An annual destination for the best in modern and contemporary art, The Seattle Art Fair is returning to Lumen Field for the eighth year on July 25-28; and Hendrick’s Gin is an official sponsor.

An extravagant showcase for the vibrant arts community of the Pacific Northwest, and a leading  destination for the best in modern and contemporary art, the Fair attracts discerning art collectors from across the country.

This partnership — of fine art and fine spirits — could not be more perfectly aligned. Since its inception in Scotland decades ago, Hendrick’s has become known for its unusual flavor and the impeccably crafted works of art that comprise the Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities — unusual expressions of a most unusual gin.

Hendrick’s Original Gin

Hendrick’s is a deliciously super premium gin, made with a number of unusual twists. The art of making Hendrick’s Gin begins with a first distillation from an old-fashioned copper pot still, yielding a rich and intricate spirit. The second is distilled from a long-necked Carter Head, producing a delicate, more refined spirit. Each still is infused with an unusual symphony of 11 botanicals: chamomile, elderflower, juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, caraway, coriander, cubeb berries, angelica root, yarrow root and orris root. The gins from the two stills are then married together and graced with a curious yet marvelous infusion of rose and cucumber.

The Cabinet of Curiosities — Limited release expressions of Hendrick’s Gin

The newest expression in the Cabinet of Curiosities is Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret.  This gin is made for dreamers, artists and free-spirited souls, taking its inspiration from a delicious fruit-based libation that was in vogue in Paris in the early 20th Century. This exquisitely extravagant expression made its Seattle debut in the Carnival of Cocktails during the March Seattle Cocktail Week, where it immediately captivated discerning drinkers who seek an elusive mix of rich flavors and delicate brightness.

Another expression currently available is perfect for casual get-togethers, Hendrick’s Flora Adora is buzzing with an enticing aroma of enchanting flowers and a fresh, classic herbal character. The juniper and coriander backbone are lengthened by lush green and wonderfully sweet floral characteristics, creating a wonderfully balanced gin.

You may have enjoyed past limited releases from the Cabinet of Curiosities like Hendrick’s Neptunia- inspired by the coastal environment where Hendrick’s is made.  Hendrick’s Lunar was a delightfully smooth and alluring gin, rich with night blooming floral essence.  The most popular from the cabinet was Midsummer Solstice, a light and crisp libation. With playful lightness & wicked crispness, this flirtatiously floral incarnation of Hendrick’s is perfect for refreshing, long cocktails.

Hendrick’s Orbium was the very first Curiosity from the Cabinet, and is the only expression that is permanently available.  It has taken gin in an altogether new direction by infusing the flavors traditionally associated with classic gin libations; the quinine found in tonic and wormwood found in vermouth. The addition of Blue Lotus Blossom creates a complex gin with surprising brightness and a finish that is uncommonly long.

The Hendrick’s Cocktail Configurator is a star of the Fair

The Cocktail Configurator is a custom steampunk machine that mixes the perfect Hendrick's cocktail by using two measured chambers and one free poured chamber. Originally created to make a classic Negroni, this machine can be adapted to create many other refreshing three-ingredient cocktails. The magic of the machine is in the theatrics it commands as a performer or bartender pulls a series of levers in order to release the liquid into an ice well and finally into the cocktail glass ready to serve.

This magical contraption is a perfect piece of performance art and will be prominently featured during this year’s Fair. To mix your own Negronis at home, the recipe is simplicity itself:

The Hendrick’s Unusual Negroni

1 part Hendrick’s Original Gin

1 part Aperol

1 part Lillet Blanc

Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass over ice, garnish with an orange wedge.

Hand crafted in Scotland in miniscule batches by William Grant & Sons, Hendrick’s is the only gin that uses this marriage of spirits to produce a divinely smooth gin that has both the required character and balance of subtle flavors.

The result is a wondrously refreshing gin with a delightfully floral aroma, elevating any gin cocktail and all occasions. Hendrick’s Gin has an ABV of 44% and an SRP of $34.99. Please drink the unusual responsibly. For further information, visit www.hendricksgin.com/.

Find Hendrick’s in stores and online.