On Saturday 05 December we are launching an underground food and drink festival in a secret warehouse in Dalston – taking 5 of the best Tasting Sessions to scale. Not only can you experience 5 sessions in one hit, we have a massive warehouse so you can bring all your friends. It will be immersive and informative food and drink experience profiling flights of cognac, whisky, gin, sake, natural wine and organic beer – matched with delicious morsels of food.

Say no to boredom, blandness, tastelessness and rigidity. This will push all boundaries of food and drink with a multi-sensory and interactive experience combining elements of design, music, contemporary art and fashion. Think cognac vapour-filled balloons, ‘Spiked Virgins’, and wild punk Geisha boys serving aged brown rice sake matched with Japanese tapas.

The festival will run from 3-11pm with timed entry on the hour. Each session will last approximately 2 hours. It is hosted at a secret warehouse in Dalston, E8 and the exact location will be revealed a few days before the event.

Tickets start at £16.50 and are selling fast so get in quick. For the full Tasting Sessions experience, we recommend you Liberate the State. For more information check out www.towardsafluidstate.com.

Hopefully you have been keeping an eye on the buzz around the next event. You will start to receive some updates from Towards a Fluid State updating you on the latest activity. Here are a few sneak peaks of some after hours and weekend shenanigans below:

Called “Towards a Fluid State” and held in an undisclosed warehouse location in Dalston, this festival will be the first of its kind. An immersive and informative food and drink experience profiling flights of Cognac, Whisky, Gin, Sake and Natural & Biodynamic wine matched with delicious morsels of food. Also a platform for some of the UK’s hottest emerging contemporary artists, musicians, set and fashion designers this will be a truly unique experience.

The festival will run from 3-11pm with timed entry and tickets start at £16.50. For The Tasting Sessions’ experience the “Liberate the State” ticket is recommended. A limited number of these tickets are available.

Tickets now onsale here

For more information check out the festival website

An upper-class tipple or an opiate for the masses? Gin has a long, illustrious past and a bright future.

On Tuesday 22 September The Tasting Sessions will take you through the annals of Gin’s colourful underworld.

Take a walk down Gin Lane and settle your nerves with some Dutch Courage. You will discover just what makes London Dry and Old Tom rich. If you’re lucky you might even run into Mr Tom Collins himself.

Expect histrionics, melodrama and a bit of madness.  Play your cards right and you may even be a star on The Tasting Sessions’ casting couch.

Rich or Ruin? The choice is up to you.

The illusionist clapped his hands and with a flash of light aimed his magic wand at the canvas.  As the guests in pure angelic white feasted on giant sandwich platters dressed to look like oversized wedding cakes the piece took shape before their eyes.  Vouvray Brut by Domaine Champalou.  A beautiful watercolour landscape of honey pots, fields of hay and a giant apple-tree heavy with rich, heaving ripe fruit.

The illusionist clapped his hands again and the image disappeared to be replaced with Riesling Tradition by Domaine Albert Mann.  A painting of a simple farmhouse table adorned with a fruit bowl of drippingly juicy pears, apples and the smallest hint of an orange in the shadow of the bowl.  To one side sat a glass of bastard Riesling.  The illusionist rubbed his hand over the image and the faintest whiff of hauntingly addictive oily musk filled the gallery and brought the image to live.  The guests, like honeybees heavy with pollen, sunk into a stupor and at once were under his spell.

For his next trick the illusionist waved his wand over the painting.  It vanished instantly.  He paused as a shrill whistle silenced the room.  “Ladies and Gentlemen.  I give you piece number three.’  Trocken Riesling 2007 by Sybille Kuntz.  He cupped his hands together and with a giant breath filled the room with 3-D images of peaches and flowers that poured from his palms.  “This is very unusual” he said as the guests delighted in trying to grasp the work in their hands.  “Juicy but dry expressions of Riesling art like this are hard to find, but Kuntz is a magician.”  As if to echo the sentiment he waved his hands again and the sound of a paranoid android filled the room.

As the music stopped so did the images.  They fell to the floor and vanished.  The illusionist pointed his wand at the canvas that filled suddenly with a large painting of vineyards next to a river.  Vinho Verde by Afros.  “You can almost taste the lemon and tangerine from these trees” he said pointing to a shaded copse where the fruit grew heavy.  Like a true magician the illusionist pulled a bunch of freshly cut flowers from his sleeve and blew their aromas around the room.  To complete the scene he touched a length of cold steel against the necks of the guests who gasped as he did so.  “The contrast of the flowers and the steel gives the work balance and length” he said.  They nodded as if in a trance.

