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What’s on in November 2023
This November, we’re heading around the world, from Athens to Singapore, for some of the biggest trade shows of the year.
Plus, there’s a Bourbon and barbecue festival in two different US cities, and a world-famous distillery will open its doors to the public once again.
Keep scrolling to find out our pick of the top 10 spirits events happening this month.
Yamazaki Distillery reopens
What: Suntory Spirits welcomes the public back to its distillery
Where: The outskirts of Kyoto, Japan
When: 1 November
Suntory Spirits has renovated its Yamazaki Distillery and is offering two new-look tours to the public. Yamazaki was the first malt whisky distillery in Japan.
The renewed facilities include a new entrance, which has been transformed into a ‘forest’, and a new reception for the Whisky Museum.
The tours will walk visitors through the distillery where the Yamazaki single malt brand is made, and allow them to enjoy a tasting of its whisky.
Mangrove Global x Soho hotel
What: Bars from across Britain head to London
Where: The Soho hotel, London
When: 1-3 November
Teams from the Lake District’s Henrock, Cornwall’s CiCi’s Bar and Cardiff’s LAB22 are all heading to Refuel, the bar at London’s Soho hotel, for a series of bar takeovers.
They’ll be serving up cocktails using Mangrove brands, such as Portobello Road, East London Liquor Company, Avallen, Aluna and Stauning.
New Hampshire Annual Distiller’s Showcase
What: New England’s largest premium spirits showcase
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, New Hampshire, US
When: 2 November
Try some of the 600 spirits distributed by New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlets at this event, which is also raising funds for New Hampshire Food Bank.
More than 25 local restaurants will also be providing food at the event.
Confirmed exhibitors include Grey Goose Vodka, Elijah Craig Bourbon and Engine Gin.
Spirit of the South West Festival
What: The first festival dedicated to spirits producers from South West England
Where: Spirited store, Bristol
When: 3 November
Bristol-based retailer Spirited has teamed up with events provider Cut Point Co to create a festival to bring together spirits producers from Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
There will be sampling, cocktails and stories from the faces behind the distilleries.
Companies confirmed for the event include Bristol whisky maker Circumstance Distillery, Welsh gin distiller Silver Circle (located fewer than 30 miles from Bristol), Frome-based rum producer Silver Craft and Penzance’s Pocketful of Stones.
Whiskey Wine & Fire Festival
What: A touring event celebrating all things Bourbon and barbecue
Where: Charlotte, North Carolina, and Baltimore, Maryland
When: 4 and 18 November
This November will see two Whiskey Wine & Fire Festival events go ahead in the US, with whiskey bars, cocktails and firepits galore.
Guests will receive a souvenir glass to taste samples from distillers including WhistlePig, Westward Whiskey, Uncle Nearest and more.
Seminars with master distillers and pit masters will take place in the Tasting Theater, while live musicians will play bluegrass, Americana and country.
Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation.
Bar Convent Singapore
What: The industry’s biggest on-trade event heads to Singapore
Where: Pasir Pajang Power Station, Singapore
When: 6-7 November
Bar Convent Berlin was one of our top events of last month but, if you missed it or are on the other side of the globe, the show is heading to Singapore for the first time this year.
One highlight of the event is ‘Homegrown Heroes’, where bar teams from across Asia will show off their talents in a series of guest shifts. Participants include ReCraft from the Philippines, Hybrid from Vietnam, Penrose from Malaysia, and Lost in Thaislation from Thailand.
There will also be educational sessions, tastings and a closing party – and a wellness session to help you feel your best.
Athens Bar Show
What: A three-day celebration of bartending, hospitality and spirits
Where: Technopolis, Athens, Green
When: 7-9 November
Now in its 13th year, Athens Bar Show gathers spirits exhibitors from across the world, with confirmed stands for this year including Diplomatico Rum, Gin Mare and Campari Group.
This year’s programme also features guest speakers such as Salvatore Calabrese, Simone Caporale and Robert Simonson.
And if it’s all Greek to you, don’t worry – there will be live translations between Greek and English using wireless headphones.
Plus, the show will conclude with a closing party where some of the best bars in Greece, Europe and the wider world will serve signature cocktails alongside music.
Kandima Maldives x The Breakfast Club
What: A five-star Maldives resort and a London brunch restaurant team up
Where: Kandima Maldives
When: 13-19 November
The Breakfast Club is heading from the UK to the Maldives to host a week-long pop-up including floating breakfast deliveries, interactive pancake classes and boozy brunch bingo.
The UK brand will be serving up some of its signature dishes as well as some with a twist – think all-American spreads and the Great British fry-up – all paired with tropical, sunshine-inspired cocktails.
Rolling Stone UK awards
What: A music awards evening sponsored by Rémy Martin
Where: Camden Roundhouse, London
When: 23 November
Music and culture magazine Rolling Stone is hosting its first awards evening in collaboration with Rémy Martin. Thirteen awards are up for grabs, and the audience will be able to toast the winners with Rémy Martin XO Cognac.
And, if the lure of luxury spirits isn’t enough for you, comedian Munya Chawawa will be hosting the awards.
Cazcabel brings Día de Muertos to the UK
What: A Mexican-inspired series of activations and collaborations
Where: Across the UK
When: All month
For those of you not lucky enough to be in Mexico for this year’s Day of the Dead, Tequila brand Cazcabel is throwing celebrations up and down the UK.
The brand has collaborated with Distill & Fill to create a one-off bottled Day Of The Dead Cocktail, while on-trade venues will be serving a range of themed Cazcabel drinks.
Take Temper Shoreditch, a London restaurant, which will be throwing a party on 3 November, with face painting, fortune telling, a DJ and Cazcabel cocktails – or Little Sister bar in Leicester, which will be holding a Day of the Dead cocktail competition on 6 November.