Award-winning distillers at Manchester Gin want to break a world record this month. It’s Stay Home Gin Tasting event has proved popular since lockdown began with almost 500 participants from around the country.
After its first sell-out virtual tastings, Manchester Gin has decided to attempt to break the World Record for the World’s Biggest Gin Tasting, which currently stands at a total of 796 drinkers. In addition to bringing together hundreds of gin-lovers at a time when being together is particularly difficult, the distillery will donate 20% of profits from sales of its Stay Home Tasting Set to The Big Change MCR, who are providing direct support to vulnerable homeless people during the pandemic.
The one-hour “Stay Home” tasting experience will be live streamed on Manchester Gin’s social channels on Saturday 30th May at 8pm for gin-lovers to tune in and learn about the process and botanicals behind the internationally recognised range. Founders and Master Distillers, Seb Heeley and Jen Wiggins, will lead the tasting, which gives viewers an insight into the brand’s history and its award-winning products.
To partake in the tasting, the Ultimate Stay Home Gin Tasting Experience set can be purchased from Manchester Gin’s website for £40, with 20% of all profits being donated to Big Change MCR, which aims to tackle homelessness in Greater Manchester. The set includes four 50ml bottles of gin, four perfectly paired tonics, and two custom Manchester Gin glasses. The set has a retail value of £48 and includes enough for two people to join in with the tasting – or simply to enjoy four delicious double G&Ts.
For those who already have a healthy selection of the Manchester Gin range, the live stream can be accessed for free, and viewers will be able to submit questions about their favourite gins, the perfect pairings and cocktail ideas.
Since opening its public distillery in September last year, Manchester Gin has welcomed thousands of people through its doors to drink, dine and distil in its impressive Grade-II* listed arches in the heart of Manchester. The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, home to Manchester Gin and premium cocktail bar and restaurant Three Little Words, is rated the ‘Number One Thing to Do in Manchester’ on TripAdvisor after just six short months launching due to its immersive guided tours and gin-making classes.
Manchester Gin is also producing hand sanitiser for frontline services and other businesses in an effort to play a small part in the nationwide effort to fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. NHS and frontline services can purchase sanitiser at cost, and other commercial businesses can purchase it by contacting the distillery.
As a thank you to those on the frontline, Manchester Gin are also offering 20% off online orders to NHS staff and key workers and have created the “Gin Lockdown Package”, which includes three full size bottles of Manchester Gin, or Manchester Spirit Vodka, along with six paired tonics for just £95. Free delivery is available across the site on orders over £30.
To receive the tasting set in time, customers must order by Sunday 24th May as the live stream will take place on Facebook and Instagram at 8pm on Saturday 30th May.
Jen Wiggins, Manchester Gin founder and Master Distiller said, “Our Stay Home Tastings began as a bit of fun and a way to adapt in a way that meant we could still interact with our customers during lockdown. We decided that we would host our virtual gin tastings virtually to help to ward off some boredom and to also bring people together for a night of G&Ts at a time when it’s impossible to actually be together. After our first two tastings sold and given the overwhelmingly positive response we have received, we hope that gin-lovers across the country will join forces to help us achieve this World Record attempt.
“Unfortunately, staying home to protect our NHS and save lives isn’t a luxury that everyone has. Homelessness is a huge issue in Manchester and these people are unable to social distance and protect themselves. To help to our city’s homeless community, we have decided to donate 20% of profits from our World Record attempt tasting to Big Change MCR, which helps individuals build a new life away from the streets.
“We hope that people across Manchester and the rest of the UK will join us to raise glass, have some fun and help fight homelessness.”
You can pucrchase the Ultimate Stay Home Drinking Experience here: www.manchestergin.co.uk/product/pre-order-the-ultimate-stay-home-gin-tasting-experience-for-two.