Tequila’s complex sibling, mezcal is finally beginning to receive the attention it deserves.
Tying in with London Mezcal Week, taking place later this month, The Bloomsbury Club Bar at The Bloomsbury Hotel,on Great Russell Street, will celebrate by adding 30 varieties of mezcal to their drinks list; making it one of Europe’s largest mezcal collections.
A traditional Mexican liquor, mezcal is distilled using the agave plant’s heart (piña), which is cooked and aged. Made from over 30 varying agave species and hand-crafted by small-scale family businesses, mezcal has become a celebrated artisanal spirit – initially named ‘the elixir of the gods’, given the fact agave was one of the most sacred plants in pre-Spanish Mexico.
Between 11th-24th September, The Bloomsbury Club Bar will transform into a rustic Mexican Mexcaleria for London Mezcal Week. In collaboration with Eduardo Gomes – founder and director of London’s Tequila & Mezcal Festivals – the bar’s 30-strong mezcal selection will be served with salt and a slice of citrus fruit. Highlights include Amores Espadin, from Oaxaca; Bruxo No.1, and Mezcales de Leyenda, both from Durango.
Elsewhere, an assortment of mezcal gins will also be available, plus a selection of specially-designed mezcal cocktails. These include drinks such as an ‘Espresso Mezcaltini’ (Dangerous Don coffee-infused mezcal, espresso, gomme); ‘Megroni’ (Burrito Fiestero, Campari, Cocchi Torino) – a rich and smokey take on the classic Negroni; or ‘Mezcal Martinez’ (Quiquiriqui, Byrrh, Cocchi Americano, Maraschino Liqueur, Peyshaud Bitters).
Speaking on the event, The Bloomsbury Club Bar Manager Brian Calleja said: “It’s great to see a rise in the popularity of this fantastic spirit so we can’t wait to be part of London’s first Mezcal Week. It is so exciting to be offering Europe’s largest collection of Mezcal at The Bloomsbury Club Bar and I hope we introduce lots of our guests to their new favourite drink!”
Further information can be found at doylecollection.com. London Mezcal Week 2017 will take place between 11th-17th September.
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