Next week is a biggie on the cocktail calendar, with not one but two must-visit events. The first is Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) – where the international bar community converge in the German capital from 10-12 October for three days of education, inspiration and fun. The second is London Cocktail Week but more of that in a separate post.
So what’s the big deal about Berlin? Plenty as it happens. “With this year’s BCB we want to make up for what was not possible in this form in previous years,” says Petra Lassahn, Director of BCB (below). “We want to surprise, be bold and create unique experiences for our visitors – with amazing hotspots on site, guest shifts from top international bartenders, new discoveries, an exciting and diverse stage programme and much more.”
Exhibitors
Among the 516 exhibitors taking part, we want to big up Young Guns, where 16 up-and-coming companies, including newcomers Polly, Bertoni Organic Aged Gin, Producer Mezcal, Nohrlund Organic Cocktails & Long Drinks and Mala Peruviana, showcase their products. Be sure to pay them a visit.
Education, education, education
Spread over seven stages, including the Main Stage, Taste Forum and Liquid Stages, the programme comprises lectures and workshops by an impressive line-up of international speakers.
Check out Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne who will be talking about their brand new baby, The Pinnacle Guide, a Michelin star-style ranking system for bars, launching next year. Danil Nevsky will be sharing invaluable tips on how to become successful bartenders on a national and international level, while Jean Trinh from Alquímico in Colombia will introduce visitors to his sustainable concept #fromthebartothefarm, for which he was awarded the Altos Bartender’s Bartender award at The World’s 50 Best Bars.
Training
This year’s BCB partners Parkstreet University, WSET, the DBU and Ruben Neideck will also be part of the education programme. We like the sound of the Urban Gardening Area where you can learn more about plants and herbs. The Hotspot’s workshop programme is curated by Berlin bartender Ruben Neideck and illustrates the potential of bars that grow their own resources and address the issue of sustainability.
Guest shifts
As we mentioned earlier, the evenings will feature guest shifts by renowned bartenders such as Iain McPherson from Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, who be will warming things up at Kink on Sunday, followed by Jesse Vida from Cat Bite in Singapore on the Monday evening.
Gn Chan and the team from New York’s Double Chicken Please bar meets the Green Door Bar on Monday evening, while Jeffrey Morgenthaler mixes things up on Tuesday with The Busker Irish Whiskey. Berlin’s Wax On will open its doors for the BCB guest shifts on not just one but two evenings: kicking off on Monday with Super Lyan from Amsterdam, then the team from Alquímico in Colombia.
And to eat?
On Monday and Tuesday there’s a special food and drink pairing event at Barra featuring the delights of the team at Little Red Door in Paris, together with Fords Gin. See barraberlin.com for details and bookings.