The illusionist was a man possessed.  No pause for breath in this show.  At his command the white walls dimmed to a subtle pink as the painting of a beautiful Sicilian woman occupied the canvas.  Grecancico by Caruso and Minini. “Isn’t she stunning?  She looks so delicate as if the slightest knock could break her.  Come closer and smell her perfume.”  As the crowd moved in the wind picked up her scent and carried the orange blossom and fresh white fruit aromas high on the breeze.  Too soon the aroma, and the girl were gone.

“Something different” ordered the illusionist.  “Enough paintings.”  From nowhere a large block of marble transformed itself into a sculpture of a white adonis.  Puligny-Montrachet ‘Les Folatieres’ by Domaine Alain Chavy.  The sharp tang of wet stone filled the gallery and then gave way to a fresh citrus scent which in turn melted away as a creamy buttery sensation with a hint of cold steel made the guests’ mouths water.

“Ladies and gentleman” announced the illusionist.  “You came for a party.  And that is what you shall have.”  He snapped his fingers and the guests shrieked with delight as their faces were hidden behind masks.  Angels danced between them carrying cakes and pastries.  With a flourish he snapped his fingers once more and their hands were filled with glasses of Jurancon Moelleux by Clos Lapeyre.  They lapped up the honey and almond flavours and devoured the cakes.

“Please enjoy the art responsibly” said the illusionist and with a flash he was gone.

The Future Gallery was gleaming white interspersed with hot pink highlights. Sweet disco tunes combined with the bubbles of Domaine Champalou elevated the frenzy.

So it began, a tea party for adults with a cool flight of white wines to appease the summer madness.

A return appearance for our expert Joe McCanta, Organic and Biodynamic extraordinaire, was loved by all. The learning was easy as Joe deftly guided the crew through different styles of Riesling and introduced unusual and untried indigenous grape varieties from Italy and Portugal. The flight would not have been complete without a rock-your-world wine, this time in the form of a stunning White Burgundy from Puligny Montrachet (Domaine Alain Chavy 1er Cru ‘Les Folatieres’ 2006) thanks to the fine guidance of Carlo at Les Cave des Pyréne.

An amazing performance from Japanese music artist Ayu Okakita – with hauntingly beautiful originals and a spine tingling version of ‘Paranoid Android’, ensured this was a wine tasting like no other.

Another tempo change as people donned white masquerade masks, trilby, bowler and marine sailor’s hats. DJ Supermethod was firmly back in control.

A fabulous finale, The Clos Lapeyre Jurançon Moelleux 2006 accompanied by mini cupcakes and white raspberry-splattered meringues from Beas of Bloomsbury.

Check out the photos from the night.

Wrap your debauchery in white, and join The Tasting Sessions on Tuesday 30 June for a stunning line up of orgasmic white wines to leave you enlightened and wanting more.

The fish are jumping at The Future Galley, one very cool pond in the West End. From indigenous grapes to boundary pushing blends and high class chardonnay this will be the ultimate wine flight of 2009.

If you haven’t already received your invitation, please contact us. To stay informed about future events and happenings subscribe to our email updates.

“Om nom nom nom” said a voice.  The slat slammed shut and the fox heard the sound of a rusty bolt.  The door opened and she kissed him hard on the lips.

“He’s over at that table” said Bart as he gestured to the corner of the room.  He wiped his mouth and steadied himself on the nearest antler as the fox flicked her hair in front of the mirror.  A sign above it read “Poker and loose women are known to frequent this establishment”.  She smiled.

Nodding at the couple from the café by the river she threw her wrap on a luggage rack on the wall and cat-walked over to the bar.  She sucked slow on a whisky sour and breathed in the atmosphere.  The walls were covered with starlets, wigs and feather boas and waiters flitted amongst the cool cats bringing them baskets of cheese and bottles of liquid gold.  The fox winked at a passing waiter.  Bart’s crowd was her crowd.  Whisky sipping night-time urban junkies.

“Who’s the new girl?” she said looking over at the dealer.

“Jen” said the barman as he chilled down a glass.  “Whisky diva.”

The diva turned over the river card.  “Five of Diamonds” she said in a sultry Scottish Borders lilt.  All the cards were out.  Texas Hold ‘Em poker, final round.  The fox wandered over and wrapped herself around her squeeze.  “Cute” thought Shiraz from the other side of the table.

Number 1 sipped his 14yo Clynelish and let the citrus and honey taste swirl around his mouth.  He breathed in the spicy aroma and closed his eyes as the salted caramel flavours flooded his mind with memories. “Fold” he said tossing his cards onto the green baize.  He popped an Isle of Mull Cheddar cube into his mouth and the strong herbal flavours kicked against the Clynelish to intensify the hit.  The diva took his losing hand with a flip of her paddle.  “The bet’s with you sir” she purred.

