Undertow Media raises a glass to Lighthouse Gin and Somm at mixing masterclass

AUCKLAND, Today: This month Undertow Media rounded up its media mates to quench their thirst for newness – metaphorically and literally – with an intimate event for Lighthouse Gin at Auckland’s newest watering hole Somm.

Undertow senior account director Victoria Cooper-Smith said: “Sipping gin and devouring moreish bites is a tough job but someone’s got to do it.

“So a group of lifestyle journalists gathered at Auckland’s first waterfront urban cellar door to say ‘gin gin’ to the story behind New Zealand’s oldest distillery. 

“Under the expert guidance of Rachel Hall, head distiller at Lighthouse, guests explored the complex flavours of the spirit via a guided tasting and even honed their mixology skills in Somm’s private space.

The Princes Wharf venue opened in April, shortly after its parent company changed from Nourish Group to Foley Hospitality following acquirement by Foley Holdings NZ Ltd last year.

The business also owns Soul Bar & Bistro, Andiamo, Jervois Steak House, The Brit, Shed 5 and Pravda, with Gavin Doyle (the acclaimed executive chef behind Soul) heading up kitchen culinary direction across its 10 restaurant and bars.

It’s also the Auckland home of brands under the Foley portfolio including Martinborough Vineyard, Te Kairanga, Vavasour, Mt Difficulty and Lighthouse Gin. 

Hall: “Drawing its name from Sommelier (a wine steward), Somm allows guests to enjoy New Zealand’s best vineyard drops and delectable dishes without having to leave the 09.

“While most people are used to wine and whisky tastings, it can seem strange to some to taste gin neat.”

“Schooling up on everything from the profile of the seriously punchy 57% navy strength Lighthouse, to the delicately balanced collaboration with Mt Difficulty wines, media were given a new-found appreciation for the nuances of the much-loved drop during the masterclass.

“While most people are used to wine and whisky tastings, it can seem strange to some to taste gin neat.

“The craft approach taken in creating Lighthouse makes it surprisingly sip-able, but the process of understanding the flavours is still quite an art so having Rachel up from Martinborough made all the difference.

“While gin continues to have a resurgence, most people don’t realise there’s much more to it than the base for a G&T and what better place to discover its many facets than Auckland’s newest spot for a waterfront tipple.”

Moreish bites
“The accompanying menu, curated by Gavin, was designed to complement rather than out-stage the gin, and featured moreish bites including crudo with verjuice, citrus and fennel, crispy fried chicken with hot honey and duck liver toast with onion jam.

“The Somm space is also open for private takeovers and has a boardroom style suite perfect for media mingles.”

About Undertow Media
Undertow Media is an independent PR, influencer & social media agency based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Founded in 2013, the agency hangs its hat and reputation on top tier media connections and a history of clever campaigns that are 100 per cent outcome and results-driven for the best brands and businesses.

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