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Feature
What’s on in August 2024
While many are sticking on their out-of-office messages, the spirits events show no sign of slowing in August.
Whether you’re staying home or heading off to sunnier climes, there are bar takeovers and pop-ups galore in the coming month. Plus, there are free and discounted events for those of you watching your budget (or for those who would simply rather spend their money on a refreshing cocktail while there).
Scroll down for our pick of spirits events taking place across the world this month.
National Distillery Day at Shakespeare Distillery
What: Free distillery tours and sampling in William Shakespeare’s hometown
Where: Shakespeare Distillery, Stratford-upon-Avon
When: 2 August
You can toast to the Bard this National Distillery Day with a free mini tour of Shakespeare Distillery (the man himself is unlikely to be present). Staff will explain how gin and rum is made and the history of the spirits and the brand, as well as showcasing the different ingredients used in the expressions.
National Distillery Day is part of the ‘Actually Made in’ campaign, launched by The Spirit of Manchester Distillery to encourage consumers to think about where their spirits come from – and what better way to learn about Shakespeare Distillery than to visit it?
Lyaness heads to Nashville
What: Two of the world’s best bars unite over art and fashion
Where: Four Walls bar, The Joseph hotel, Nashville, Tennessee
When: 2-3 August
London’s Lyaness, winner of the World’s Best Bar at the 2022 Spirited Awards, is packing up its shakers and heading to Nashville to take over the bar at cocktail ‘haven’ Four Walls. The event will be inspired by the Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous exhibit at Nashville’s Frist Art Museum, with the menu curated by Four Walls’ Mickey Stevenson and Lyaness’ Louis Macpherson. Themed cocktails include a riff on the Pimm’s Cup called the Brixton Veranda, which includes Pimm’s, dandelion, watermelon, lemongrass, lemon, and ginger.
Kiki Lounge’s Not-So-Tropical Tour
What: British seaside destinations unite
Where: Golden Pineapple, Brighton
When: 7 August
Kiki Lounge from the Isle of Man will be swapping one coast for another as the team heads to Brighton’s Golden Pineapple Bar. The night is sponsored by Del Maguey Vida Puebla Mezcal, with two original cocktails on offer: a twist on a Spicy Margarita called a Juan Picante; and Ernest + Rita, which riffs on a Paloma with mezcal, Campari and elderflower. Expect an ‘extravagant’ display, featuring bubble guns, pyrotechnics and a few surprises.
The Saloon at Clover Club’s Tiki Rodeo
What: A tiki cocktail pop-up at Julie Reiner’s newest venue
Where: The Saloon at Clover Club, New York
When: 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24 August
Clover Club, one of North America’s best bars, has opened a venue right next door, called The Saloon. The site will be an ‘easygoing, classically minded companion’ to Clover Club, with a menu that harks backs to the bar’s original menu. The Saloon opened as a private event space for cocktail classes and pop-ups in July, but it will open its doors to the public for three weekends in August, offering classic tiki cocktails and food from executive chef Sam Sherman.
The Clermont Supper Club Dinner Series
What: Dinner with Jim Beam’s distillers
Where: The James B Beam Distilling Co, Clermont, Kentucky
When: 15 August
The James B Beam Distilling Co, home of Jim Beam, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year with a range of events and new visitor experiences. The distillery underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2022, adding The Fred B Noe Distillery and The Kitchen Table restaurant. The latter will host a series of supper clubs, beginning in August, with Fred and Freddie Noe around the table for an evening of Beam family-inspired fare, cocktails and whiskey sampling.
Whisky Live Perth
What: The world of whisky descends on Perth
Where: Pan Pacific Hotel, Perth
When: 16-17 August
Whisky Live plans to host sampling events in five Australian cities in the coming year, with the first kicking off in Perth. Whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Japan and more will be tasted during sessions where distillers and ambassadors will provide an in-depth understanding of each expression. Beginners should check out the introductory class held at the beginning of the event. The Rare & Old Bar will also be open for attendees to purchase whiskies they won’t find elsewhere.
Buffalo Trace’s Paris store
What: A retail pop-up to accompany the Olympics
Where: Paris’ Les Halles District
When: Until 23 August
If you’re in Paris for the Olympics and find your interest in the games waning, head to Les Halles to check out Buffalo Trace’s pop-up store. Visitors will be able to buy the distillery’s various whiskeys, as well as custom Paris-themed merchandise, some of which are unique to the pop-up. Lucky guests who make it in time before 11 August will also get the chance to attend an exclusive sampling of some of the distillery’s rarest and most coveted Weller Bourbons.
Thinking Drinkers: The Booze-ical
What: A ‘boozical’ inspired by ‘the pleasures of the pub’
Where: Underbelly Edinburgh
When: Until 25 August
Heading to the Edinburgh Festival this year? It doesn’t have to all mean warm pints in plastic glasses. Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham will be serving up samples of a range of spirit brands, including Dutch Barn Vodka, BenRiach Scotch and The Lost Explorer mezcal, while performing their act. The duo will also be encouraging the audience to sign a petition making work lunches 100% tax-deductable, as long as there’s ‘a decent drink’ on the receipt. Plus, hospitality workers can enjoy discounted tickets.
Gleneagles takes over Le 300
What: A taste of Scotland in the south of France
Where: Le 300, Maybourne Riviera, France
When: 29 August
Arguably the only thing that Scotland’s luxury hotel Gleneagles lacks is the weather – but those who head to Le 300 cocktail bar in the south of France this August will be able enjoy the hotel’s American Bar in full sunshine. The event is a partnership with mezcal brand The Lost Explorer, so expect smoky concoctions and serves from the bar’s Book of Berries menu.
Louisville’s American Whiskey Festival
What: A celebration of Bourbon and beyond
Where: Watch Hill Proper, Louisville, Kentucky
When: 31 August
Bourbon and dining destination Watch Hill Proper will host its second annual whiskey festival at the end of the month, hoping to lure in Bourbon aficionados and those simply looking to learn more. Distilleries including Jack Daniel’s, Heaven Hill and Angel’s Envy will be serving pours in the venue’s Whiskey Garden, while guests can be satiated with a range of food trucks. Music acts will include Louisville-based Fleetwood Mac cover group Back 2 Mac and more.
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