My wife and I were invited to an exclusive event at the elegant Larz Anderson Auto Museum, marking a significant moment for Dillons Small Batch Distillers.
Hosted in collaboration with Boston Soho House, this summer kickoff celebrated Dillon’s US debut of its premium ready-to-drink gin cocktails, now available for purchase in Boston. The evening promised a unique blend of history, culture, and modern innovation, set against the backdrop of a storied automotive museum, and, of course, Dillon’s gin seltzer cocktails.
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts, is a treasure trove of automotive history. The museum, housed in a stunning carriage house that dates back to the late 19th century, boasts a collection of vintage automobiles and offers a glimpse into the evolution of automotive design, so of course we were thrilled to have a chance to explore automotive history, mix with creative people, and sample Dillon’s sparkling cocktails.
The venue’s architectural beauty and the historical significance of its exhibits provided a captivating setting for the evening’s festivities.
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum is more than just a collection of cars; it’s a portal to a bygone era. The museum’s origins date back to the Gilded Age, when Larz and Isabel Anderson, a couple renowned for their social status and philanthropy, began their love affair with the automobile. Their first acquisition, an 1899 Winton 4-hp Runabout, marked the beginning of what would become America’s oldest car collection.
The Carriage House, designed in the style of a French chateau and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places preserves a collection of cars from the 1947 VW Beetle to historical oddities I’d never even heard of.
In between sampling raw oysters and engaging in conversations with the fascinating members of Soho House, we too time, cocktails in hand, to explore the antique cars, occasionally interspaced with things other than cars, like a soapbox derby racer, a tiny camper trailer, a collection of penny-farthing bicycles and road rally posters.
As the event commenced, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The sophisticated décor and lively crowd set the tone for an unforgettable night. Smooth R&B by the talented Lisa Bello filled the air, creating a vibrant backdrop for the evening.
Guests mingled, enjoying a selection of exquisite food and drinks, and engaged in animated conversations with some of Boston’s most talented and artistic individuals. The combination of food, drink, music, and stimulating conversation created a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
Since we were guests of Dillons’, I took time to ask people we spoke to about their impressions of cocktails made with Dillons’ handcrafted gin and sparkling soda water. The words most often said were “refreshing” and “crisp”. I saw a general mix of the three different cocktails: Tangerine, Lemon & a Hint of Mint; Blackberry, Lemon & a Dash of Elderflower; and Black Cherry & a Touch of Cranberry. My wife, my designated taster for the evening, had sampled all three flavors but kept going back for the Black Cherry and Cranberry.
Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, by the way, is a Canadian company founded in 2012, dedicated to small batch production, locally sourced ingredients, and traditional distillation methods. The have only recently expanded into the US market, thus this event hosted with Soho House to introduce the canned cocktails into Boston. Should you travel into Canada, look for a much wider variety of cocktails, gins, and other small batch liquors.
The introduction of Dillons’ gin cocktails comes at a time when canned cocktails are rapidly gaining popularity. These convenient and sophisticated beverages cater to modern consumers who value quality and ease of enjoyment. Dillons’ new offerings fit seamlessly into this trend, providing a premium option for those seeking a refreshing and flavorful drink. The event not only showcased the new cocktails but also highlighted the broader cultural and culinary trends shaping the beverage industry.
The event was not only a feast for the palate but also a visual and interactive delight, thanks to the array of vendors who brought their A-game to the table. The caterer, renowned for their innovative and complex dishes, laid out a buffet that was a masterpiece of flavors and textures. The cornbread was a symphony of sweet and savory, while the salads and side dishes were so intricately composed that they defied simple description. The star of the show, however, was the smoked brisket—so tender and succulent that it seemed to melt in your mouth, leaving a lasting impression of smoky perfection.
As guests indulged in the culinary delights, they were treated to an array of cookies that ranged from classic to contemporary, each a bite-sized piece of heaven. The oysters, fresh and briny, were a nod to New England’s rich seafood tradition, served with a variety of accompaniments to enhance their natural flavors. Amidst the gastronomic indulgence, a portrait artist added a touch of elegance and creativity, capturing the essence of the event and its attendees with swift, skillful strokes. This blend of fine food and art created an ambiance that was both lively and sophisticated, ensuring that guests were well-fed and thoroughly entertained.
From the perspective of a working travel writer, the event not just a fantastic experience, it was also a wealth of information for writing. The Larz Anderson Auto Museum, with its fascinating exhibits and historical charm, provided a captivating setting. The atmosphere, enhanced by Lisa Bello’s music and the vibrant conversations, made the evening truly memorable. The new gin cocktails added a unique and refreshing element, offering a taste of Dillons’ craftsmanship and innovation.
Engaging with other attendees, including notable figures in the local arts scene, added depth to the experience and highlighted the intersection of history, culture, and modern trends.
The party’s over, but it’s not too late to visit the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, a destination worth exploring for its historical and cultural significance.
It’s not too late, if you are part of Boston’s arts scene, to apply for membership into Soho House, so that you can spend time with other Boston-area creative types.
And while you may have missed the launch party, Dillon’s new gin cocktails are now available in Boston, bringing a touch of sophistication and a burst of flavor to your own gatherings. Whether enjoyed at a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a golden hour gathering, these cocktails offer a perfect blend of handcrafted quality and refreshing taste. So, visit the museum, taste Dillon’s new offerings, enjoy the vibrant cultural scene, and join the celebration of craftsmanship and creativity that Boston has to offer.
From a travel writer’s perspective, the event was a rich tapestry of experiences. The Larz Anderson Auto Museum, with its fascinating exhibits and historical charm, provided a captivating setting. The atmosphere, enhanced by Lisa Bello’s music and the vibrant conversations, made the evening truly memorable. The new gin cocktails added a unique and refreshing element, offering a taste of Dillon’s craftsmanship and innovation.
Engaging with fellow attendees, the air was filled with stories of travel, art, and the shared love of fine spirits.
The event was not just a showcase of Dillon’s latest offerings but a celebration of the collective spirit that defines the cultural and social heartbeat of Boston. It was an evening that highlighted the seamless blend of tradition and modernity, leaving guests with a sense of connection to both the past and the present. This event, like the cocktails it introduced, was perfectly balanced and will be remembered as a highlight of the summer season.
For more information
• sohohouse.com
• www.dillons.ca
• larzanderson.org
• lisabellomusic.com
Paul not only writes many of the articles in the pages of this magazine, he is also the publisher and editor of all of the magazines in the Amygis Publishing’s family of travel magazines. He loves exploring, traveling the back roads, experiencing the world, and finding what is unique and memorable about the places he visits.
And he loves writing – poetry, short stories, essays, non-fiction, news, and. of course, travel writing.
For over 20 years, he has shared his explorations with readers in a wide variety of outlets, from groundbreaking forays into the first stirrings of the dot-com boom to travel guides, local newspapers, and television, including Runner’s World, Travel Lady, Providence Journal, and Northstar Travel Media. He currently publishes and writes for Amygis Publishing’s magazines Jaunting, Northeast Traveler, and Rhode Island Roads.
