THIRST! Boston, November 10-11, 2013

Last year's Boston Cocktail Summit was absolutely fabulous with multiple cocktail classes, seminars and spirits-sponsored events run by the top spirits industry people in the city.  You can read about a few of last year's events, here.

This year, it's all about Thirst Boston!  Maureen Hauteniemi, TJ Connolly, Brandy Rand and Andrew Deitz along with drinkPR will bring the best in the beverage industry, their devotees, and all folks interested in learning about beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, and coffee together  for two days of fun learning, imbibing, and celebrating our favorite libations.

The weekend will kick off with The Thing - a "black tie optional but encouraged" event at The Harvard Club.
Wake up to a number of intriguing day-drinking seminars at The Hotel Commonwealth and The Hawthorne.  
Tickets can be purchased, here.  

Events (via www.thirstboston.com) :

The Thing (Opening gala)
Saturday, November 9th, 9pm-1am @ The Harvard Club (374 Commonwealth Ave.) 
Cost: $75.00
Black Tie Optional (but encouraged!)
Buy Tickets
Join us for the second edition of a truly epic party. This year we pull out all the stops as Old Boston meets New in one of the city's most storied and beautiful venues, The Harvard Club. Don't miss this showstopping gala! Black tie optional. Cocktails by Bulleit, George Dickel, Remy Martin, Oxley, Tito’s, Plantation and MS Walker. Beer by Pabst Blue Ribbon.

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High Tea and Tipples with Drambuie

Sunday, November 10th, 12:30-2:30pm @ The Hawthorne (500a Commonwealth Ave.)Cost: $30.00 (includes lunch & drinks)
Buy TicketsLadies and gentleman, your presence is requested at tea. In honor of this great British tradition, Drambuie and friends have created a toasty and tasty tea party not to be missed. So put on your best pearls and white-gloved duds, and join us for entertainment, tea and tipples. London is calling!
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Sapphire East World Bazaar

Sunday, November 10th, 5:00-8:00pm @ The Gallery (Hotel Commonwealth 2nd floor)Cost: $30.00 (includes light bites & drinks)
Buy TicketsGrab your passport and get ready to travel to the Bombay Sapphire World Bazaar. Take your senses on a journey and experience a global infusion of hands-on cocktail creations. We even transport you to the future with a Tarot card reading! Let your imagination take flight as you discover the true essence and versatility of Bombay Sapphire Gin. This botanical delight will transport you around the world, one sip at a time. 
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Blender Bender

Sunday, November 10th, 8:00-11:00pm @ The Esplanade (Hotel Commonwealth 2nd floor) 
Cost: $50.00 (includes island-inspired snacks, drinks & a bitchin’ tee shirt)
Buy TicketsA battle between 12 bartenders and their blenders – and you choose the winner! This challenge showcases Boston’s best bartenders as they devise the ultimate brain freeze. Your vote determines the winner. Pull out that Miami Vice outfit, Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops as 1980s-meets-Tiki attire is strongly encouraged! Beer by Red Stripe. Blenders powered by Vitamix. T-shirts by ShakeStir. In partnership with the USBG Boston.
Meet the Blender Bender bartenders & featured spirits:
Jess Li from Trina's Starlite
blending Cruzan Rum
Clinton Terry from Boarding House blending Don Q Rum
Josh Taylor from West Bridge blending Bully Boy Rum
Joy Richard from Citizen blending  Ron Zacapa Rum                    
 Kevin Mabry from JM Curley blending Olmeca Altos Tequila  
Kevin Martin from Eastern Standard blending Berkshire Ragged Mountain Rum      
Ran Duan from The Baldwin at Sichuan Garden blending Bacardi Rum 
Ryan McGrale from Tavern Road  blending Ferrand Dry Curacao 
Sam Gabrielli from Russell House blending Privateer Rum 
Sam Treadway from Back Bar blending Disaronno 
Ted Kilpatrick from No 9 Park  blending Combier                        
Ezra Star from Drink blending Plantation Rum            

