With summer months being peak travel season, I tend to stay home here in Vancouver to avoid the crowds and ridiculous airfare/hotel prices that usually cost an arm and a leg (or a kidney even). That said, I absolutely love attending local events and festivals during this time of year.
On August 2nd, Hendrick’s Gin debuted its first ever hot air balloon – the 65-foot A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R. (Amazing, Whimsical, Enchanting, Voyaging, Astounding, Nocturnal, Ascending, Interstellar Roamer). The celebration extended over a period of two days taking place at the Vancouver Art Gallery. While this commemoration was open to public, only VIPs were awarded a chance to ride the spectacle. Thanks to the team over at Alchemysts Inc., I was lucky enough to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Without further ado, let the festivities be-gin!
A Little About Hendrick’s Gin
For those unfamiliar with Hendrick’s Gin, it is a Scottish brand first introduced in 1999. Its gins are traditionally infused with juniper, which is a special class of coniferous tree found predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere. Fast forward a few years since its launch, master distiller Lesley Gracey began experimenting with Bulgarian roses and cucumbers. Thus came the creation of Hendrick’s Gin’s signature “curious, yet marvellous” taste.
Gin Cocktails
I think we can all agree that the most common way to enjoy gin is to add a splash of tonic water and lime. (I mean… If college has taught me anything, it’s to make a mean gin and tonic.) But of course, there are so many other recipes beyond just this classic highball.
On a hot summery day, try these following refreshing flavors:
Don’t worry. The list doesn’t just end there. If you’re looking to wow guests at your next party, Hendrick’s Gin has an in-depth guide to all gin cocktails with complete recipes on their site here.
Taking Off with A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R.
As mentioned above, only VIPs holding a golden ticket are permitted to ride the 65-foot hot air balloon. In order to win a ticket, guests could either enter in a draw at participating restaurants by ordering a Hendrick’s Gin drink, or they could enter in the draw on the day of.
And that concludes my little recap of the amazing A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R. launch. Now I’m not sure whether or not this event will return again next year. However, I did want to go back to my old blog days of simply documenting special experiences rather than always curating travel guides. Hope you guys enjoyed today’s post and I’ll see you next time!
Love the hot air balloon and the costumes. And I do like the sound of some of the gin cocktails which I would love to try, in particular flora dora and summer punch. Sounds like you had an ‘unusually curious’ experience!
Hahaha you bet I did! 😀
That is one fantastic way of promoting Gin and totally loving the costumes. Its lunchtime here in London, so I am wondering now if I should have a Gin and Tonic with my lunch! 🙂
Well, it’s always gin o’clock somewhere 😉
How fun and unusual! I had not heard of this type of gin (I’m more of a Vodka girl) but I’m impressed with its visuals for sure. And paired with those macarons, yes please! I would have had to try my hardest to win a spot on that balloon. That is still an unfulfilled bucket list item for me. Oh and like you, I avoid traveling very much in the summer. Too hot, too many people, too expensive!
It was actually my first time trying Hendrick’s Gin as I’m not much of a gin type gal myself either (until I met my boyfriend because he loves it!) And ughhh I know… Summer travels are tough!
I am so jealous…Cocktails made of Hendricks Gin, fun foods to eat and a free hot air balloon ride….yeah, you stink. But seriously I have it on my bucket list to ride in a hot air balloon and originally I wanted to ride in Myanmar over the temples or in Cappadoccia, Turkey over the hidden caves & mounds. But now I am like I will ride in a A.W.E.V.A.N.A.I.R. ANYWHERE! I love alliteration. SO did you love it, love all the Amelia Earhart style costumes too…Best times are sometimes just in your own backyard!
Omg I’ve been DYING to fly over Cappadocia myself. Over the temples in Myanmar sounds amazing too. But I definitely loved the experience with Hendrick’s Gin. We didn’t take off anywhere too far to be honest, but it’s something I’ll never forget 🙂
It was interesting to learn that gins are infused with juniper. 65-foot hot air balloon…that’s huge! So it was tons of fun, then, being invited. The macaron picture my favorite, for some strange reason. 🙂
It was my first time learning so much about gin and I for sure had a blast!
What a fun event! I love how everyone is dressed up and the event’s decor is so much fun! Definitely makes for some fun photo-ops. That hot air balloon is HUGE too!!!!
Right!? I didn’t expect it as it was my first time riding one XDD
Gin is very trendy at the moment, there are so many new brands but Hendricks has been around a while. I used to love a gin and tonic and wish my palate could recognise the different flavours. I hope next time I get to ride in a hot air balloon!
I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for a Hendrick’s Gin event to come near you, Delphine 😀
What a cool experience! When I was a kid, one of my dad’s favorite things to make at the end of the day was a gin and tonic. To this day, it’s still one of my favorite cocktails to have on a hot afternoon or a warm summer night.
Aww that sounds like such an awesome memory and a gin and tonic is just perfect for a warm summery night!
This looks like such a cool event to attend! I like gin and it’s become so popular in the U.K. over the last few years. I visited the Bombay Sapphire Distillery last year and it was really interesting to learn more about how the gin is made with ingredients like juniper. The costumes and balloon looked fantastic!
Oh how fu! I actually never knew gin was made with juniper until attending this event. The costumes were one of my favorite things about the event and all of the actors were so in character too. It was amazing 🙂
What a fun experience! I’d sure love to try the cucumber lemonade gin cocktail. That sounds right up my alley!
Sounds like you’ll have to pick up a bottle of Hendrick’s Gin then 😉