy dose of Calle 23, pomegranate juice, lime, orgeat and egg white, served in the classic coupette glass.

Visiting one of the bars on the outskirts of the city next in the form of Chorlton’s Proof and their collaboration with Lambs Navy Rum. Two cocktails available from these guys – Any Port in a Storm used Lambs Navy, port, ginger, sugar and lime juice whilst the Mutiny on the Bounty had Lambs Navy, dark chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao and cocoa cream complete with a piece of Bounty for the garnish. Next to them were fellow rum brand Flor de Cana and Sandinista. Going for a ‘rum connoisseurs choice of drink’, they came up with Fat Like Buddha – Flor de Cana 7yr, Antica Formula, Benedictine, Cointreau and maraschino liqueur. Venturing back on to the outskirts soon after, visiting Didsbury’s The Violet Hour and Dutch gin Sloane’s, with their two options –  Summer Picnic (Sloane’s, elderflower, lemon, apple juice, marmalade and vanilla) or a more Traditional Cocktail using Sloane’s, curaçao, sugar, lemon and Angostura Bitters.

Another new kid in Neighbourhood partnered with Absolut Elyx to create a Lavender Cosmopolitan. Using pre-steeped lavender and sugar mix to the Absolut Elyx, Grand Marnier and cranberry juice created what Neighbourhood called ‘a seductive zingy Cosmo twist’. The use of Whitley Neil and The Whim Wham Cafe to create the African Sky caught the attention of many an enthusiast, mainly for the loud toots of owner Alix and his African horn (take that how you will) but also for their creation of a cocktail that looks literally like the African sunset. Created using Whitley Neil gin, Cointreau, marmalade syrup, cranberry juice, lime and Peychaud Bitters. Dry ice bellowed from the next bar as Apotheca teamed with Ketel One and made full use of their copper kettles. Creating the Citizen Kettle, they used a double healthy dose of Ketel One, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, white grape and Peychaud Bitters.

Sandanista and Flor de Cana

Northern Quarter guys Dusk til Pawn went with white grain spirit Bootlegger to create the aptly named One Old Boot. Using Bootlegger, whisky barrel bitters, sugar, marmalade and ginger, they created a stirred drink with a nod to the Prohibition styles. Cross back into Europe and Belvedere vodka created a twist on the Bramble with Epernay. Using Belvedere, poppy liquor, sugar and lemon, the short yet powerful drink set us up nicely for the trip across the corridor to the The Lord Mayor’s Parlour and three of Manchester’s tiki bars.

Starting with The Liars Club and El Dorado, they created a Liars Club Party Punch using ingredients such as El Dorado 5yr, Prosecco, apple and grapefruit juice, Yorkshire tea and sugar. It came complete with an El Dorado cake courtesy of rum lover North West Nosh! Keko Moko were up next partnering with Chairman’s Reserve to create The Keko Fizz – both Chairman’s Reserve and their Spiced variety as well as cloudy apple juice, egg white, lime, passion fruit liqueur and ting. Described as ‘definitely tiki’, the next and last bar of the evening, Hula, had its work cut out with Havana Seleccion de Maestros. Creating an El Presidente using Havana Club, sweet vermouth, Cointreau and grenadine, the classic went down way too easily.

The winners haven’t been announced yet, but I can tell you that it was no easy task to narrow it down for best cocktail, best bar and best personality. If you can, try each of the above cocktails at some point in the bars, they’re definitely worth a try and maybe you can decide for yourselves who you think should be the winners. While you at it, you may want to keep your eyes peeled for next year, a fantastic atmosphere is not to be missed!

Check out the rest of the photos via my Facebook page. Also check out MWarrenDesigns and the view through his camera.

© David Marsland and Drinks Enthusiast 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to David Marsland and Drinks Enthusiast with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

 

Appleton Estate #DiscoverRum Review

This past week has seen the familiar brand of Appleton Estate involve themselves within the Manchester bar scene and introduce their #DiscoverRum tour. Showcasing their expressions within their portfolio, alongside some of Manchester’s best and newest bars serving some classic rum cocktails, a gathering of like-minded enthusiasts gathered in The Northern Quarter Restaurant for a lesson of all things Appleton Estate.