Complimentary Events

RegistrationSunday & Monday, November 10th & 11th, 9am-6pm @ Lobby Hotel Commonwealth
You must stop by registration to have your ID checked and receive a wristband as well as pick up your tickets. Check in for evening events after 6pm will be at the door of the event.
Thirst Lounge: Cocktails & ConversationSunday & Monday, November 10th & 11th, 9am-6pm @ Commonwealth Room, Hotel Commonwealth 2nd floorCost: Complimentary with purchase of Thirst ticket to any event.
Hosted Bar
Stop in at have a tipple or two between events at our featured bars:
10:30am-2:30pm - "Wake Up Breakfast Bar" with Galliano 
3:00-7:00pm - "French 75 Bar" with Citadelle
Boston Shaker Pop-Up Store
Inspired after that seminar to make a killer cocktails? Stop by The Boston Shaker Pop-up Shop, located in the Commonwealth Room, and check out our selection of bar tools and ingredients. Whether you're a cocktail novice or mixology nerd, we've got your favorite must-haves, new gadgets and books to further your education. Come on by and pick up some of the best souvenirs at Thirst - the ones that help you make a cocktail!
On The Bar
Fun things from the app for bartenders, cocktails, and the people who love them.
Media Lounge
Relax with your cocktail and read the latest in beverage news from our media sponsors: Imbibe, Boston Common, Massachusetts Beverage Business, Where to Eat & Drink, Beverage Media
Thirst Hall of LiquidsSunday & Monday, November 10th & 11th, 9am-6pm, Hotel Commonwealth 2nd floorCost: Complimentary with purchase of Thirst ticket to any event
Quench your thirst with non-alcoholic libations from Flat Black Coffee, Fiji water, Ripe all-natural fresh mixers and juices, Fever Tree tonic, club soda, ginger ale & ginger beer.
Or, “hop” on over to our beer area and tip back sudsy samples from some of your favorite New England Craft Brewers: Boulevard, Rising Tide, Bantam Cider, Ithaca Beer, Newburyport Brewing, Peak Organic, Notch, Long Trail

Burke Spirits Tasting Suite

Sunday, November 10th, 11:00am-6:00pm @ Hotel Commonwealth, 5th FloorCost: Complimentary with purchase of Thirst ticket to any event.At Burke Distributing we take great pride that so many bartenders know and love our selection of fine spirits.  Come and taste brands with a real history, from our El Dorado Demerara Rum (est. 1670) to our Belgian Diep 9 Genever (est. 1910)  Over the years we have relentlessly sought out and collected nothing but the best for your cocktail glass and we are pleased to share their stories with you.

Fernet Branca After Party 

Sunday, November 10th, 11pm-1am @ Citizen (1310 Boylston St.) 

Cost: Complimentary entry with purchase of Thirst ticket to any event.

Fernet on tap did you say?

Don Julio After Party

Sunday, November 10th, 11pm-1am @ Lolita (271 Dartmouth St.) 
Cost: Complimentary entry with purchase of Thirst ticket to any event.Join The Legendary Don Julio Tequila (Blanco, Reposado, Anjeo, 1942) for a South of the Border after party at Lolita lounge.

The Appleton Estate Jamaican Bartender's Brunch

Monday, November 11th, 12:30-2:30pm @ The Hawthorne (500a Commonwealth Ave.)Cost: $30.00 (includes lunch & drinks)
Buy Tickets
Join Willy Shine, The Hawthorne & Appleton Estate Rums of Jamaica for this afternoon island escape! Let us take you on a musical, soulful and enticing trip into the flavors and rhythms of the beautiful island of Jamaica! We will recreate a tropical fresh fruit beach cart for fresh frozen blended beach cocktails, along with morning after eye opener blue mountain coffee cocktails & Jamaican Fizzes, Fixes & Swizzles paired with good vibes, island tunes and Jamaican-inspired cuisine.

House of Bols: Bols Bartending Academy

Monday, November 11th, 5:00-8:00pm @ The Gallery (Hotel Commonwealth 2nd floor) 
Cost: $30.00 (includes light bites & drinks)
Buy TicketsThe Lucas Bols team have created an exciting interactive replica of the world famous House of Bols in Amsterdam, including the Bols Bartending Academy. This hands-on workshop focuses on advanced bartending techniques for professionals and at-home mixologists alike. The Lucas Bols ambassador team will demonstrate techniques in ice cutting, freepour, flair and much more. In addition, the House of Bols will feature artifacts from as far back as the 17th century including original recipes for the many products that the Lucas Bols company makes today. Taste as you travel through the history of the company, founded in 1575, and discover why Genever became so popular all over in the world in the 1800s.

