MASTERCLASSES
MASTERCLASSES AT JUNIPLAOOZA 2023
This year, we’ve got two styles of masterclasses at Junipalooza!
Prepare yourself for "Cocktail Clash" tutored tastings themed around iconic drinks! These aren't just any tasting sessions, but a deep dive into the history and evolution of some of your favourite cocktails, with side by side comparisons...
These are sample driven, 30 minutes and hosted by Olivier Ward.
The second type of masterclass will be held as a panel talk. Olivier will be joined by two or three distillers each session who will share their first hand experience and insight into the subject matter. These are slightly longer, around 45 mins and take on as much of a trade angle (particularly on Sunday) as they do added context for the discerning drinker.
All these thought-provoking talks & tastings are FREE to attend!
Friday:
6.30 - The Margarita vs Gin Daisy
7.15 - Gin vs. Tequila: A Spirited Dialogue
8.15 - Trend Tides: Celebrity Endorsements and Flavour Infusions
9.00 - Equal parts everything
Saturday:
12.30 – Red Snapper vs Bloody Maria
1.15 - Gin vs. Tequila: A Spirited Dialogue
2.15 - "Beyond Tequila" - Mezcal, Sotol and Raicilla
3.00 - The Margarita vs Gin Daisy
5.30 - The Margarita vs Gin Daisy
6.15 - Terroir Talks: A deep dive into the home provenance and regionality of agave
7.15 - Trend Tides: Celebrity Endorsements and Flavour Infusions
8.00 - Equal parts everything
Sunday:
1.00 - Crafting Sustainability: A New Era for Gin Production
2.00 - Crafting Ranges: The Business of building a distillery offering
3.00 - Crafting the Future: Brand Evolution in the Age of Global Opportunities
Cocktail Clash: The Margarita vs Gin Daisy
(Friday 6.30pm)
Welcome to the ultimate showdown: the Margarita vs. the Gin Daisy, a captivating, tutored tasting that will immerse you in the fascinating world of these two deceptively similar yet distinct cocktails.
While the Margarita is synonymous with Tequila, and the Gin Daisy is, of course, gin-based, these two classics share more in common than just a recipe...
In this tasting, we'll delve deep into the history and evolution of both cocktails, revealing their commonalities and unique features. We’ll guide you through the preparation of each drink, and discuss the subtle yet significant differences between the Margarita and Gin Daisy, as we explore the interplay of citrus, sweetness, and spirit in these two iconic libations.
All while tasting them of course!
Cocktail Clash: Red Snapper vs. Bloody Maria
(Saturday 12.30)
Step right up to our tutored tasting and Cocktail Clash: Red Snapper vs. Bloody Maria!
This interactive tasting session will take you on an exploration of two brunch-time favourites. The Red Snapper, a gin-based cousin of the Bloody Mary, offers a sophisticated twist to the classic, while the Bloody Maria infuses the traditional brunch cocktail with a touch of Agave spirit for a spicy and robust profile. Though both drinks share similar base ingredients, the spirits used give them each a distinct character and complexity.
In this session, we'll unravel the histories of these beloved cocktails, discuss the optimal choice of ingredients, and demonstrate how to craft them to perfection.
Join us and broaden your understanding and appreciation of these drinks as we taste a few!
Equal parts everything
(Saturday 8.00pm)
Get ready to experience a riveting journey through the world of the Negroni in our tutored tasting. We’ll look at the transformative nature of the Negroni, going from Gin to Mezcal.
This session is tailored to all cocktail enthusiasts who are eager to explore the versatility and adaptability of the classic Negroni cocktail.
The Negroni, with its signature balance of sweet, bitter and strong elements, has long been a staple in the gin cocktail repertoire. However, in this tasting, we're taking this iconic cocktail to new, exciting territories by introducing Mezcal, the smoky and complex spirit from Mexico, into the mix.
Join us and taste along as we’re sure you’ll be amazed at the full scope of what the Negroni has to offer.
Terroir Talks: A deep dive into the home provenance and regionality of agave (Saturday 6.15pm)
The influence of terroir has long been understood in the wine world, but is a relatively new topic in the tequila world. Join Tequila Ocho Global Brand Ambassador Jesse Estes and SinGusano's Jon Darby for an exploration what provenance and terroir means to Agave producers, and how to look at it holistically.