The first known documentation of rum production at the Appleton Estate dates back to 1749, however the origins of the Estate date back as far as 1655 when the British captured Jamaica from the Spanish. Frances Dickinson took part in that British conquest and it‘s believed that the Appleton Estate in the Nassau Valley, St. Elizabeth was part of the land grant that Dickinson received as a reward for his services. His grandsons were the earliest known owners of the Appleton Estate. In 1845 the Appleton Estate changed hands from the Dickinson family when it was acquired by William Hill and later changed hands again when it was purchased by one of Jamaica`s most successful merchants, A. McDowell Nathan. He unfortunately died in an earthquake in 1907 and his vast estate, including Appleton, was eventually acquired by J. Wray and Nephew Ltd. who still own it to this day.

Jamaican Buck

Appleton Estate also comes with a rather unique approach to their production.

The Estate grow their own sugar cane and ferment using soft water from a spring that originates through the limestone hills within the estate. A natural culture of yeast in the fermenting process is also used that has been handed down through generations. Small batch copper pot distillation is the preferred method, blending the rum between both copper pot and column stills. Maturation takes place within oak barrels and when selected by the Master Blender, they are then blended to create the Appleton Estate range. After blending, the rums are set to rest, which allows the marrying of the various components and brings the blend together.

At The Northern Quarter Restaurant we tucked into a Jamaica Buck that involved a good dose of Appleton Estate V/X, ginger beer and lime, as well as canapé’s and ribs. After a fair bit of food and a couple of Dark and Stormy’s, we headed across the Northern Quarter to Black Dog Ballroom. Gathering within their private ballroom, the group mingled over a classic Mai Tai (Appleton Estate V/X, lime, triple sec, orgeat and sugar) and a couple of games of pool. The competitive affair came apparent within our next venue however, with the new Dog Bowl (by the guys at Black Dog Ballroom) setting us up with a couple of games of bowling amidst jugs of Dog Rum Punch. The Appleton V/X, pomegranate, pineapple and ting went down very well for any sweet tooth’s within the group, and definitely perked me up during my first game of bowling for a fair few years (it didn’t help we win though). Although a comfort came in the form of Appleton Estate 12yr at our last venue for the evening – The Liars Club. A tot of this soon relieved any sore losers from the bowling, as did the Old Fashioned’s created for us!

Speaking of their 12yr, below, I give to you my tasting notes on the two expressions tried on the evening -

Appleton Estate V/X – 40%

A blend of rum of at least 5yrs. Light on the nose with an oak aroma coming through near the end. A slight pepper is also present. Dry spice is immediately apparent on the palate, with a vanilla flavour mixed with the oak creating a long, dry, lingering finish.

Appleton Estate 12yr – 43%

A blend of rums between 12 and 18yrs. High notes of vanilla and banana on the nose, which follows onto the palate with a punch, although it mellows with a creamy texture. Creates a long, rich ending.

The Appleton Estate #DiscoverRum is a great insight into a well-known brand that you may never think of asking for. It demystifies the Jamaican rum and lets you into four fantastic cocktails, of which for me I could not fault – the Old Fashioned and Mai Tai being highlights. Give the trail a go when it’s next in town, or create your own!

Check out the rest of the photos via my Facebook page.

© David Marsland and Drinks Enthusiast 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to David Marsland and Drinks Enthusiast with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2012

This year is the 15th anniversary of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival and as you would expect, this year is going with a bang of delights involving many of Manchester’s top restaurants and bars. From September 21st to October 8th, many of my favourite haunts and industry figures are planning on delighting you all with their skills and venues, so below I give to you all the highlights and details that you need!

Manchester Whisky Festival 2012 – Saturday 22nd September

The Manchester Whisky Festival will be taking place at the Palace Hotel on Oxford Street in two sessions, 11am – 3pm and 4pm – 8pm.

The event is run by vibrant and totally independent whisky events company, The Whisky Lounge founded by Whisky Evangelist Eddie Ludlow with the specific aim of demystifying whisky and bringing it back to the people. The festival is the 4th in the city since 2009 and has now developed into one of the largest events in the Whisky Lounge’s portfolio and the biggest whisky event in the UK, outside of London.