Stars, Stripes & Swing

Monday, November 11th, 8:00-11:00pm @ The Esplanade (Hotel Commonwealth 2nd floor)
Cost: $50.00 (includes late night snacks & drinks)
Buy TicketsThirst Boston is closing out their weekend cocktail festival with 'Stars, Stripes, and Swing', a celebration of Armistice Day benefiting the ongoing mission of the USO. Get decked out in your finest 40's fashion and ready to drink & dance the night away to the classic sounds of a full 18-piece big band, Dan Gable and the Abletones!
Stars Stripes and Swing  is presented in partnership with local arts cocktail group  Opus Affair  along with the Boston chapter of  LUPEC  (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails), offering a full menu of period cocktails from the Whiskey Daisy to the Hanky Panky blended with  Brugal,  Beefeater,  Plymouth,  Jim Beam,  Maker’s Mark.  Beer by  Miller High Life.

Complimentary Events

Genesis Tasting Suite
Monday, November 11th, 10:00am-5:00pm @ Hotel Commonwealth, 5th Floor 
Cost: By invitation only from 10am-3pm and open to Thirst attendees from 3-5pm
Enjoy the unique experience of meeting the founders, master distillers, and national ambassadors of some of the most highly regarded brands locally and in the world! These brands are special selections from our Martignetti’s exclusive Genesis portfolio, masterminded by the newly formed team of F. Paul Pacult and Troy Clarke. You will not want to miss some of your favorite Boston bartenders slinging incredible cocktails with these spirits.
Hosted Bar
Stop in at have a tipple or two between events at our featured bars:
10:30am-2:30pm - "Top o’ the Morning Bar" with Kilbeggan & Tyrconnell
3:00-7:00pm - "American Boutique Spirits Bar" with M.S. Walker
Boston Shaker Pop-Up Store
Inspired after that seminar to make a killer cocktails? Stop by The Boston Shaker Pop-up Shop, located in the Commonwealth Room, and check out our selection of bar tools and ingredients. Whether you're a cocktail novice or mixology nerd, we've got your favorite must-haves, new gadgets and books to further your education. Come on by and pick up some of the best souvenirs at Thirst - the ones that help you make a cocktail!
On The Bar
Fun things from the app for bartenders, cocktails, and the people who love them.
Media Lounge
Relax with your cocktail and read the latest in beverage news from our media sponsors: Imbibe, Boston Common, Massachusetts Beverage Business, Where to Eat & Drink, Beverage Media
Thirst Hall of LiquidsSunday & Monday, November 10th & 11th, 9am-6pm, Hotel Commonwealth 2nd floorCost: Complimentary with purchase of Thirst ticket to any event
Quench your thirst with non-alcoholic libations from Flat Black Coffee, Fiji water, Ripe all-natural fresh mixers and juices, Fever Tree tonic, club soda, ginger ale & ginger beer.
Or, “hop” on over to our beer area and tip back sudsy samples from some of your favorite New England Craft Brewers: Boulevard, Rising Tide, Bantam Cider, Ithaca Beer, Newburyport Brewing, Peak Organic, Notch, Long Trail

William Grant Speakeasy

Monday, November 11th, 11:00pm - 1:00am 
Cost: Complimentary entry with purchase of Thirst ticket to any event.Just steps from the Hotel Commonwealth, for one night only, Boston’s most exclusive speakeasy will open in in the otherwise sleepy neighborhood of Audobon Circle. In a nod to the Prohibition-‐era gin-‐ joint, guests will navigate symbols, passwords and intrigue to gain entry to this seemingly empty building. Once inside, they will be engulfed in a swinging party featuring some of the country’s best bartenders, turning out carefully crafted cocktails featuring the spirits of William Grant & Sons.

Bulleit After Party

Monday, November 11th, 11pm-1am @ Citizen (1310 Boylston St.) 
Cost: Complimentary entry with purchase of Thirst ticket to any event.Toast the closing of Thirst with the legendary Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye!

