Things have been a little quiet here at Hamiltonic. A bit like the island in Whisky Galore before the ship full of whisky runs aground, the optics have been drying out. Then, as if by an act of God, our boat comes in. An announcement arrives that it’s World Gin Day on June 8. I was so excited I told a friend it was on the 8th of Gin. Praise be.

World Gin Day is in its second year in Manchester. The organisers hope that this year will surpass 2018 as well as establishing the day as an annual celebration. Of course, here at Hamiltonic it is more of a daily celebration. WGD will be based in an event hub at the Corn Exchange where you’ll be able to purchase your wristband (£6.50), allowing you free entry into a variety of city-wide gin-themed events. The Corn Exchange will also be hosting gin talks and tastings, opportunities to meet the distiller and live music to mark this special day.

World Gin Day 2019The ginvent (perhaps a neologism to many, but common coinage at Hamiltonic) will run from 12 noon until 7pm. Time enough for vir-gins to gain their gin legs and for us old lags to experience new botanicals. Fever-Tree Tonic will provide mixers. There are a huge number of event partners, each offering a set of special gin drinks and cocktails. Those announced so far include Royal Northern College of Music, Tipples of Manchester, Peaky Blinders Manchester, Salvi’sVapiano, Mash Tun, Tariff and Dale, Flight Club, Prairie Schooner Taphouse, The Liquor Store, Brick House, The Cosy Club, Abel Heywood, Alston Bar and Beef, Oscars Bar, Blackhouse, Randall and Aubin, Malmaison, Abode Hotels, The Goose and Albatross and Arnold. More are expected to join the list.

I can’t promise anything, but in the interest of objective journalism I will endeavour to sample as many as the seven hours that my wee legs will allow. Sobriety permitting, I will also tweet my journey through this garden of alcoholic delights.

The Scots know whisky as the water of life; we at Hamiltonic realised some years ago that it’s gin. It is hoped that many more will be inducted on World Gin Day onto that heavenly island of Gin Galore. Blessed be the fruit.

By Robert Hamilton, Gin Correspondent

 

World Gin Day 2019A full list of events and partners on World Gin Day can be found at www.worldgindaymcr.co.uk