Khalid Williams, Brand Ambassador and Mixologist, Highclere Castle Gin and Adam von Gootkin, Co-founder and CEO, Highclere Castle Spirits. “Gin is liquid alchemy. Highclere Castle Gin blends old and new, tradition and innovation. Few folks give notice to Lord and Lady Carnarvon’s effort and hard work of bringing the castle to a newfound glory in the 21st century,” said Williams.
Essex, Connecticut-based Highclere Castle Spirits hired Khalid Williams in June as Brand Ambassador and Mixologist for Highclere Castle Gin throughout the state. Williams, well-known in the Connecticut bar industry, has been developing specialty cocktails for the brand along with representing the gin, which was awarded its seventh gold medal among international tasting competitions, to select on-premise accounts. “I’ve worked with Khalid for many years. His passion for spirits and utilizing fresh local ingredients expresses itself powerfully in every cocktail he crafts, and this is reflected in the quality of restaurants that collaborate with him,” said Adam von Gootkin, Co-founder and CEO, Highclere Castle Spirits.
The company is focused on supporting restaurants in Connecticut that have “cocktail cultures,” with menus live at Fork & Fire in Farmington, Cotton Hollow Kitchen in South Glastonbury, Taprock Beer Bar & Refuge in Unionville and The Griswold Inn in Essex. “This project is a convergence of so many different humans who are passionate about what they do,” said Williams. “History and tradition led the Carnarvons to continue building on Highclere’s legacy and turn it into a luxury destination that’s fitted to the modern world. Adam has been passionate about the intersection of quality spirits and luxury branding. I find myself passionate about the magical moment of discovery that is inevitable when enjoying thoughtful spirits and cocktails.” In April, Highclere Castle Gin was an early brand in creating and producing virtual cocktail parties hosted live from the castle by the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon Highclere Castle Gin’s Facebook and Instagram, which grew to become the largest virtual cocktail party in the world.
