COURTESY OF NATASHA BAHRAMI
Natasha Bahrami, founder of Ginworld
Natasha Bahrami (namesake of the former Café Natasha, The Gin Room, Salve Osteria, and Grand Spirits Bottle Shop) almost singlehandedly put St. Louis on the gin map with the creation of Ginworld.
In 2016, during its second year, the gin festival became the largest of its kind in the United States. Today, the concept has expanded to five other cities (Washington DC, New York City, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Phoenix), with more pop-ups in the works.
In St. Louis, Ginworld spans a week of events, culminating in the main event. Here's a quick rundown of the menu of offerings:
Campari Loves Gin Cocktail Competition | September 12
Watch bartenders compete to see who makes the best Campari- and gin-based cocktail. (Cocktails will also be available to purchase.) Free admission. 5–10 p.m. Platypus, 4501 Manchester.
Gin & Spirit Tasting With Caviar
Indulge with gins, whiskeys, and caviar while learning from Henry Preiss of Preiss Imports and Henric Molin of Spirit of Hven. $35. 5–8 p.m. Grand Spirits Bottle Company, 3194 S. Grand.
Master Blind Tasting Seminar | September 14
Learn how to judge gin in this blind tasting. $20. Polite Society's Drawing Room, 1923 Park.
Martini v. Negroni | September 14
Ginworld hosts a Battle Royale that pits the two popular drinks against each other. Free admission, though register in advance. 5:30–9 p.m. The Golden Hoosier, 3707 S. Kingshighway.
Mexican Gin Seminar | September 15
Learn more about agave-based gins with Mezcal Vago operations manager Andres Cruz and Cinco Sentidos brand manager Carlos Martinez, who will lead a tasting of seven such gins. $20. Noon–2 p.m. The Lucky Accomplice, 2501 S. Jefferson.
Dinner With the Distillers | September 15
Salve Osteria's Matt Wynn serves up a six-course tasting dinner with curated cocktail pairings from a range of distillers. $130. 6 p.m. Salve Osteria, 3200 S. Grand.
Meet the Makers Panel | September 16
Hear a lively discussion among various distillers, brand reps, importers, and retailers about the state of the industry. Free admission, though register in advance. Noon–2 p.m. The Golden Hoosier, 3707 S. Kingshighway.
Mingle with the Makers Cocktail Party | September 16
After the panel discussion, socialize with gin producers, and enjoy gin-based cocktails. 6–10 p.m. Blood and Sand, 1500 St. Charles.
Perfect Serve Gin & Tonic | September 17
Choose from multiple brands of gin and several house-made tonics to create a personalized masterpiece. $5, register in advance. 6–9 p.m. The Gin Room, 3200 S. Grand.
Mingle With the Makers–Vermouth Edition | September 17
Meet four Vermouth producers (Bordiga, Liquore delle Sirene, Il Mallo, and Fred Jerbis), direct from Italy, to taste Vermouths and Amaros. $10. 6–9 p.m. Grand Spirits Bottle Company, 3194 S. Grand.
Gin Festival | September 18
Sample from more than 100 gins, and meet gin makers from around the globe. The spans both inside and outside, with live music and food trucks. 12:30–4 p.m. $45 general admission, which include two cocktail tickets. Majorette, 7150 Manchester.