Seminar Titles:

(Read more about the seminars, here)

The Evolution Of Bourbon

Presented by Heaven HillSunday Nov 10, 10:00-11:30am || Esplanade Room 2Cost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

Coffee & Cocktails

Presented by St George SpiritsSunday Nov. 10, 10:00-11:30am || Esplanade Room 3Cost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

Boston Cocktails: Past, Present, and Future

Presented by Pernod RicardSunday Nov. 10, 10:00-11:30am || The Gallery @ Hotel CommonwealthCost: $20.00 SOLD OUT

The Science of Taste

Presented by Oxley GinSunday Nov. 10, 11:45-1:15pm || Esplanade Room 1Cost: $20.00 SOLD OUT

Whiskey Women

Presented by Bulleit and George DickelSunday Nov 10, 11:45-1:15pm || Longwood Room at the Hotel CommonwealthCost: $20.00 SOLD OUT 

Beer Back: Beer’s Integration in CocktailsPresented by LambiseSunday Nov. 10, 11:45-1:15pm || Olmstead Room at the Hotel CommonwealthCost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

The Biggest Myths in the Spirit Industry

 Presented by Privateer Rum
 Sunday Nov. 10, 2:30-4:00pm || Esplanade Room 1 at the Hotel Commonwealth
 Cost: $20.00 SOLD OUT

The Rise and Fall and Rise of the Tiki Bar

Presented by Appleton ReserveSunday Nov. 10, 2:30-4:00pm || Esplanade Room 2 at the Hotel CommonwealthCost: $20.00 SOLD OUT

Beyond the Shot - Mixing with Tequila at Home

Presented by Olmeca AltosSunday Nov 10, 2:30-4:00pm || Esplanade Room 3 at the Hotel CommonwealthCost: $20.00 SOLD OUT

Pirates, Partisans and Grandmothers: The Legacy and Use of Sherry

Presented by Gordon's Fine Wine & Liquors
Sunday Nov. 10, 4:15-5:45 || Longwood Room at the Hotel CommonwealthCost: $20.00 SOLD OUT

The Cocktail Lab

Presented by Dewars
Sunday Nov. 10, 4:15-5:45 || Olmstead Room at the Hotel Commonwealth
Cost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets) ________________________________________________________________________________

Rum: The World’s Most Versatile Spirit


Presented by Bacardi

Monday Nov. 11, 10:00-11:30am || Esplanade Room 2 at the Hotel Commonwealth

Cost: $20.00 SOLD OUT

Location, Location, Location: Terroir and Merroir


Presented by Del Maguey and Domaine Select
Monday Nov. 11, 10:00-11:30am || Island Creek Oyster Bar

Cost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

Old World vs. New World - New England Cocktails with David Wondrich


Presented by Bols Genever

Monday Nov. 11, 11:45am-1:15pm || Esplanade Room 1 at the Hotel Commonwealth

Cost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

Rethinking Vermouth: The Renaissance of Fortified Wine

Monday Nov. 11, 11:45am-1:15pm || Esplanade Room 3

Presented by Atsby, Imbue and Sutton Cellars
Cost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

Scotch Cocktails in the Modern Bar


Presented by Monkey Shoulder

Monday Nov. 11, 11:45-1:15pm || Olmstead Room at the Hotel Commonwealth
Cost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

Japanese Whisky: Pride. Perfection. Passion.


Presented by Nikka Whisky

Monday Nov. 11, 2:30-4:00pm || Esplanade Room 3 at the Hotel Commonwealth

Cost: $20.00 SOLD OUT

Letting the Spirit Guide You: From Jalisco to Boston


Presented by Milagro

Monday Nov. 11, 2:30-4:00pm || Esplanade 1 at the Hotel Commonwealth

Cost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

A New World Of Beer: Brewing In New England From The Pilgrims To The Present

Presented by Narragansett, Pretty Things Beer & Notch Brewing
Monday Nov. 11, 2:30-4:00pm || Esplanade Room 2 at the Hotel Commonwealth
Cost: $20.00 SOLD OUT

La Dolce Vita: How to Drink & Eat Like an Italian

Presented by Fernet BrancaMonday Nov. 11, 4:15-5:45pm || Longwood Room at the Hotel CommonwealthCost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

Blinded by the Dark

Presented by Sidney Frank and Classic & Vintage Artisanal Spirits, a division of Domaine SelectMonday Nov. 11, 4:15-5:45pm || Olmstead Room at the Hotel CommonwealthCost: $20.00 SOLD OUTAmaros, Kräuterlikör's, and Herbal Liqueurs are all ancient secret recipes of mystery going back to the middle ages.

How Prohibition Changed Spirits & Mixology Around the World

Presented by G'Vine Gin, WhistlePig Whiskey, Suze Liqueur and I-Spirit VodkaMonday Nov. 11, 4:15-5:45pm || Esplanade Room 3 at the Hotel CommonwealthCost: $20.00 (Buy Tickets)

Hope to see you there!

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