A little taste of island life has arrived in the city this spring. Auckland’s highest rooftop bar, Bar Albert, teams up with Waiheke Distilling Co. for a new series of spirit and food pairing experiences.
Launching this Sunday 18th, ‘Waiheke Paired’ brings the distillery-door experience to the heart of Auckland, inviting guests to discover a selection of premium locally crafted gins and vodkas, each thoughtfully paired with a dish created by the Bar Albert kitchen.
Hosted by Tanya Walshe of Waiheke Distilling Co., the guided tasting takes guests through six spirits, including three gins and three vodkas, each served with a complementary soda or tonic. Along the way, Tanya shares the stories, botanicals and inspiration behind each pour, all while guests enjoy the spectacular rooftop views.
The specially curated menu includes beetroot and apple cured salmon paired with 12 Tides, snapper tataki with Spirit of Waiheke, orange-glazed duck breast with Kawakawa Summer and horopito cured venison with Horopito Spice. For something sweet, Red Ruby is matched with chocolate and cherry sorbet, before the experience finishes with Bar Albert Gin & tonic alongside Tête de Moine, celeriac and apple choux croûte.
A grazing station will also be available throughout the afternoon, with guests taking home a Waiheke Distilling Co. miniature gift pack.
“Every one of our spirits is made to be shared and talked about, so hosting these afternoons at Bar Albert is a real treat,” says Tanya of Waiheke Distilling Co. “Guests get to taste across our range and understand exactly why each spirit pairs the way it does. It’s the same conversation we’d have with them at the distillery, just with a different and equally spectacular view.”
Waiheke Paired takes place on 25 October and 1 November, from 4pm to 6.30pm. Tickets are $95 per person, with just 20 to 25 places available per session.
For more information or to book, visit baralbertauckland.com.