This one time, at the House of William Grant…
That statement alone is loaded with intrigue as we dive into the heart of some of the greatest party moments in preparation for Sydney Bar Week.
We invited the bartending community, our friends and fellow chaperones of the night, to bring you the real stories from the House of William Grant (unfortunately we’ve had to edit some stories down for print). Perhaps you were there and you remember these moments, or perhaps you needed the prompting. We want this trip down memory lane to excite and entice you to join us, the team from Monkey Shoulder, Hendrick’s Gin, Glenfiddich, Sailor Jerry, The Balvenie, and De Kuyper, as we bring you a long overdue night of debauchery and live production.
“This one time, at the House of William Grant… A bunch of Darwin bartenders travelled together for their first Bar Week in 2017. The House of William Grant party was an incredible experience, bringing the industry together in one room, and made for one of the most memorable trips.
There was a surprise at every corner, from traditional Scottish bagpipers, to live music, DJs and a pumping dancefloor. Each brand ambassador set up a unique station, and the atmosphere was incredible.
“This one time, at the House of William Grant… There was this Monkey Shoulder activation, where the brand ambassador was a preacher giving a sermon. He had a whole congregation of gospel singers behind him, and was distributing ‘Monkey Dollars’ with a money gun. It was wild!”
We drank Sailor Jerry and juice, Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioneds poured directly (*our lawyers suggested we redact this comment). There were Glenfiddich flights and Balvenie straight from the cask. But it took itself to the next level where we were pushing each other into the barley pit (like a ball pit, but filled with barley). I think I’m still finding barley in my jacket pockets five years later.”
“This one time, at the House of William Grant… We made barley angels and had some questionable photos taken. Specifically the ‘creepy’ nurses with cucumber ‘medical tools’ at the Hendrick’s activation. Fantastic!”
“This one time, at the House of William Grant… There was this Monkey Shoulder activation, where the brand ambassador was a preacher giving a sermon. He had a whole congregation of gospel singers behind him, and was distributing ‘Monkey Dollars’ with a money gun. It was wild!”
“This one time, at the House of William Grant… There was a Hendrick’s activation. They sat you down, gave you noise cancelling headphones and blindfolded you. Then began a sensory experience focussed on the cucumber and martinis. We didn’t know what to expect. There was a lot of nervous laughter between us as cucumbers poked us and martinis were paraded in front of our faces. I would never have expected something like that… although it is Hendrick’s Gin, it’s defiantly ‘unusual’.”
“This one time, at the House of William Grant… I won a trip to Mexico! There was an arcade competition at the party. I button-mashed my way to the finals and even won a round driving on Daytona. I didn’t even have a license at the time.”
“This one time, at the House of William Grant… We rocked the bar for the Willy G’s party. Everyone partied so hard, we had to close the party early due to noise complaints. We just took the party back to Ramblin’ Rascals for the kick on until the sun came up.”
House of William Grant has been a regular event at Sydney Bar Week for six years now. A mainstay, that’s grown and evolved, outdoing itself year on year. Each year this event gets bigger and bolder. The brand ambassadors from William Grant & Sons work solidly for six months, envisaging a creative space to shake loose, cut sick, and enjoy ourselves. All your favourites will be there and you can count on quality drinks being provided from our brands. We’ve certainly got some surprises in store for you this year!
As it’s been two years of patience through lockdowns, this year’s party is particularly special: One where we throw open our doors to celebrate bartenders and the bartending community. We want to invite you all down to our house, to share with you ‘the greatest house party ever’. Turn on, tune in, and drop by for the memories!
If you have a memorable moment that you want to share with everyone, send us an email and we’ll post these memories via social media in the lead up. Email Mike.lowe@wgrant.com or Ross.blainey@wgrant.com
House of William Grant is a free event for bartenders during Sydney Bar Week. RSVP early to stay up to date on what to expect. As this is an open invitation, we cannot reserve your place. It’s first come first served, so turn up at 7pm for entry.
WHERE: Kinselas, 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst
WHEN: 7-11pm, Monday 5th September
RSVP: rsvp@rockstar.net.au
Sydney Bar Week 2022
This event is part of the 5-day Sydney Bar Week line-up (3-7 September).
WHERE: Kinselas, 383 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst
WHEN: 7-11pm, Monday 5th September
RSVP: rsvp@rockstar.net.au
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