The air was chilly, and the moon cast an eerie glow over Keswick as Kindred Spirits unveiled their brand-new tasting room and bar on a haunted Halloween evening. In collaboration with Kendall Ghost walks, this event welcomed 15 lucky ghouls and ghost enthusiasts to a night filled with Lakeland ghost stories and delectable spirits.
The evening began on the shop floor, where the attendees were presented with their first drink, a Halloween Harvest Punch, a delicious concoction that set the mood for the evening’s spectral adventures. This enchanting blend of flavours was the perfect prelude to the haunting evening ahead.
Attendees were led upstairs where they were presented with their first chilling cocktail, the “Bloody Martini.” This devilishly boozy drink that featured Snowfell Gin, extra dry vermouth, and pomegranate juice, garnished with blackberry and mint and a blackberry pulp rim. The result was a sip of perfection, with the tartness of the pomegranate beautifully complementing the gin’s botanical notes.
Guests were then treated to their first Lakeland ghost story, setting the stage for a night of supernatural tales and libations. Afterward, it was time for the second spine-tingling cocktail, the “Snick or Treat.” This sinful and somewhat calorific delight was a fusion of Sea Salt Caramel Vodka by Solway Spirits, Amaretto, Baileys, Crème de Cacao, and cream, garnished with a crushed nut rim and decadent drizzles of caramel and chocolate sauce. The mini-Snickers garnish added a nostalgic touch to this sinfully sweet and boozy potion.
The third and final ghostly tale was followed by a “Spirits Reviver” cocktail, a blue marvel created from Snowfell Gin, Blue Curacao, Lillet Blanc, and lemon juice, garnished with a lemon wheel and a pineapple leaf. This refreshing elixir cleansed the palate and invigorated the spirits for more ghastly tales.
As the stories concluded, guests were free to mingle, and the gruesome finale was unveiled – “Ghoul’s Eyeballs.” Rumour has it that eyeballs were harvested by the resident mixologist, who had spent the previous night catching ghouls in Whinlatter Forest, though the truth remains a mystery. This captivating creation featured Solway Spirits Treacle Toffee Vodka, Apple Juice, and Cherry Juice, garnished with a ghoul’s eyeball. The result was a ghoulish, yet delicious, treat that left guests both thrilled and squeamish
The evening was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to the meticulous decorations by Kindred Spirits’ in-house florist and thorough planning by the team. The vintage glassware added a touch of timeless elegance, enhancing the overall enchanting atmosphere.
Reviews have begun pouring in, with attendees raving about the unforgettable experience and the exceptional cocktails that made the ghostly tales even more hauntingly delightful. Kindred Spirits’ Halloween tasting room launch was a bewitching night to remember, perfectly blending the supernatural spirits with the distilled spirits and created unforgettable memories. If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendar for the next Halloween soirée with Kindred Spirits, because it’s bound to be a night of fright.
Kindred Spirits will be hosting events throughout the year, be sure to check our events page when you’re in town https://k-spirits.co.uk/tasting-events/
