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Must visit: Auckland’s first East Imperial Gin Jubilee

Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world – Auckland has come up trumps in hosting the annual East Imperial Gin Jubilee for the first time in New Zealand from 27 February to 4 March.

After four successful jubilees in Southeast Asia, premium beverage maker East Imperial is set to unite New Zealand’s gin novices and aficionados for the first time.

As a celebration of all things gin, the festival will bring together the world’s finest gin brands with Auckland’s best bars and bartenders over five days.

Highlights include a citywide ‘Best Gin & Tonic’ competition between 33 local bars, master classes and a Gin Ramble bar trail.

Keep your phone handy to capture the best ‘Ginstagram’ (with the winner receiving a year’s supply of East Imperial), and be sure to head to Gypsy Caravan on 4 March for the legendary Gin Lane closing street party for pop-up bars and gin aplenty.

East Imperial co-founder Tony Burt says there is a growing interest in cocktail culture in New Zealand.

“We are delighted to be bringing the festivities to Auckland this year, and look forward to celebrating and spreading the love for all things gin and tonic,” he says.

The Gin Lane party is free for all to attend, and guests can take the opportunity to try out some of the competing bars’ gin creations for $10 per drink.

Check out the full list of participating bars below and see the official event schedule here.

East Imperial Gin Jubilee

27 February – 4 March 2017

ginjubilee.com

Auckland participating bars and bartenders

The 33 participating bars and bartenders who will be mixing up gin & tonics for the competition include:

46 & York – Felix Rhodes

69 – Sabastion Smith

1885 – Carl Shadbolt

Azabu – Kula Watcharawanne

Beirut – Anton Baylon

Britomart Country Club – Rene Schwiesselmann

Cassia – Pratek Arora

Chai Lounge – Sammy Akuthota

Clooney – Yusuke Sakabe

Devon on the Wharf – Sameer Galav

Fukuko – Jonny Park

Golden Dawn – Haans Mayer

Gypsy Caravan – Marian Deroche

Madame George – Jonny Almario

Mea Culpa – Jeremy

Moo Chow Chow – Oscar Lods

Mr Toms – Shota Takee

Oaken – Dan King

Ostro – Bence Harangozo

Paris Butter – James Collyer

Pineapple – Elliot Temm

Pocket Bar – Damien McDowell

Red Bar – Campbell Bond

Revelry – Melanie Sicard

Caretaker – Dan Robertson

The Corner – Remuera – Kamran Tee – Boon

The Gin Room – Cameron Attfield

The Jefferson – Sam Wilson

Tiny Triumphs – Matt McCrae

Woodpecker Hill – Calypso Kulasegram

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