BCB Berlin: What a difference a year makes
In one year, the world—and BCB—have done a 180°. This quiet, organized fair in 2021 has gone all out for 2022.
In one year, the world—and BCB—have done a 180°. What was a quiet, organized and “sedate” meeting in 2021, has turned into a jamboree for 2022. BCB Berlin has changed, it’s true. Many who remember the early editions of Bar Convent in its industrial premises say it just doesn’t have the same vibe. But we must remember how crowded it was in the last years in the old location, and how many people were actually turned away. It was necessary to find a bigger venue, and although it seemed a bit empty last year, 2022 had you getting in your “steps” every day.
Some things I like about the new venue and this year’s roster:
The Palais with its very few stands and chill atmosphere. The press bar and lounge on the second floor was my go to for sure. I was able to hold my interviews in a relatively noise-free atmosphere and gather my thoughts a bit. The Blend by Beam Suntory held their sold-out workshops up here.
Hall 11.1 with its low nightclub lighting and speakeasy bar was a joy to discover. The fair is so big I didn’t discover it until day two…
The speakers programme, although the size of the fair made you really have to move to get from one stage to the next.
The big stands were back. Campari and the other big guns, we missed you!
The festive, sometimes whimsical atmosphere. Bring it on, we needed this so badly.
The parties. There were many FOMO moments but I think I hit some great spots this year.
The one I hit Sunday
The tail end of the opening party at Kink. A huge crowd full of the people who attended the Mixology Bar Awards ceremony, (Kink won best bar) sponsored by William Grant and Sons/ Glenfiddich. Iain McPherson from Panda and Co in Edinburgh was the host and even had time to have a few words with me! Great highball, by the way!
The Kink event on Sunday night
Monday night
Wax on, sponsored by Brown Forman was my drinking den of choice with excellent concoctions by Zana Möhlmann and Angelos Oikonoumou of Super Lyan in Amsterdam. There I met pal Franky Marshall for a little drink together.
I got the golden ticket to the Back to the Future party by Thomas Henry at Säälchen but it was too jammed by the time I got there.
The golden ticket that was never used.
Wax on making the magic happen with Zana Mohlman and Angelos Oikonomou from Super Lyan in Amsterdam
for Hell or High Water… why not?
Being all Panda about it for Panda & Sons Edinburgh
Tuesday night
The OG for AuVodka
Green Door- This bar that normally concentrates on European ingredients went off the map with a takeover by Jose Luis Leon from Alquímico in Cartagena (n. 10 of Worlds 50 Best) that served up some Mezcal magic.
Fabelei sponsored by ILVA Saronno & The Busker Whiskey, where Jeffrey Morgenthaler of Pacific Standard did a guest shift. This is a cozy neighbourhood bar serving small plates that got a bit crazy for BCB!
Bellboy, sponsored by Casoni, starring Marian Beke of London’s The Gibson threw it into high gear mixing cocktails at a speed I have seldom seen before. Bellboy was one of those places you just don’t want to leave. The 20’s atmosphere, the cocktails of course, the surprise in the powder room, the smoking den and the amazing staff put this place on the top of my list.
Palabra and Agave Fam had a ton of friends behind the bar, like Carl from Barking Dog and Paloma in Copenhagen, Emelie from the new Corner Bar in Stockholm and a score of others slinging agave-based drinks. Lady Mirtilla from Barking dog was in there somewhere (wtf were you?). This neighbourhood bar was fun, loud, and packed and everyone was enjoying the vibe. Tequila was king, and Latin music was queen. It was a great way to close out the night.
With Emelie at Palabra
Stelios Papadopoulos from Barro Negro from Athens gets Sharlafied at Palabra
With Sydney’s award-filled Maybe Sammy boss Martin Hudak at the fair
with John Parson and Necj Kovacic of Parson Gin at Bellboy
Jose Luis Leon from Alquímico at Green Door
The one I’m sorry I missed
Licor 43party @Reingold—that party had it all: 70’s music, acrobatic pours, extra-long bar (size matters), @cocktailman… I only missed it coz I thought it would be too jammed at 1 am…
And the interviews…
I always take advantage of the fairs to get inspiration for my next articles, and here are a few hints: An American author and bar icon, an innovative juice company, a whisky producer from the other side of the world, and more surprises. Stay tuned!