
Highclere Castle Gin brought holiday cheer with a Christmas party hosted at the historic Dickinson Mansion in Essex on Dec. 13. Over 100 guests gathered to celebrate the season, savoring expertly crafted Highclere Castle Gin cocktails and gourmet cuisine among a festive setting. The evening spotlighted Gettin’ Figgy Wit It, a signature cocktail created by Drift Restaurant in Essex and a favorite among Highclere Castle Gin enthusiasts. Culinary delights were provided by renowned Chef Joel Gargano of Grano Arso, complementing the evening’s libations. Entertainment included live Christmas carolers and music from DJ JSpin$. Guests, which included the brand’s state wholesaler, Connecticut Distributors, Inc., also took part in a whimsical gift adventure hunt, adding a touch of playful excitement to the sophisticated soirée. The event also highlighted Highclere Castle Gin’s philanthropic mission, paying tribute to the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, the brand’s official charity partner. Highclere Castle Spirits launched in 2019 and was founded by Connecticut resident Adam von Gootkin and the Eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, owners of Highclere Castle. The 5,000-acre estate in Hampshire, England, rose to international fame as the filming location for the Emmy-winning period drama “Downton Abbey.”
- Highclere Castle Gin is made with botanicals selected from Highclere Castle’s ancient estate gardens—including juniper, citrus and lavender. The London Dry-style gin also uses estate-grown oats.
- Mixologists Zach O’Brien, Max Oyster and Brenny Savoy, Beverage Development Manager, CDI.
- Paul Puhalla, VP of Sales, Connecticut Distributors Inc. (CDI); Adam von Gootkin, Founder, Highclere Castle Gin; Brenny Savoy, Beverage Development Manager, Diamond Division, CDI; and Jon Fredyna, VP of Marketing, CDI.
- Guests enjoyed expertly crafted Highclere Castle Gin cocktails.
- Regina and Adam von Gootkin, Founder, Highclere Castle Gin.
- Alain Boppart; Evelyn LaFontaine; Renee Lemieux, Chief of Staff, Highclere Castle Gin; and Cleber Galindo.
- The Connecticut Yuletide Carolers entertained guests with seasonal songs at the historic Dickinson Mansion in Essex.