In this inspiring talk, they'll not only explore the effect the soil has on agave, and the way the variance in wild yeast impacts flavour but they'll make a case for how community, process and tradition play as important a part in influencing the micro regions of Tequila & Mezcal.
Aimed at Tequila and Mezcal lovers, this is one not to miss, but for the gin drinkers thinking about what to attend - this will be as eye opening and impassioned as you'll find so if you are looking for an "in" to understand what agave spirits are all about - THIS IS YOUR CHANCE.
Gin vs. Tequila: A Spirited Dialogue
(Friday 7.15pm & Saturday 1.15pm)
Calling all spirit enthusiasts! Get ready for an epic showdown at Junipalooza's Gin vs. Tequila Panel Talk! Join us as we explore the fascinating world of these two iconic spirits and uncover what they can learn from each other.
In this 30-minute talk, we'll delve into the premiumisation of both categories, discuss how producers build their ranges, and examine the shared ideals around authenticity and provenance, as well as how each are trying to operationalise sustainability throughout their businesses.
Let's celebrate the rich heritage that makes each spirit unique while discovering ways to elevate each other! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge and appreciation for both gin and tequila. Reserve your spot now and join us for an unforgettable masterclass that will leave you thirsty for more!
Trend Tides: Celebrity Endorsements and Flavour Infusions in Gin and Tequila (Saturday 7.15pm)
This thought-provoking dialogue invites you to delve deep into the fascinating universes of these two beloved spirits.
We'll be tackling head-on the hotly debated issues of flavoured tequila and celebrity endorsements, examining the risks and rewards that these trends pose. Explore how Agave spirits can draw lessons from the gin industry to navigate the path of sustained relevance and avoid becoming a transient craze.
Conversely, we'll also dig into how gin can borrow a leaf from the allure and glamour that celebrity involvement has infused into tequila's narrative, while also being wary of the potential pitfalls that accompany such endorsement.
In this panel talk, be prepared to challenge your preconceptions, broaden your understanding, and gain new insights into the dynamic landscapes of gin and tequila.
Whether you're a casual enthusiast or a spirits connoisseur, this discussion promises to engage, enlighten, and inspire. See you there!
Crafting Sustainability: A New Era for Gin Production
(Sunday 1.00pm)
Join us for a compelling panel talk at Junipalooza, where we will dive deep into the crucial topic of sustainability in gin production. This enlightening discussion will cover a comprehensive spectrum of eco-conscious practices, from what sustainable glass is (if it is), responsible sourcing of botanicals to energy-efficient distillation processes and proactive carbon footprint management.
We will delve into the pioneering strategies distilleries are implementing to minimize their environmental impact and explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the journey towards more sustainable gin production. This panel talk will provide attendees with a greater understanding of the environmental implications of gin production and the role they can play in supporting more sustainable practices.
This is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the interplay between spirits production and sustainability.
Crafting Collections: The Art and Business of Building a Distillery offering (Sunday 2.00pm)
Join us at Junipalooza for an engaging panel talk that uncovers the intricate process of building a gin range. This discussion will provide insight into the delicate balance producers must strike between flavour innovation and commercial realities.
We'll delve into how producers are adapting their strategies amidst market contraction and the thoughtful evaluation that goes into determining the purpose of each bottle within a range.
As we explore the creative and commercial dimensions of gin production, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and strategy that goes into crafting a successful gin range. This panel talk is an exciting opportunity to better understand the behind-the-scenes decision-making that influences the gins you know and love.
Crafting the Future: Brand Evolution in the Age of AI and Global Opportunities (Sunday 3.00pm)
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of gin branding at Junipalooza's enlightening panel talk about brand evolution. As brands continually evolve to stay relevant and competitive, we'll delve into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
This discussion will focus on how producers are grappling with emerging technologies like AI and what it means to their marketing, mitigating waning interest in the UK market, and leveraging opportunities abroad to expand their reach.
Our panel of industry experts will share their experiences and insights, shedding light on the strategies they employ to adapt their brands to the ever-changing landscape. This conversation will offer valuable perspectives on the intersection of tradition and innovation in the gin industry.
Whether you're a gin lover, an industry professional, or just curious about the business of spirits, this discussion offers a fascinating exploration of the future of gin branding.