Join Andre Barnhill of Baltimore's Bar Clavel for a one-hour tasting at Sorbito in London. Taste three rare agave spirits unavailable in the UK and hear the stories behind each pour.
Join Andre Barnhill of Baltimore's Bar Clavel for a one-hour tasting at Sorbito in London. Taste three rare agave spirits unavailable in the UK and hear the stories behind each pour.
Book with The Sin Gusano Project
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Sin Gusano Project · London, England
Step into Sorbito in London for an evening where Baltimore barkeeper Andre Barnhill pours three rare agave spirits you won’t find in the UK. Hosted by The Sin Gusano Project, this one-off tasting gathers curious drinkers for a concentrated hour of storytelling, nosing and sip-by-sip discovery. Andre — a James Beard-recognized expert and former Mezcal Director at Clavel in Baltimore — brings suitcase samples and an interpretive eye that reframes mezcal as technique, terroir and culture.
The location: Sorbito, London, England. The scene is intimate: bar counter, small groups, low light and the tang of smoke, citrus and cooked agave in the glass. The experience is straightforward and focused — arrive at 6pm for a welcome drink; the presentation begins at 6:30pm and runs about an hour. Expect three unique tasters salvaged from producers’ stocks, each chosen to highlight distinct production choices: agave species, roast level, and regional influence. Those choices translate as differences in aroma, mineral texture, and finish that reveal why mezcal has become a bartender’s instrument rather than mere novelty.
What makes this special is the expert lens. Barnhill’s work at Clavel earned regional acclaim from the James Beard Foundation; he blends technical knowledge with barroom storytelling so you leave with new tasting vocabulary and a clearer sense of provenance. For London, where artisanal spirits and imported bottles compete for palates, a suitcase tasting like this is rare — it’s a temporary bridge to remote palenques and family producers who rarely ship outside Mexico.
Practical notes: spaces are limited and tickets tend to sell out. The event favors adults 18+, and capacity is small to preserve conversation. Bring curiosity more than kit; no special skills are required, but tasting benefits from neutral palate practices — avoid strong fragrances and heavy food before you arrive.
Why book it? It’s the fastest route to deeper mezcal literacy in the city: three concentrated pours, expert context, and the chance to try bottles unavailable through usual UK retail channels. It’s also a social night out that doubles as a masterclass — ideal for seasoned spirit fans wanting to expand their library or newcomers seeking a guided first taste.
Barnhill often opens a short Q&A at the end, so expect to leave with specific producer names and tasting notes you can reference later. This one-hour format makes the event perfect for a weekday evening or a tasting-focused stop between theatre and late dinner. Tickets make a focused gift for a spirit-curious friend; arrive early, bring valid photo ID; the pours are deliberate and the group small and informed.
The headline lists Ages 18+, so you must be at least 18 and bring valid photo ID.
Please arrive at 6pm for your welcome drink; the presentation begins at 6:30pm as stated in the meeting details.
Bottles may be limited; bring payment if you hope to purchase, but availability varies by session and importer rules.
The listing does not include accessibility specifics; contact the organizer via the booking link to ask about step-free access or seating needs.
The event runs about one hour, focused on three pours and a short Q&A.
The host and presenter conduct the tasting in English; if you have particular language needs, contact the organizer ahead of time.
The Sin Gusano Project is a London-based specialist that curates focused tastings and events dedicated to agave spirits, including mezcal and tequila. The project offers public masterclasses, seasonal thematic sessions, ticketed pairing evenings, and private, small-group tastings led by experienced hosts. Events take place in London venues and in private-home settings when noted, presenting rare bottles, vintage expressions, and producer-driven selections. Signature experiences include introductory tastings that explain the differences between tequila and mezcal, region-focused masters like the Mexican Road Trip, terroir-driven sessions that reveal how land and production shape flavour, and limited-seat events such as vintage Ocho tequila tastings. Seasonal and celebratory gatherings—New Year’s Eve early and late sessions, cheese and mezcal pairings, and inaugural meetings with guest experts—extend the calendar offering. The Sin Gusano Project works with recognised figures from the agave world; sessions feature hosts such as Jon, who conducts private tastings of exceptional mezcals, and guest experts including Gaby Moncada and Jesse Estes at curated events. Reservations, ticket terms, and venue hours are communicated per event; for example, some sessions note that Sorbito closes at 10 pm. Refund and booking policies are set per offering, including refundable first-drink terms for certain reservations. Focused on education and exploration, The Sin Gusano Project combines carefully selected spirits, storytelling, and guided tasting technique to help attendees deepen their appreciation for agave drinks. Attendees range from curious beginners to experienced collectors seeking rare mezcal and tequila perspectives, with tickets and capacity limited for more attentive, educational tastings and thoughtful conversation.
Book with The Sin Gusano Project