The 50 Best ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction – launching on Friday 3rd July – is the first of the fundraising initiatives at the heart of our 50 Best for Recovery programme, where all money raised will be given back to the global hospitality industry as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic. Today, we take you on a tour of the drinks-led experiences that will see you sip the finest alcohol available anywhere in the world
If what you are drinking defines a good gastronomic experience, you’re in for a treat when the ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction runs from 3-12 July. With more than 150 lots, the auction will see chefs open their private cellars, bartenders offer unique one-on-one experiences and drinks brands release never-before-tasted heirlooms from their vaults. The auction will be conducted online on the website 50BestForRecovery.com, which will be live from 1st July, while all auction lots can be previewed on the Digital Auction Catalogue. Click here for a full breakdown of how the funds will be given back to bars, restaurants and charitable organisations worldwide. Take time to savour this outstanding collection of rare drinks and stay tuned to 50 Best Stories in the coming days as we reveal more highlights in the auction.
An Ultimate Wine Experience with Germany’s Top-Ranking Chef Tim Raue
Take in the best of Berlin with Tim Raue, whose eponymous restaurant is ranked No.40 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. You’ll start the day with late breakfast and stunning views over Berlin, followed by a private tour of the Königliche porcelain company, where you’ll receive a limited edition of the famous ‘Berlin bear’. Lunch will take place at the beautiful lakeside Villa Kellermann, where Raue will serve Berlin’s traditional dishes paired with the finest German Rieslings from his private cellar. Dinner at Restaurant Tim Raue will be paired fine wines from some of the world’s greatest producers and regions, including Krug Champagne, Egon Müller, Domaine Romanée Conti, Château Latour, Sine Qua Non and Joh. Jos. Prüm. After dinner, if your thirst is not yet quenched, Raue will crack open some of his finest bottles of rosé, followed by a trip to his favourite currywurst hawker.
Week-Long French Wine Adventure for 4 with Saison Wine Director Mark Bright
Take a bespoke guided tour of the classic wine regions of Burgundy and the Rhone Valley in France with Mark Bright, award-winning wine director, winemaker and co-founder of Saison Hospitality Group. For this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you’ll spend a full week meeting some of the world’s most renowned winemakers, tasting iconic wines and dining at the region’s finest restaurants. The trip includes 3 days in Burgundy, 1 in Beaujolais and 2 in the Rhone Valley. Bright will organise the full itinerary while securing hotel rooms and providing transportation.
Manhattan Bar's Singapore Cocktail Weekender
Enjoy an unforgettable weekend in Singapore with 2 nights at the luxurious Regent Singapore hotel and its in-house bar, Manhattan, crowned The Best Bar in Asia in 2018. On Saturday, you’ll take a private tour of the bar and create a bespoke cocktail to be barrelled and left to mature in Manhattan’s famous rickhouse ageing room. On Sunday, you’ll enjoy the legendary Manhattan brunch with free-flowing cocktails before a big night out with the Manhattan team.
Mezcal Appreciation Class at Coa in Hong Kong for 8 People
Master the art of mezcal appreciation at Coa in Hong Kong with Jay Khan, recently awarded the title of Bartenders’ Bartender at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020. Voted No.3 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Coa is a shrine to mezcal, the agave-based spirit that Khan fell in love with on his first trip to Mexico. Khan has been a mezcal convert ever since – and soon you will be too.
Asahi Super Dry VIP Brewery Tour and Omotenashi Experience in Tokyo for 4
Discover Karakuchi, the taste of Asahi Super Dry, with this special VIP experience in Japan courtesy of the country’s No.1 beer. As part of this 3-day package, you will enjoy the true Japanese hospitality experience of omotenashi, with Asahi Super Dry food pairings at bars and restaurants across the city.
Bespoke ‘Time Capsule’ Cocktail Experience with Mr Lyan aka Ryan Chetiyawardana in London
Take home your own tailormade bottled cocktail, created just for you by the world’s most-decorated bartender, Ryan Chetiyawardana of Lyaness and its predecessor Dandelyan, which topped The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2018. Using spirits from the modern day to over 2 centuries past, Mr Lyan will use his alchemical ability to blend a cocktail that will ‘define your life’, awarded to you in a hand-labelled bottle to cherish now or set aside for generations to come.
