Barr Hill Gin launches 7th Annual 'Bee's Knees Week' to protect pollinators
Vermont Business Magazine Barr Hill Gin, America's most awarded gin and creator of Landcrafted spirits, announces its 7th Annual Bee's Knees Week, set for September 20-29, 2024. This initiative combines cocktail culture with conservation, aiming to protect vital pollinator habitats across the United States. As a 1% for the Planet partner, Barr Hill will provide funds to 1% for the Planet-approved partners on outcomes that benefit pollinators and communities.
A Million-Square-Foot Mission
Since its inception, Bee's Knees Week has helped create more than 700,000 square feet of pollinator habitat. This year, Barr Hill sets an ambitious goal: to reach 1 million square feet pledged and planted by the end of the event.
"Stewardship of the land is central to our mission," says Ryan Christiansen, President and Head Distiller at Caledonia Spirits, Barr Hill's parent company. "We're passionate about making a positive change for pollinators. They play a crucial role in our ecosystem and economy."
The Buzz About Bees
The urgency of this mission is clear. North American bumblebee populations have plummeted by nearly 50% since 1974. These pollinators are essential not just for Barr Hill's distinctive spirits, but also for food security. Bees contribute to over 90 different food crops in the U.S., adding more than $20 billion to the economy annually.
How to Join the Hive
Participation in Bee's Knees Week is simple and delicious:
Enjoy a Bee's Knees cocktail or mocktail at a participating venue or at home.
Share your experience on social media using #beeskneesweek and tagging @barrhillgin.
For every cocktail/mocktail shared, Barr Hill pledges to plant 10 square feet of new pollinator habitat.
Additionally, each bottle of Barr Hill Gin sold during the event will result in 20 square feet pledged.
The Sweet Science of Barr Hill
Barr Hill's unique Landcrafted® approach sets it apart in the spirits world. "The distillery is a toolbox, and the beehive is an incredible tool that gives us access to flavors we wouldn't have without the bees," Christiansen explains.
Each year, Barr Hill uses over 150,000 pounds of raw honey sourced within a 250-mile radius of their Montpelier distillery. This local honey, foraged by bees from countless wildflowers, imparts a distinct depth and botanical balance to their gin, creating a spirit that truly captures the essence of the region.
A Cocktail with a Cause
The classic Bee's Knees cocktail – a Prohibition-era mix of gin, lemon juice, and honey – perfectly showcases Barr Hill Gin's unique honey notes. "It's a Barr Hill classic," says Tonya Martel, Bar & Hospitality Manager at Caledonia Spirits. "We're excited to see the creative spins our fans and bartenders put on this timeless recipe."
Bars, restaurants, and spirits stores are invited to partner with Barr Hill for Bee's Knees Week. Sign up is easy and participating venues will receive educational materials and also be featured on an interactive map on Barr Hill's website.
Join the Movement
Whether you're a professional bartender or a home mixologist, Bee's Knees Week offers a chance to enjoy exceptional spirits while making a positive impact. Visit www.beeskneesweek.com or follow @barrhillgin on Instagram to learn more and find participating venues.
Barr Hill Gin: Crafting world-class spirits, educating consumers, and protecting the hardworking bees that make it all possible. Now that's something worth raising a glass to. Drink the best and save the bees!
ABOUT BARR HILL
Barr Hill is an award-winning, super-premium spirits brand made by the Montpelier, Vermont-based distillery, Caledonia Spirits. Barr Hill started in 2011 when Ryan Christiansen—now President and Head Distiller l—met beekeeper Todd Hardie who was using raw honey in his small production winery. A decade later and now the team has grown and moved into a state of the art, sustainably built distillery and bar spread across five acres, producing America’s most awarded gin—all centered around regional raw honey and helping pollinators. Barr Hill currently produces three spirits – Barr Hill Gin, Barr Hill Reserve Tom Cat Gin, and Barr Hill Vodka.
