It’s an exciting time of year when The Plus Ones hear of the new Project Botanicals popup by Bombay Sapphire Gin. After all, we have been attending these parties for over 4 years and love to see how they have evolved.
In 2016, we experienced 10 different cocktails matched to 10 delicious menu items from the team at Taxi Kitchen, while mixing our own perfumes and listening to a special mix by none other than Yolanda Be Cool. Back in 2014 we even got to pose with the biggest bottle of Bombay we had ever seen while enjoying some fresh takes on classic gin cocktails in a very special converted warehouse.
This year, Project Botanicals once again paid homage to the botanicals they source from across the globe. Some of our favourite bars from across Australia teamed up to bring their own special cocktail to thirsty gin lovers, including Melbourne’s own Union Electric. Other bars showing us what they could do included Mjolner, The Barber Shop and Bar Moncur.
During the tasting experience, we strolled through sensory destinations representing Bombay Sapphire botanical locations across the world, tasting cocktails and food based on the botanicals home country. Each space featured huge, 360-degree projections designed by Sam Price, which swirled around the walls in time to a soundtrack by Ta-Ku.
In the volcano lined Java bar, we tried a fruity punch in bamboo cups before making our way to a Moroccan themed teahouse. We loved the mini-tagines with couscous (with eggplant for the vegetarians). Next up was the Chinese inspired bar, which had a little theatrics. As we passed our drink tickets to a hidden figure behind a curtain, receiving a little spring roll and tasty cocktail as a prize.
Our favourite room was the Spanish lemon grove, symbolising the lemon peel that is sourced from Spain. The tiny, plump yellow cheesecakes shaped like fallen fruit were quickly nibbled up and washed down with a very tart cocktail by Mjolner.
We are looking forward to seeing what Bombay Sapphire does for Project Botanicals next year – it’s always a delicious experience.
– Tomas
Tomas Zagoda is a filmmaker, writer, coffee addict and tall person who does not play basketball. You can follow him on your social media channel of choice @TomasZagoda.
Project Botanicals runs in Melbourne from 23-26th November 2017. Tickets are $40+bf and include four matched cocktails and nibbles.
The venues are partially accessible.
