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Top 10
What’s on in September 2024
September is upon us, and with it comes a fresh wave of spirits events that are sure to impress.
Whether you’re clinging to the last moments of summer or diving headfirst into the new season, the month is packed with experiences to savour.
From whisky festivals in Scotland to movie nights in Toronto – and bar takeovers that span continents – there’s enough to keep everyone busy.
Scroll down for our pick of spirits events taking place across the world this month.
Toronto International Film Festival
What: A movie- and aperitivo-inspired event series
Where: The Library Bar, Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
When: 4-15 September
As if the delights of the Toronto International Film Festival weren’t enough, the city’s Library Bar will be creating some of the movie magic of its own, from a pop-up collaboration and exclusive menu with Milan’s Camparino to a photo booth – and even a red carpet.
Quinary’s takeover series
What: One of Hong Kong’s best bars comes to India
Where: Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi
When: 4-7 September
Quinary is a ‘multi-sensory’ cocktail bar in Hong Kong, which specialises in the ‘art of molecular mixology’. For September, bartenders Kai and Ganesh Gurung will embark on a tour of India, stopping off at ZLB23 at The Leela Palace in Bengaluru, Aer at Four Seasons in Mumbai, and The Library Bar at The Leela Palace Delhi. Signature cocktails will include the divisive Earl Grey Martini, made with Sabatini Gin, Cointreau and elderflower juice.
Whisky Week
What: Scotland’s newest whisky festival
Where: Across Aberdeen
When: 5-15 September
For the off-trade, we have trade shows and conferences; for the on-trade, there are cocktails and takeovers. This year, the two will come together in the form of the inaugural Whisky Week, with events taking place in bars and distilleries across Aberdeen. The event has been created by Charlie Bain, who is also behind Aberdeen Cocktail Week. It promises to be a walkable, city-wide experience, with 38 venues participating. Expect exclusive whisky menus, with drams for £3 (US$4).
The Whisky Show
What: The 16th edition of the UK’s biggest whisky festival
Where: Old Billingsgate, London
When: 6-8 September
There are few places you can try more than 1,000 whiskies (that’s not a challenge) in one go, and The Whisky Show – created by retailer The Whisky Exchange – is one of them. This year’s show is sold out, but for those of you who were smart enough to book in advance, expect masterclasses, Q&As and drams galore. Talks will feature whisky all-stars including Jill Boyd of Halewood Artisanal Spirits, Fawn Weaver of Uncle Nearest and Annabel Thomas of Nc’Nean.
Olympic takeovers at the Cambridge Public House
What: Three guest shifts a night, for three nights
Where: The Cambridge Public House, Paris
When: 8-10 September
The Olympics may be over, but there’s still the Paralympics – and the Cambridge Public House’s takeover series. Nine bartenders will represent nine different countries in a three-night series, including representatives from Berlin’s Wax On, New York’s Martiny’s and London’s Satan’s Whiskers. The drinks will pay homage to each bartender’s home country – and while there are no medals, you can certainly decide who served up a Gold-winning drink.
Hebridean Whisky Festival
What: An event dedicated to Scotland’s islands
Where: Across Skye, Raasay, Harris, Benbecula, Jura, and North Uist, in Scotland
When: 9-14 September
The Outer Hebrides might be a name sometimes used by British people to describe something really far away, but it’s also a really beautiful place – once you’re there. And it’s the home of some amazing whiskies, from Jura and Talisker to the soon-to-be-launched Nunton from North Uist Distillery. All can be sampled at this year’s Hebridean Whisky Festival, with distillery tours to make the journey worthwhile.
Low, Light & Alcohol-Free Summit
What: The UK’s first brand-led conference dedicated to the future of the no-and-low category
Where: Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, Waterloo, London
When: 10 September
Sober October might be a month away, but that means you can use September to prepare. Club Soda, the mindful drinking brand, will be hosting its first industry conference next month, with the aim of tackling ongoing barriers to wider adoption of low, light, and alcohol-free drinks. JA Kemp, Nudge PR and Distill Ventures will be there – any no-and-low entrepreneurs looking for advice or an opportunity should attend.
Distillers Forum 2024
What: A meet-up for the brightest minds in UK distilling
Where: Leeds, England
When: 19 September
Now in its fifth year, the Distillers Forum prides itself on helping drinks companies to grow by spilling the secrets to ‘sizzling sales, sustainable sips, and brand brilliance’. This year’s speakers include Jen Heely-Wiggins of Spirit of Manchester, who created the ‘Actually Made By’ campaign, and Lewis Hayes of Dropworks.
The best of British at the Soho hotel
What: Four nights of bar takeovers
Where: The Soho hotel, London
When: 24-27 September
Some of the UK’s best bars will be taking over the Soho hotel in London for four nights at the end of September. Bournemouth’s Ojo Rojo (24 September), Manchester’s Schofield’s Bar (25 September), the Isle of Man’s Kiki Lounge (26 September) and Glasgow’s The Gate (27 September) will all be serving up cocktails that highlight spirits in Mangrove Global’s portfolio. Our eye’s are on Schofield’s William Wallace – which features Stauning HØST whisky, English sweet vermouth, Pedro Ximénez Sherry and orange bitters.
TFWA World Exhibition & Conference
What: The Tax Free World Association’s (TFWA) yearly conference in the South of France
Where: Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France
When: 29 September to 3 October
Spirits producers both big and small will highlight their activity and exclusive products in the travel retail channel at this year’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. And when you’re done investigating what each brand has to offer at airports, in the air or at sea, head to the Travel Retail Beach Party, which is hosted by The Spirits Business.
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