Tod Stewart’s second instalment of his series of “gin-nettes” that highlight notable gins and the events staged to promote them
A sultry twilight haze blanketed Toronto’s historic Casa Loma as the summer’s first “heat event” enveloped the city. I had originally planned to avail myself of public transit to make it to the venue (I never drive to events where drinks are being served, and in any case, driving in Toronto is treacherous even if you’re stone-cold sober), but ultimately decided against it. Being in close proximity to other sticky, sweaty bodies may hold a certain appeal in other circumstances, but being crammed into a bus alongside them wasn’t such a circumstance. So, ride-share it was.
Constructed in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt – and now owned by the City of Toronto – Casa Loma is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, visited by over 650,000 people each year. In 2014, Liberty Entertainment Group (LEG) was awarded the long-term lease of the property. Since then, it has become a premier spot for special events. It also houses BlueBlood Steakhouse, an acclaimed fine dining establishment serving an array of upscale surf-and-turf selections.
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A historic venue, a sunset concert, delicious food, and some inspired gin-based cocktails; even though I had to deal with the oppressive heat, how could I resist?
The Sunset Concerts at Casa Loma happen weekly, every Tuesday, with 12 nights of performances – including special guest appearances – taking place mid-June through the end of August. That the folks at Hendrick’s Gin (of Scottish origin) chose to team up with Liberty Entertainment Group to participate in these evening shows isn’t really surprising.
Dining al fresco in the Gardens Restaurant at Casa Loma during Summer Concert Series nights.
“The Summer Concert Series is a great partnership between Casa Loma and Hendricks because both sides share prestige and a long history,” says James Peden, Director of Operations for LEG. “Our goal at Casa Loma is to ensure our guests from all over the world are able to enjoy a night of music in a refined setting and have access to a food and beverage program that is as elevated, and the environment created by the castle.”
“The verdant gardens of Casa Loma bloom with a variety of exotic plants and flowers, creating a magical setting that transports visitors to a world of botanical wonder,” enthuses Karen Moody, National Brand Manager, Marketing, for Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd. (PMA), Hendrick’s Canada-wide representative. “It’s the perfect backdrop for the botanically infused delights of Hendrick’s. We imagined twilight garden parties with gin cocktails inspired by the mansion’s floral surroundings (garnishes all grown on site), where every sip of Hendrick’s in this beautiful setting invoked a taste of the extraordinary.”
Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks, visited by over 650,000 people each year.
Of course, the evening – headlined by The Trews Acoustic Trio, with YASSiN & Sean Terrio, Jackie Richardson, and The Cold Weather Captains (the latter fronted by Justin Di Donato, son of LEG President and CEO Nick Di Donato) – went off seamlessly but staging/coordinating something like this takes a bit of doing.
“Bringing this event to life required meticulous coordination and collaboration with skilled partners,” informs Catriona Delaney, Casa Loma’s general manager, tourism and operations. “From staging multiple artists with varying sound and technical needs, to accommodating talent while Casa Loma remains open to the public, the logistics are complex. Our outdoor al fresco dining at Gardens Restaurant, serving nearly 400 guests over three hours, and our premium bar setups further add to the challenge. We also keep a close eye on the weather, as the entire event unfolds outdoors.”
Delaney explains that key partners, such as Canada’s Walk of Fame and LOFT, coordinate the lineup of artists, while Seeing Red Media has introduced Indigenous talent to the stage this season, adding a special touch. Sponsors (like Hendrick’s Gin) “…elevate the experience with its Grand Cabaret Gin, creative bespoke cocktails and recipes, and elegant presentation, enhance the old-world glamour of the castle evening.”
Hendrick’s ‘Grand Cabaret’ Gin might not be for everyone.
A gin that’s ‘somewhat unusual’
As for the Hendrick’s gins I’ve tasted, the distillery claims (proudly I can only assume) of its Hendrick’s flagship gin, “It is not for everyone.” What makes it somewhat unusual is the infusion of cucumber and rose petal along with the more usual suspects (juniper, coriander, citrus peel, et al). I’ll come clean and admit that cucumber is one of my least appreciated things in life – it just doesn’t work for me – and I can pick its aroma a mile away. Interestingly, I didn’t detect any distinct cucumber notes in the Hendrick’s Gin. I did pick out distinct floral notes, grapefruit peel, and a mild wild herb nuance. Smooth, clean, and balanced in the mouth, with flavours leaning towards floral/citrus and mild juniper that persisted on the finish.
I mentioned that the above gin is the “flagship.” This is because Master Distiller Lesley Gracie is given ample opportunity to play around with a number of “limited edition” expressions, one being the aforementioned Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret. Only the (quite) fine print on the label indicates that it’s a gin, and if you’re after a classic London Dry style, well, this isn’t it. Sure, you’ll get a suggestion of juniper, but mostly what you will get is a nose bursting with ripe red berry fruit, rose petal, peach pit and fragrant herbs – all of which reappear in the mouth. Intense? Check. Aromatic and flavourful? Check. An unusual and enjoyable spirit? Check. A gin? Well, I’ll let you (probably happily) call that one.
– Tod Stewart is senior editor with VineRoutes
