Fancy a quick Spanish lesson? Because we’ve got three ‘words of the day’ that you’ll want to know for an upcoming drinks festival in London. Piña is “the heart of the agave plant” and is the most essential component in tequila and mezcal production. A piñata is a papier mache totem or figure that is “brought out at celebrations and heavily associated with Mexico.” And if you combine the two, you end up with the La Piñata festival: “A celebration of Agave spirits, Mexican culture and an opportunity to taste some of the best Tequila and Mezcal side by side.”
Still not entirely sure what we’re on about? Let’s break it down. On June 9 and 10, at London’s Tobacco Docks, over twenty tequila and mezcal producers and vendors will join together for two days to celebrate the best agave spirits the world has to offer. Three ticketed sessions across Friday and Saturday will be available.
Each producer will have their own stand, and guests can wander around sampling their wares, chatting to the makers themselves, and learning everything there is to know about agave.
On show at La Piñata
With over 20 producers to sample from, guests will be able to try products from local vendors and those flying in specially for the festival. The roster currently includes “Tapatio Tequila, Ilegal Mezcal, Los Siete Misterios Mezcal, Don Amado, El Recuerdo and Zignum Mezcal, La La Tequila, Hacien Tequila, Cimarron and Picaflor Mezcal, Pensador, Ocho, QuiQuiRiQui, Mirror Margarita, Montelobos and Espolon, Sin Gusano, and Pimentae.”
But as well as the ability to try out pours of tasty tequilas and moreish mezcals, guests can also enjoy longer drinks. A special cocktail bar will keep thirsts quenched with a selection of “the very best Margarita’s, Paloma’s and Michelada’s”. Sure, it may be fun to sample straight pours of delicious spirits, but sometimes you want a bright, refreshing cocktail too!
Luchadors and live DJs will keep you entertained as you wander around La Piñata, as well as tastings and masterclasses designed to make you a mezcal maestro. The celebration of Mexican culture will also extend to market stalls selling Mexican art, crafts, and products.
Included with the ticket
Tickets guarantee entry to the festival (obviously) and also come with a courtesy tasting glass. This can be used to try out complimentary samples from all vendors. And with tickets costing just £25 per person, there’s a world of agave to sample! If you’re not a fan of straight tequila or mezcal, vendors will also have complimentary mixers on hand so you don’t miss out. The talks, tastings, and discussions on offer at the Masterclasses are also included in the ticket price.
Drinks from the bar, and bottles to take home, come at an extra cost. Ticket holders can, however, take advantage of a £5 discount from the Spirits Kiosk during or after the event.
Oh, and ticket holders also get entry to the partnered gin festival, absolutely free!
Junipalooza
Running at the same time as La Piñata is Junipalooza, an all-out gin celebration with 30 distillers and over 100 of the world’s most beloved gins. Junipalooza, which operates similarly to La Piñata, but with the agave swapped out for gin. They’ll be hosting producers from around the world, dishing out samples, and they’ll even have a Campari bar dishing out some of the best gin cocktails. They’ll also be hosting their own tastings and discussions in their Masterclasses – but with an obviously less tequila-oriented agenda.
Tickets to La Piñata will allow visitors access to Junipalooza free of charge and vice versa. So, you’re essentially getting two drinks festivals for the price of one!
La Piñata takes place on June 9-10. The partnered gin festival, Junipalooza, will take place on June 9-11, with ticket holders able to access both festivals. Head here to find out more and secure your tickets to the event(s).