56 North

The comedian W.C. Fields once said: ‘I exercise strong self-control. I never drink anything stronger than gin before breakfast.’

While admiring Mr Field’s restraint, we advise waiting a little further into the day before uncorking the gin bottle.

After lunch seems about right.

Snap up today’s Big Deal with the rather slinky 56 North bar on West Cross Causeway and you can enjoy afternoon tea and a mighty fine masterclass on the fascinating subject of gin.

Stylish cocktail bar

A stylish cocktail bar and kitchen, 56 North is a cool venue in which to nose, taste, compare and contrast eight different gins.

56 North has been named the Spirits Bar of the Year by the Scottish Licensed Trade News and they know their hooch, especially gin.

They have over 80 bottles of gin from all over the world and this masterclass will help you get to grips with this hugely popular spirit.

Eight premium gins

Today’s Big Deal options are for one or two people to take part in a gin tasting masterclass at 56 North.

The masterclasses run at 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays and we can’t think of a finer way to spend a weekend afternoon.

A journey in gin, the classes cover gin production; its history; the botanicals and rare spices used in flavouring gin; the liquid itself and, most importantly, what characteristics to look out for when tasting gin. 

The premium gin brands tasted at each session may include Berry Bros & Rudd London No3, Caorunn, William Chase, Hendricks, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Whitley Neill plus one other guest brand.

Fever Tree tonics will be available as mixers throughout the class.

Afternoon tea

As well as the gin masterclass, today’s offer also includes a delicious afternoon tea. Gin is delightful but gin and afternoon tea is even better.

This Big Deal writer has done a gin masterclass before and it really is amazing how many different flavours and aromas you can pick out when tasting gin properly.

Fantastic Christmas present

This Big Deal would be the ideal event for a group of friends; it would make for a very different stag or hen and, of course, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to know more about this fascinating drink.

Naturally, with vouchers valid until the end of March 2015, today’s Big Deal would also make a great Christmas gift for the gin lover in your life.

If you want to have fun while learning all about this versatile spirit then raise a glass to today’s Big Deal button and hit the buy button.