Over 20 exhibitors, around 40 distilleries and close to 200 whiskies will be on sample over the course of the day. Whiskies from the large and small, from the traditional areas of Scotland and Ireland, as well as more recently established distilleries from England, India and Japan will all be there and available to taste.

Tickets are available here and include access to demonstrations, all samples in the main hall, a Glencairn nosing glass, a bottle of water and a festival programme all for £25.

Robinsons Pub on the Hub – 27th September to 4th October

The Robinsons Pub on the Hub is back for its third year running to grace Albert Square with its impressive range of beers – all brewed with their brand new Brew House which has the largest Hopnik in the world! The Pub on the Hub will be the city’s very own pop up beer house with a bounty of Robinson’s cask ales, cosy furnishings, pub games and everything you’d expect from your local boozer… Plus a few surprises thrown in.

Robinson’s have revealed that the superstar beers to be served include: Unicorn, Dizzy Blonde, 1892, Double Hop, Cwrw’r Ddraig Aur, Old Tom, XB, Cumbria Way, elbow’s ‘build a rocket boys!’, Green Bullet and even a one-off MFDF Ale!

The Finnieston – September 21st

Glasgow based Bar/Restaurant The Finnieston will be hosting a one night only pop-up bar, sponsored by Caorunn Gin at The Liquorists HQ #22Redbank. Ervin and his talented team will be coming down for one night only to wow you all in their own inimitable style. With drinks by Caorunn Gin and seafood canapes from the chefs in-house this night guarantees to excite and thrill.

£45 a head gets you 5 cocktails and canapés and you can book here.

Trail Blazers and Influencers – 5 Drinks That Changed the World – 27th September and 4th October

Throughout the course of our drinking culture’s creation several developments altered forever how and what we drank. The introduction of ice, the holy trinity of rum, lime and sugar, the advent of better preservatives for fruit, the evolution of the Martini all were crucial watersheds in our getting to where we are now. Come with the Liquorists and taste the best history lesson you have ever been to!

The Liquorists will showcase these drinks and some terribly interesting facts and figures that will surprise and delight the 30 attendees of this evening’s great entertainment. Tickets are £35 a head for which you will receive 5 cocktails that changed forever the style and nature of our alcoholic drinks, and canapé food matches. Click here to book.

The Bon Vivant - 28th September

Fantastic Edinburgh based operator The Bon Vivant comes to Manchester for one night only, sponsored by Grey Goose

Fashion is fleeting, style is timeless… The Bon Vivant is timeless ladies and gents and they will be here for one great night only, serving up drinks by Grey Goose to fall in love to! Classic and stylish with not a little finesse, the Bon Vivant we have you planning a trip north of the border post haste! Book here for £45 to get 5 cocktails, canapés and big style points!

The Thrill of the Chase – September 30th

Come taste some of the sublime liquid brought to you by Chase Distillery in Herefordshire crafted into cocktail heaven and matched with canapes by The Liquorists.

Taste Chase Potato Vodka, Chase Marmalade Vodka, Chase Smoked Vodka and Williams Chase Gin on their own and in a cocktail carefully created by the Liquorists to showcase each expression’s unique flavours matched expertly with delightful canapé food pairings. At only £25 a head this is not an event to let pass you by – book here!

Champagne and Seafood Gastronight Clandestine Cuisine with Dan Borza – 6th October

The Final pop-up Restaurant of The Liquorists calendar is the top of the tree, the king of the hill, the icing on the cake, the best of the best. Luxurious beyond words. Tickets are £75 a head for 8 courses and 7 wines. Book here and gaze over the menu of delights to avoid missing out on this epic epicurean event!

The Liars Club Cocktail Tiki Shack - September 21st to 7th October

Aloha! New for 2012, this is your chance to get tropical and enjoy festival cocktails with our exotic Tiki shack hosted by MFDF Bar of the Year nominee, The Liars Club, Tiki Dive Bar and Caribbean Rum Shop. Famous for serving the best Zombies in town and purveyor of the region’s most extensive collection of rum, the bar is a treasure trove of Tiki heaven with its kitsch Polynesian decor, exotic trinkets and flaming cocktails.