Number 2 finished the last of the dense and crumbly Doddington cheese and swirled the Stranahans around in his glass.  The smell reminded him of home.  The crisp, clear waters of the Colorado Rockies sang with the fresh salty cheese.  “All in” he said pushing his chips into the centre.  “Gutsy” thought the diva and flicked her long dark sleek hair.

She turned to Number 3 and flashed him a smile.  The dense rich Zelu Korlaria cheese melted in his mouth and the blue veins spilled over his tongue.  He reached for his glass and drank down the golden honey Connemara.  The peat and chocolate flavours danced as the soft creamy finish filled his mouth.  ”All in” he bluffed.  The diva smiled.

Number 4 licked her lips.  She let the rich, buttery Ami du Chambertin cheese swim across her mouth.  The light, smoky, spicy nose of the Nikka Yoichi 10yo gave way to more smoke in the mouth.  She could taste the oak from the casks.  She craved a cigar.  “All in, all the way” said Shiraz as the oak gave way to fruit on the finish.

Number 5 nibbled on her light and fresh Ryefield cheese, sniffed in the cognac barrel aromas of El Tesoro Paradiso Tequila.  She took a sharp and tangy slice of Serra D’Estrela and drank down the fruity elegant anejo.  Viognier pushed her chips into the centre and nodded at the diva.  “All in” her look suggested as the smoky finish filled her mouth.  She hadn’t said a word all night.

The fox unwrapped herself from Number 6 as he sniffed the intense Port Ellen 1978, 8th Release.  Ripped plum fruit filled his nostrils.  He added a dash of water to balance the smooth amber coloured liquid.  He ate a slice of strong velvety Bleu d’Avergne cheese and drank a sip of the fiery medicinal nectar.  The drink coated his tongue and his mouth zinged.  He cut a fruity sliver of Parmigiano Reggiano and fed it to the fox.  “What shall I do?”

“All in baby” she mouthed. “Never let the truth get in the way of your ethics”.  She took a sip of his drink and closed her eyes as the chocolate and oil textures filled her mouth.

“Time to show your hands folks” said the diva retrieving the Port Ellen bottle.

Viognier smiled.  “Another full house” she thought.

As Number 6 collected his winnings Shiraz and the diva moved to the bar.  “What kinda drink do you like?” asked the barman.

“I like it long and sloe” whispered Shiraz.

“This is a whisky joint.  You’ll have to go someplace else for gin” he said handing over a cocktail list.  “Give me a White Party then” said Shiraz pointing to the bottom of the page.

“Coming right up.”

The End.

The perfect companion to a great Whisky is a fine cheese. Like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, they are a classic screen team. 

Our secret venue – once home to the world’s oldest profession – has a hidden entrance, classic cocktails and tunes from the ’20s. Inspired by the speakeasy bars of New York and Tokyo, it is hidden where you’d least expect  to find it.  

And, you’ll need a secret password to get in. 

If you have to choose, make this your one and only highland fling.

If you haven’t already received your invitation, please contact us. To stay informed about future events and happenings subscribe to our email updates.

There was no time for tea parties however, launching with the first fab five from Bea Washida at Corney & Barrow. Traditionally Big Reds took flight with Bordeaux – Magnums of Château de Lamarque, Cru Bourgeois, 2001, stand out summertime Grand Cru 2005 from Château Capet-Guillier and a new world Bordeaux blend from Stellenbosch, Klein Gustrouw, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, 2005 to be precise. 

Moonlighting wine expert Mark Heywood, member of The Tasting Sessions crew and author of our wine tasting notes, moved stylishly and seamlessly from the page to the people.

Lots of “big little food” including mini game pies stood up to the wine and kept the punters on their feet. Wines from The Lane (Shiraz Viognier 2007, Adelaide Hills) and Achaval Ferrer (Malbec 2007, Mendoza) highlighted Winemakers Doing Big Things. 

Then came the Bad Boys from California, seducing us with the Seven Deadly Zins (Zinfandel, 2007) and the almighty Earthquake (Zinfandel, 2006) weighing in a 14.5% on the Richter scale. 

In the words of Nina Simone – the Cheval des Andes 2005 left us “Feeling Good” and our very own Lady Marmalade – Charlie Rinks and her band left us wanting more, more, more. Sneaky snaps from Photographer Chris Osburn and Tasting Sessions Ambassador, Nathan McDonald, tell the story best.

The door opened slowly. A fiery, peppery perfume filled his nostrils.

‘Homicide. What’s your name sweet cheeks?’ said Mack holding up his badge.

‘Shiraz’ replied the blonde. ‘Come on through Detective.’

As he walked through the door his eyes adjusted to the light. He was wrong. This was not sleazy.

‘One helluva party’ he thought looking at the empty bottles on a table towards the back.

