We’ve adapted a lot over the last few months (years!) to online events as much as in person. Both have their advantages – in person, you get to go out with friends, maybe make new ones. You get to chat, socialise, dress up a bit. Online you can do all of the above – sometimes chatting in person, sometimes typing instead, but you can also skip the dressing up and do stuff in your slobbies. You know, your PJs, that scruffy pair of trackie bottoms that are just a little to scruffy to wear outside the house (bleach stain from cleaning/food stain/not sure what stain, holey, ratty, but comfy.
It’s one of the reasons why I’m still happy to book regular things online. To rush home from work or the gym, grab my laptop and settle on the sofa for a couple of hours. Be comfortable, be relaxed, not have to worry about a bus/tram/taxi home.
The latest of these at home events was with Master of Malt and Hendrick’s Gin with their Air Bundle. They were hosting a phygital flight (I see what you did there) complete with boarding pass, gins, serve recipes and teacups for serving them in. Hosted online on 30 September, I had my kit, I set up the morning before (I like to be prepared before I fly), and rushed home, post gym to imbibe along with fellow gin lovers, hosted by Dr Chambers, a talking cucumber.
I say I rushed, and I was, but whilst I was rushing, the traffic wasn’t. As a result I was a little late, so I missed the beginning and Dr Chambers’ introduction. But ever the professional, I endeavoured to catch up.
The gins featured were the original Hendrick’s – made using a Carter head still, where the majority of the botanicals are held for distillation, essences of rose and cucumber added afterwards, and a more recent addition, their Lunar Gin. The latter features botanicals said to be inspired by an evening in the hot house. Whereas the classic Hendricks is cool and floral, the Lunar Gin, is soft and warm, with hints of green pepper and jasmine.
We were also graced by the fabulous Lesley Gracie on screen, taking us through the distillation process, showing us the still itself (I do love a little bit of still ogling), and featured a quiz on, well mostly cucumbers. Did you know there are three types of cucumber, slicing, pickling, and burpless/seedless? Educational as well as libational.
We were also ably guided through our cocktail making by our air steward on this gin laden flight, including the celestial spritz featuring the Lunar Gin, tonic and a little sparkling wine, (Prosecco works really well for this), and cucumber lemonade featuring the classic Hendrick’s Gin (you want a good somewhat sharp cloudy lemonade for this one).
Whilst I may not have won the quiz (my knowledge on cucumber varieties simply isn’t strong enough), it was still a fabulous evening of gin, behind the scenes looks, and everything you could ever want to know about cucumbers. I consider myself considerably more educated on the subject of said green fruit.
Whilst I’m not sure when the next air experience will be, you can snaffle both the classic profile, and the Lunar Gin, on Master of Malt.