3-day Nikka Whisky Private Distillery Trip in Japan
Discover the finest whisky with a once-in-a-lifetime private tour of Nikka’s 2 distilleries in Japan. On this 3-day trip, you will be guided by Nikka’s Chief Blender through the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido and the Miyagikyo Distillery in Sendai. Each guest will take home 2 180ml bottles of their own creation, plus another bottle courtesy of the Chief Blender. Accommodation includes a best-in-class hotel suite, traditional spa and first-class transportation within Japan. You will also experience a fun mixture of local and fine cuisine, while exploring the best bars in town.
A curated tour of Singapore’s vibrant food and drink scene
Discover the finest food and drink in Singapore with an incredible experience curated by the London Essence Company. Staying in a suite at the stunning Shangri-La Hotel, you will enjoy a special dinner at Origin Grill with luxurious cuts of meats, followed by a personalised rum masterclass in the Origin Bar with bar manager Adam Bursik. During your stay, you will experience Singapore’s world-famous street-food scene and discover the unique philosophy on foraging and cocktails at Native bar with award-winning bartender Vijay Mudaliar. The experience will be topped off with a specially created Modern Singaporean dinner by the Godfather of ‘Mod-Sin’ cuisine, chef Willin Low, and finally a tour of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, including The Best Bar in Asia 2020, Jigger & Pony.
Camparino Cocktail & Dining Experience in Milan with Campari
This trip will see you discover Milan, Italy, through a Campari lens. You will enjoy a classic aperitivo ritual at Bar di Passo on the historic ground floor at Camparino venue in the heart of Milan, tasting the original Campari Seltz, first invented by Gaspare Campari back in 1915. Then enjoy a private cocktail masterclass and tour of Campari history in the secret Sala Gaspare Campari vault. Finally, you’ll take part in a dinner and cocktail pairing experience with Campari cocktails paired with a menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Davide Oldani.
Charles H Cocktail Extravaganza at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Enjoy a luxury stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul with a cocktail experience by Charles H, named The Best Bar in Korea at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020. Over your 3-night stay, you’ll have a series of meals at exceptional restaurants, plus a cocktail lesson and opportunity to get behind the stick and shake drinks for a night with head bartender Keith Motsi.
Martini Experience, Fine Dining & Luxury Stay at The Connaught Hotel London
Experience true luxury with an overnight stay and cocktail experience at the iconic Connaught Bar and 5-star hotel in London’s Mayfair. As part of this package, you’ll relax in the care of charming mixology director Agostino Perrone for an unforgettable Martini Experience at the Connaught Bar, No.2 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2019. You’ll end the evening with a gourmet dinner and wine pairing at Jean-Georges at The Connaught and spend the night in one of the hotel’s sumptuous rooms.
Private Trip to Rioja with Beronia for a Lunch Cooked for 10 people by a 50 Best Chef
A VIP tour for 10 people and a vertical tasting hosted exclusively by Beronia’s award-winning winemaker Matías Calleja in the Rioja Alta, Spain. The visit will also include a fabulous meal for 10, cooked by a top chef and accompanied by some of the very best wines that Beronia has to offer.
London Cocktail & Culinary Experience with The Clove Club, Lyle’s & Coupette
Discover the best of British cuisine and cocktails with this unique experience in London hosted by The Clove Club and Lyle’s. As part of the full-day experience, you will take a bread and pastry masterclass at Flor, the new restaurant from Lyle’s chef James Lowe, followed by a tasting menu lunch at Lyle’s. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail tasting with The Clove Club’s head bartender followed by dinner with wine pairings at The Clove Club. Join the chef-owners of both restaurants for after-dinner drinks at award-winning bar Coupette.
An Empirical Spirits Cocktail Experience Day in Copenhagen
Spend a day tasting and learning with Empirical Spirits, the acclaimed flavour company founded by Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen in Copenhagen, Denmark. You’ll meet the full team, discovering everything from distillation and foraging to cocktail making and, of course, sampling the very finest flavours. The day will be rounded off with dinner and drinks.
