Grano Arso & Highclere Castle Gin Partner for $99 Ultimate Cocktail...For A Good Cause

Kristin L. Wolfe October 31, 2020

Although we continue to lament the trials of 2020 and all the ways in which IT has put a damper on our spirits, there are still some things bubbling to the surface as pure goodness. If anything, 2020 has called on all of us to be more creative and resourceful than we’ve ever been before. Take collaborations for example. Businesses have been coming together to not only support one another through tough times, but CREATE in ways which raise the bar of possibilities.

Grano Arso, in Chester and Highclere Castle Gin out of Essex, in partnership with the namesake estate in England and location of the beloved series Downton Abbey, have come together to create the ultimate moment of luxury. From November 1 - January 1, diners have the opportunity to delight in, perhaps, the most lavish cocktail ever made. This $99 cocktail is not meant to empty your pockets, although the pleasure itself might be worth the moment, but in fact, go to a wonderful cause. Given the downsides of Covid-19, the Channel 3 Kids Camp, celebrating their 110th year, was unable to run this year, therefore disappointing countless Connecticut children who did not get to experience it this summer. More than ever, the proceeds from this divine cocktail will ensure kids get their camp experience in 2021.

Connecticut foodies already know Grano Arso, and Chef Joel Gargano’s esteemed talents. In partnership with his wife Lani, the restaurant has blazed trails in just a few short years. Winning Best Overall Restaurant and Best Restaurant in its region last year, Grano Arso has the upper hand on delicate, pleasure-inducing bites. And, although the kick off event on Monday, October 26 was meant to highlight the special cocktail, the preceding hors d'oeuvres (paired with the gin served straight, then in another cocktail) were memorable, to say the least. Every bite was somehow both, ultra light and ultra rich, simultaneously:

Potato Torta with Nduja Aioli, Foie Gras Torchon with Cherry Mostarta, Smoked Sea Salt, Rye Crisp, Ricotta Ravioli with Burgundy Black Truffle and Parmigiano Reggiano, and Herb Hummus Stuffed in Fried Conchiglie and Togarashi.

Spirits entrepreneur, Adam von Gootkin, known locally for his creation of the Connecticut based Onyx Moonshine brand launched Highclere Castle Gin last year in partnership with the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, owners and residents of the famous castle known as the location for the hit series Downton Abbey. The gin is made using the botanicals from the ancient estate, adding to the esteem and pedigree of the new spirit. As Gootkin officially announced the event, he mentioned that the Lord and Lady were toasting alongside us Monday evening, albeit a few thousand miles away, with the special cocktail as well. Cheers!

The Cocktail and Garnish

As an apprehensive gin drinker, I was truly curious about the cocktail, worried that such a luxurious libation would be lost on me, but that was not the case. After trying the gin over ice with orange peel, I was honestly taken aback at how smooth and herbal it was. Then we tried it as a cocktail with lavender, citrus, and frothy sweet egg whites. That was tremendously flavorful, and yet again, despite my past with gin, more subtle than I expected. We were then taken one by one to the vault--Grano Arso is housed within an old 1901 Savings Bank, where many of the original signature details are maintained--where the specialty cocktail was being kept cold, on a marble platform, and blocked by velvet ropes. The drama added to the event and the anticipation to try the ensemble cocktail and exquisite garnish. The cocktail itself is called a Royale Martini and used a rare vermouth and citron liquor. Chef Gargano created an herbed oat crostillon, dolloped with lavender creme fraiche, and a generous bite of golden osetra caviar. It was truly like having a bit of the ocean amidst a floral meadow dancing on your palate. I might have cried, it was certainly a moment. And, to know this experience will end in money raised for children in Connecticut, it was all the more pleasurable.

The luxurious cocktail benefit will be available between November 1 - January 1 at Grano Arso in Chester, CT.