| 30 April 2015

Gin Guild Seminar

The London Transport Museum
Convent Garden

Email: events@theginguild.com
Web: http://www.ginposium.com

Some of the world’s most respected personalities and experts from the drinks and gin trade are joining forces for the second annual Ginposium seminar this April, to share their knowledge and expertise on all things gin.

Reflecting The Gin Guild’s aim to promote excellence in gin and connect those in the industry, ‘Ginposium’ is an advanced, must-attend annual seminar hosted by The Gin Guild working with Heriot-Watt University’s International Centre of Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), the celebrated teaching and research facility based on a partnership between industry and academics.

The event is aimed at the trade, and will include technical elements. It will cover a range of detailed topics, including distilling your own base spirit, the importance of brand ambassadorship and factors that can affect flavour and aroma damage of the spirit once in bottle. An impressive panel of guest speakers will present throughout the day.

Professor Alex Speers of Heriot-Watt University will give an introductory session on sensory evaluation. Industry experts Rachel Rees of Campden BRI, Mark Gamble of Union Distillers (distillers of Two Birds), Dr Anne Brock from Bermondsey Distillery (distillers of Jensen’s) and Nik Fordham, Bombay Sapphire Master Distiller, are just a few of the big names who will be on-hand to present their knowledge of gin before taking questions from the audience.

Director of The Gin Guild, Nicholas Cook said: “This year’s Ginposium promises to be another unique and informative event which will provide attendees with in-depth knowledge and expertise on a range of gin topics, covered by a selection of speakers who are highly regarded in their field. As an industry association that looks after the interests of the gin category, we are delighted once again to be able to bring so many gin experts together under one roof to host this compelling event”. 

Alex Speers, Heriot-Watt Professor of Brewing and Distilling added: "We are pleased to be able to participate in this advanced seminar with The Gin Guild for the second year running. With the resurgence of gin more prominent than ever, there is so much ground to cover. Attendees will benefit from the diverse and interactive programme which addresses a wide topic range, from marketing gin to distilling methods and of course, some tastings to illustrate and lighten the load.”

The event will be held at The London Transport Museum in Convent Garden from 09.00 to 18.00 on Thursday, 30 April.  Tickets are priced at £90 plus VAT or at a discounted rate of £75 plus VAT for Gin Guild members (or distilling students, on production of a valid student card). For more information please visit www.ginposium.com or email events@theginguild.com .

The seminar will cover a wide range of topics including:

• Factors which can affect flavour and aroma damage in a bottle
• Water: fuss over nothing? – looking at how water sources make a difference in a distilled product
• Grain to glass: the benefits of distilling your own base spirit
• Brand Ambassadorship: the cornerstone of modern brand development
• Two tutored tasting of gins lead by David Smith, Summer Fruit Cup
• The issue of Artisan/Craft claims. Michael Vachon (Maverick Drinks)
• Designing a sensory panel and avoiding bias – the basics
• Concentrate and focus, One shot or not? – a look at how gin is affected by the different production processes
• Destination Distilling – the why and the how of Bombay Sapphire’s stunning Laverstoke Distillery.

The Gin Guild was set up in 2012 to promote and encourage commitment to excellence in gin distillation and industry custodianship of the spirit category. For more information please visit www.theginguild.com