The Liars Club ususal home is just off Deansgate, underneath Mojo where you will find the ultimate fun and relaxed Tiki hideaway, but for this fesitval only check them out in Albert Square.

Oktoberfest - 5th Ocotber to 7th October

Celebrate the changing seasons at MFDF’s tribute to the Munich Oktoberfest with award-winning German beer brand Veltins. This event returns in 2012 with its own dedicated Bier Keller on the Sqaure. Entry is completely free and visitiors will find litre steins of authentic German beer on sale, as well as live entertainment for three fun-filled days. Beer is provided by Veltins, one of Germany’s oldest and most established brauereis, and steins of refreshing pilsner are an absolute must try. This easy-drinking, clean and herbal beer is the perfect illustration of how to balance delicate malt with lots of tangy hops.

The result is a seriously drinkable beer, which has won a number of ‘best pilsner’ awards. Bavarian banqueting sessions are happening for the first time in the Festival Dining Hall across the Square too perfect for a night out with friends or work colleagues. To book a place, including communal banquet, stein of beer, entertainment – and much more – Click here

The Liquorists Return of the Rum Trail

Last night was the first installment of the year in The Liquorists busy calendar, the aptly named ‘Return of the Rum Trail!’. Following the same concept of their previous trails, we were to be enjoying 5 different spirits, 5 different cocktails in 5 different bars accompanied by 5 different light bite appetizers. Always a daunting prospect, but challenge accepted!

Spiced Mojito at The Liars Club

Starting the night in Manchester’s Northern Quarter tiki bar, Keko Moku, we were joined by Barry, of Epernay fame, who would be our host for the evening. With around 15 of us for what The Liquorists call ‘more a gathering than a crowd’, Barry introduced to us the concept of rum, a little history and what this sugar cane drink we had in our hands was all about. No sooner had we nosed and tasted the tot of Bacardi 8yr and a piece of dark chocolate, which for me softened the edges a lil, Barry was handing out the rum classic Daiquiri complete with sugar rim. No sooner had we finished, we were hopping around the corner to our next venue, Hula Bar.

Mai Tai at Hula Bar

Appleton VX was the choice of spirit, and making our way to their underground haven via a wall tank of fish, we were greeted with both a tot of Appleton, and caramalised pineapple chunks. Whilst taking in the surroundings of what literally is a beach hut, another classic rum cocktail in the Mai Tai was being handed round as Barry explained the history of Appleton to the gathering.

Mojo’s was the next port of call, with their Rhum Room, a stunning upstairs bar with a backbar to die for, offering us the Venezuelan Santa Teresa rum to sip while their Venezuelan rum punch were being hand crafted for our pleasure. The rather long and refreshing cocktail was complimented well with dried figs, mango and pistachios.

 

Venezuelan Rum Punch at Mojo Rhum Room

From Venezuela back to Cuba, Bacardi and their spiced offering of the newly released Oakheart was next to showcase itself at The Liars Club, with an offering of a spiced Mojito being served while we munched on caramalised ginger pieces. All that was missing was the Hawaiin shirts! (still regretting not wearing my rather stylish bright yellow shirt, but there’s always next time).

Our last bar for the night was in one of Manchester’s tapas bars Sandinista. The Cuban Havana 3yr was sipped, while Espresso Martini cocktails were brought over to us amid stuffed peppers with cheese, platters of nachos with melted cheese, patatas bravas, olives, garlic bread and albondigas (meatballs).

A great night was had, with a round of applause given to Barry by all in attendance. And it truly was. Three friends joined me last night, one a veteran of the last two trails, just to experience something that I keep talking about long after.

 

With a busy year ahead for The Liquorists, you can expect to be hearing a lot more from me regarding this fantastic concept!

 

Check out The Liquorist’s Facebook page for more information and tickets.

 

 

© David Marsland and Drinks Enthusiast 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog/sites author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to David Marsland and Drinks Enthusiast with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.