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We’re always on the lookout for cool events, especially those featuring good booze. So we were delighted to hear that Aussie gin brand Four Pillars (which just won a gold medal, no less!) is landing on the shelves of Bangkok speakeasies and cocktail bars this month.
To celebrate the Australian spirit’s grand introduction to the Bangkok bar scene, the founders of Four Pillars, Cameron Mackenzie and Stuart Gregor, are hosting two very intriguing events. First up is a “Meet the Makers Cocktail Party” at Thonglor’s Rabbithole on Feb. 23. Next, Four Pillars is paired with delectable dishes at a “Gin-stronomy” dinner at Quince on Feb. 24.
Photo: Four Pillars Facebook
The first reason not to miss out is the gin itself. Four Pillars Gin is an Australian gin distillery based in the Yarra Valley. You know, the valley best known for wine? Well, we predict that very soon this picturesque Australian region will be best known for gin.
Four Pillars made a name for itself in the global gin scene when its Rare Dry Gin was awarded a Double Gold medal at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco. It went on to win again in 2016. Talk about consistency!
The Rare Dry is a modern New World style of gin – plenty of juniper with the unique additions of indigenous Australian botanicals like lemon myrtle and Tasmanian pepper berries. You might detect some notes of citrus due to the addition of whole fresh oranges in the botanical basket. The taste is so fresh, with a couple sips you’ll feel like you’re frolicking in the Garden of Eden.
Photo: Four Pillars Facebook
Four Pillars also has something of a phenomenon on its hands with an Aussie riff on a Sloe Gin; a sweet, purple elixir that they call Bloody Shiraz Gin. Steeped for eight weeks with freshly picked Shiraz grapes, this near full strength gin is sweet and luscious. Bloody sexy, we’d say.
The second reason you’ll want to attend these events is a chance to rub elbows and clink glasses with the gin founders themselves. Cameron Mackenzie is the distiller, operations guru, educator, and, quite simply, the heart and soul of Four Pillars.
Before he became a crafter of spirits (and uplifter of gin–lovers’ spirits everywhere) Cam spent 15 years in the wine trade, making, selling, marketing and judging many of Australia’s best-known wine brands. You can bet he has good taste.
Photo: Cameron Mackenzie by Anson Smart (Four Pillars Facebook)
In true Aussie spirit, Cameron is also incredibly well rounded. He’s an Olympian, having run in the 4x400m at 1996 Games, before he started working with Stuart on an Olympic scholarship in 1998. But when he missed a spot in the 2000 Olympic team by one place, his career ran downhill. Stuart might have felt guilty ever since, but we can’t help but feel like there’s a reason for everything, especially when gin this good is involved.
If Cam is the heart and soul of Four Pillars, then Stuart is the voice. Stu spent 20 years in the drinks business, launching and promoting dozens of premium wine, spirits and beer brands. His business Liquid Ideas is one of Australia’s leading consumer lifestyle PR agencies and he’s President of the Australian Distillers Association. What a cocktail of experience. Stu also has a sensitive and sophisticated palate, making him Cameron’s chief collaborator when it comes to fine–tuning the gins.
At the two Four Pillars events, gin fanatics will have a chance to meet these two darlings of the craft gin industry as well as experience some unique and interesting ways to drink Four Pillars. What’s not to love? Nothing!
Meet The Makers Cocktail Party hosted by Four Pillars founders Cameron & Stuart
Where: Rabbit Hole, 125 Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor
When: 8pm onwards on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017
Price: THB350++ per drink or THB1,500++ for “5 Cocktail Set”
Reservations: rabbithole.bkk@gmail.com or call 098–969–1335
Four Pillars Gin–stronomy
Four courses of Quince’s finest seasonal cuisine matched with Four Pillars gin cocktails, hosted by Four Pillars founders Cameron & Stuart
Where: Quince, Sukhumvit Soi 45
When: 7pm onwards on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017
Price: THB3,000++
Reservations: eat@quincebangkok.com or call 02–662–4478
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