‘Who’s the bombshell?’ he said pointing to the corner where three men and a broad sat quietly.

‘Charlie Rinks. Singer’ said Shiraz.

‘Jazz and liquor’ he said shaking his head. ‘Why don’t people learn? OK so where’s the stiff?’

‘Behind here’ said Shiraz gesturing to a thick red curtain adorned with a black feather boa.

‘Gunshot?’

‘Magnum. Like this one.’

‘Châteaux de Lamarque 2001 in magnum’ he thought as he looked at Shiraz. ‘Hot and got good taste.’ Suddenly he wasn’t quite so tired. He picked up the empty oversized Bordeaux bottle.

‘Buddy of mine Floyd used to say “too much for one and not enough for two.” Good stuff?’

‘Sure’ said Shiraz. ‘Great legs, doesn’t show its age at all.’

Mack leaned on the bar and opened his notebook.

‘Can I get you a drink Detective?’

‘Who are you?’

‘Viognier’ said the firecracker. Mack looked her up and down as he breathed in her apricot and honeysuckle perfume. He liked what he saw.

‘Sure baby doll. What have you got?’

‘Try this’ she said and poured him a glass.

More Bordeaux. Château Capet-Guillier 2005. ‘Knock-out vintage from a knock-out region’ he thought as he tasted.

‘What do you think honey?’ said Viognier.

‘Great body, baby doll. Great body.’

‘Will this take long?’ said Shiraz draping herself on a bar stool as she reached for a bottle. Mack shot a glance at the label. Klein Gustrouw, 2005. Bordeaux blend from one of the coolest cellars in South Africa. She drank down her glass and fixed him with a long hard stare.

‘That depends’ he said. ‘Nobody leaves until I’m done. How’s your wine.’

‘Firm and meaty. Great length. Just the way I like it, Detective.’

His eyes scanned the room as he thumbed through his notebook. He’d heard about this crowd. They moved around the city from one place to the next, any joint where the livin’ is easy. He could tell they knew their stuff. They liked their reds and they liked them big. He picked up a bottle from the table. The Lane, Shiraz Viognier, 2007.

‘Reminds me of a case I had in Adelaide Hills a few years back. Great combination. Intense colour and lots of fruit. My kind of blend’ he thought glancing back at the chicks at the bar. Shiraz and Viognier blew him a kiss.

‘I want to talk to the bombshell’ he said.

‘You and everyone else gorgeous’ said Viognier. ‘Here, take this to the sax player.’ She handed him a glass. ‘Achaval Ferrer, 2007. Tell him it’s from the girl in the black dress. He’ll love it.’

‘The wine or the girl?’

‘Everything Mendoza should be. In your face Malbec aroma with a kick that means you can taste the tango. I’ll let you decide if that’s the wine or the girl’ she said almost purring.

He sized up the punters. Cool, good looking, well dressed, well connected. They worked hard and played harder. They were big spenders. He stopped at a table and picked up another bottle. 7 Deadly Zins, 2007. California dreaming. He read from the label.

‘”Cinnamon toast evokes the senses of carefree youthful nights”. Sums this crowd up’ he thought as he looked longingly at the bar.

‘This is for you.’ He handed the glass of Malbec to the sax player. ‘From the girl in the black dress.’

‘What’s a pretty young thing like you doin’ in a joint like this?’ he said to the bombshell as he sat down opposite her.

‘All the way from the other side of the room and that’s the best line you’ve got for me baby?’ She pouted, leaned forward and poured herself a glass from the bottle on the table. Mack read aloud

‘”Earthquake, Zinfandel, 2006. Juicier plum, spicier clove and fuller in body than ever before”. Amen to that gorgeous.’

Shiraz and Viognier sat down at the table on either side of the bombshell.

‘We’ve got a real treat for you Mr Detective’ said Viognier with a whisper.

Mack stared back at the three of them and emptied his glass.

‘What’s that baby doll?’

‘This. It will rock your world.’ She poured him a glass and handed over the bottle, Cheval des Andes, Mendoza, 2005.

‘Let me guess, from the girl in the black dress?’

‘No sir. This is our treat to you.’

He closed his eyes and drank. ‘God that’s good’ he thought. ‘Tastes like velvet.’

He glanced at his watch. He was back on duty in 3 hours.

‘I think we’re ready to see the stiff, Detective’ said Viognier. Shiraz nodded and pulled back the red curtain. The feather boa fell to the floor.

Mack’s eyes widened as he looked at the dead man’s face.

‘Do you have any idea who this is?’ This is Big Red’ he said his hands shaking.

‘You look like you’ve seen a ghost’ said Viognier. ‘Are you alright?’

‘I need a drink. Get me a whisky.’

‘Comin’ right up gorgeous. Comin’ right up.’

*