The Inaugural Ethiopian Trust Cocktail Soiree
Back: Guest Mixologists: Brenny Savoy, Osa Restaurant and Khalid Williams, Treva Restaurant. Middle: Highclere Castle Spirits Team: Renee Lemieux, Chief of Staff, Adam von Gootkin, Founder & CEO & Board Member of the Royal Ethiopian Trust, Joshua Alexander, New England Sales, Regina von Gootkin, Counsel. Front: Nicholas Melillo, Founder of Foundation Cigar Company and RET Board Member, Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie, President of the Royal Ethiopian Trust, Henry Alberto and Melissa Trofatter, Highclere Castle Spirits
We recently had the distinct pleasure of joining Adam von Gootkin, co-founder of Highclere Castle Gin, at a truly unique and enchanting evening at the magnificent Dickinson Mansion in Essex on Friday, February 9th. The fundraiser was to honor the launch of the Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET) and was sponsored by Highclere Castle Gin.
Adam has done it once again, bringing Connecticut another touch of royalty. He is on the board of the Royal Ethiopian Trust as an advisor and friend to His Imperial Highness, Prince Ermias Haile Selassie, the esteemed grandson of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie.
Says Adam, “The Royal Ethiopian Trust, is a charitable organization dedicated to the noble cause of supporting Ethiopian education, nurturing young entrepreneurs, and preserving the rich imperial heritage of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia, often celebrated as the cradle of humanity and the proverbial Garden of Eden, boasts an imperial legacy spanning over 5,000 years. Prince Ermias, a man of exceptional kindness and brilliance, stands as a living testament to this unbroken monarchical lineage, the longest in human history.
Cocktails served included a blend of Highclere Castle Gin with Ethiopian Tej honey wine featured here
Through the RET, we aim not only to safeguard this legacy but also to share it with the world. One of our ambitious projects includes assembling an imperial collection of significant artifacts, once lost, or stolen, with hopes of partnering with esteemed institutions like the Smithsonian for a global exhibition.”
The event was clearly more than just a gathering; it was a rare opportunity to be part of a historical narrative, to mingle with distinguished guests, and to contribute to a cause that bridges continents and cultures.
Local restaurants sponsored catering for the evening including New Haven based Lalibela, serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine and Chef Joel Gargano, from the award-winning Chester based Grano Arso restaurant. Cocktails were created fusing Highclere Castle Gin with Ethiopian Tej honey wine, bringing two noble worlds together to make the first cocktail of its kind.
While Highclere Castle Spirits maintains offices at Highclere Castle in England, the company is headquartered in Essex, Connecticut. Learn more about the Royal Ethiopian Trust and donate here:
and Highclere Castle Gin here
