Iconic bourbon brand Maker’s Mark has teamed up with local honey company Taylor Pass to bring Kiwis an exclusive experience exploring the B Corp status of both brands.
The “Sustainable Suite” at The Mezzanine (part of Ben Bayly’s restaurant Origine) is an immersive pop-up that allows guests to enjoy a curated selection of “Gold Rush” cocktails, tailored to the preferences of each patron by Origine’s esteemed mixologist Egor Petrov. The pop-up is open from June 1st to July 12th.
The speakeasy-style suite is set apart from the main bar and seats up to six people for an intimate, handcrafted experience with sustainability at the forefront. The private space can be booked free of charge for one hour, ideal for before-dinner apéritifs, casual cocktails with friends or late-night digestifs.
A modern twist on the classic whisky sour, the Gold Rush is crafted with Maker’s Mark bourbon and Taylor Pass honey, certified B Corp brands that meet the high social and environmental performance standards, accountability and transparency.
Maker’s Mark is the largest distillery in the world to earn the certification and the first in Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Country. Taylor Pass is one of only four New Zealand honey brands to achieve the distinction.
Rob Samuels, chief distillery officer and 8th generation whisky maker and grandson of the founders at Maker’s Mark said craftsmanship was at the core of the distillery’s operation and that he was thrilled to partner with a Kiwi company that shares the same principles.
“Since 1953, my grandparents instilled a sense of responsibility that started with how we make our bourbon and extended to how we impact the lives of our teams, customers, communities and shared environment,” said Samuels.
“I’m excited to continue pioneering important initiatives and work with incredible collaborators like Taylor Pass to create moments for customers to be remembered.”
Long regarded for purity, authenticity and fully traceable origins, Taylor Pass has hives in Marlborough, Central Otago and South Westland and produces eight varietals of honey, including the Beech Honeydew used in the Gold Rush cocktail.
Hadleigh Galt, CEO of Taylor Pass, said the company’s sustainability mission was at the core of every step.
“From our beekeeping practices, focused on maintaining the fragile balance of the natural ecosystem we live in, to producing a delicious superfood which enhances the wellness of our community, our decisions are made with lasting good in mind,” stated Galt.
“We’re committed to being a force for good and are buzzing to work alongside Maker’s Mark to tell our shared stories. Bourbon and honey complement each other perfectly, and the Sustainable Suite perfectly showcases our partnership.”
