Drinks brands have some tales to tell

DRINKS brands are gearing up for cocktail event Tales on Tour in Scotland’s capital next month.

The touring arm of international bartending festival Tales of the Cocktail, Tales on Tour takes place from April 7 to 10.

Drinks distributor Hi-Spirits is set to return to the four-day festival, with Southern Comfort, Buffalo Trace, and Fernet-Branca – all of which are distributed by Hi-Spirits in the UK – hosting various events throughout the city from April 8 to 10.

Bacardi and Bacardi-owned Bombay Sapphire, meanwhile, will also be present, as well as Aperitivo, and will host seminars covering various cocktail-related topics.

Dan Bolton of Hi-Spirits, which will bring a group of bartenders to the event, said: “We believe it’s right to recognise the contribution that the Edinburgh bar scene makes to the city and the wider bar community.

“In 2017, Tales in Edinburgh was very successful in bringing together bartenders from across the UK and around the world.

“We want to help ensure that continues this year, putting the focus on giving bartenders the opportunity to develop their knowledge, as well as to network with colleagues.”

Based in The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square, Tales on Tour will include various seminars covering the “techniques, history and business of making drinks”.

They will cover subjects as diverse as the impact of grain on whisky flavour; how to embrace diversity and inclusion in your staff and customer base; and choosing the right music for a venue.

In addition to the seminars there will also be a wide range of masterclasses and bar takeovers in various venues across the city.

The full event schedule can be found at talesofthecocktail.com.