Convivial Cocktail Experience for 4 with Asia’s Best Bar Jigger & Pony in Singapore
Spend an evening enjoying convivial Singaporean hospitality in some of the city’s finest cocktail bars, courtesy of Jigger & Pony, The Best Bar in Asia 2020. You’ll start with a cocktail masterclass at Jigger’s sibling bar Gibson, led by head bartender Gento Torigata, at the group’s cocktail lab. Learning techniques from fermentation to re-distillation, you’ll have a hands-on experience using regional fruits, herbs and spices. Next, it’s on to modern Italian Caffe Fernet for sunset aperitivo cocktails and snacks, before ending the evening with cocktails at Jigger & Pony.
FINE BOTTLES
The ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction will also feature unique releases from some of the world’s finest drinks brands. Here’s a taste of what’s to come…
Nebuchadnezzar of Beronia 2015 Gran Reserva Signed by Beronia’s Winemaker
A Nebuchadnezzar is the largest bottle format, holding a spectacular 15 litres of Rioja from one of Beronia’s top vintages of the 2010s.
Flor de Caña V Generaciones 30 Year Old Ultra-Luxury Rum
Aged in a single barrel since 1988, Flor de Caña V Generaciones is presented in a sleek black leather case and features the signatures of the five family generations behind Flor de Caña, a bottle cap made from real volcanic rock and a replica of the iconic 1902 volcano postal stamp of Nicaragua.
Michter's 10 Year Bourbon Private Barrel Selection Bottling
An extraordinary opportunity for the most discerning whiskey enthusiast to acquire their own private barrel bottling of Michter's 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which yields in the region of 120 bottles.
Full Collection of 7 Limited Edition Disaronno Icon Bottles
Unique bottles from the Disaronno Icon Collection, each designed by a different world-famous Italian fashion designer, including Moschino, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Etro, Missoni, Trussardi and Diesel.
Complete Sherry en Rama Cask
For the first time ever, González Byass is offering an entire cask of sherry for auction. Specially selected by award-winning master blender Antonio Flores, this wine comes straight from the original Tio Pepe Fino Solera, which was started in the mid-1800s by the winery's founder, Manuel María González.
Rare Bottle of Single Cask Yoichi 1988
A Single Cask expression of Yoichi Single Malt from Nikka Whisky, one of the last bottles remaining since its release in 2013. Casked in 1988, this whisky was matured in New American Oak (cask number 100212) and is bottled at cask strength.
Vintage 1960 bottle of Cherry Heering
A rare 1960 vintage bottle of Cherry Heering liqueur from part of a collection of unopened bottles dating back as far as 1883. The bottles are in mint condition and stored safely in Cherry Heering’s archives.
Mancino Vermouth Vecchio Box of 6 Different Vintage Aged Vermouth
A box of 6 exclusive bottles of Vintage Mancino Vermouth Rosso Amaranto Barricato, a unique Italian Vermouth di Torino made in Piedmont and barrel-aged in single Italian oak 500l cask for 12 months.
Exclusive Rémy Martin XO 3 litres decanter, signed by the 70th Cannes Film Festival jury members
Rémy Martin has decided to release from its heritage collection a unique and rare bottle: an exclusive Rémy Martin XO 3 litres decanter, signed by the 70th Cannes Film Festival jury members in 2017 and its president, Pedro Almodóvar.
The Dalmore Constellation Collection 1991 (Cask no.1)
The elegant backbone of this whisky has been defined by its 11-year slumber in the finest American white oak cask. Only when the time was right did the Master Distiller awaken the spirit and transfer it into an exquisite Lepanto brandy cask.
Matusalem Personalised Blend
A private session with Cynthia Vargas, the Matusalem Master Blender, in order to pre-select according to your palate a base of the brand’s most exclusive Solera Rums to configurate your own Matusalem personalised Blend.
Learn more about the auction in our video and subscribe to 50 Best TV for more content:
Stay tuned over the next few weeks to discover more of the incredible experiences included in the 50 Best ‘Bid for Recovery’ auction, and follow us on Instagram at @50BestBars, follow us on Twitter at @50BestBars, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/50BestBars and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Reporting by Laura Price and Mark Sansom
