We know Four Pillars makes cracking gin and the Rook makes smashing drinks. Put the two together and what do you get? An epic collaboration resulting in the Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin, that's what. And so it was that 15 enthusiastic drinkers descended on the Rook one sunny Saturday afternoon in Ginuary to drink, chat and learn about the cocktail that inspired this gin, the Negroni.  

On arrival, members were treated to an Americano (Campari, vermouth and soda), a classic cocktail that is widely acknowledged as the predecessor to the Negroni. Then, led by Keystone Group Bars Manager Jason Williams and the Rook Bar Manager Cristiano Beretta, the group was taken through a history of the negroni's origins (can you believe Count Negroni was said to have drunk 40 cocktails  a day?) which segued into how the Four Pillars Spiced Negroni gin came to being. As the first collaboration of its kind in Australia (as far as we know anyway) members got a rare glimpse into how an award winning gin came to join forces with an award winning hospitality group.

But the highlight of the afternoon was also its most interactive part, which was the opportunity to "design your own" negroni from a selection of the Rook's vermouths, amaros and gins...and we saw some interesting combinations to say the least! 

A huge thanks to Jason and Cristiano as well as the Rook for being such gracious and generous hosts, we absolutely loved the afternoon (and the spiced gin!)