Barr Hill Gin Launches 8th Annual ‘Bee’s Knees Week’ to Protect Pollinators, September 20–29, 2024

By Naiady Porta Oliveira–

Barr Hill Gin, America’s most awarded gin and creator of Landcrafted® spirits, announces its 8th 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 such as the Garden for the Environment, located here in San Francisco. This year’s habitat program will pilot outcomes that benefit pollinators and community gardens.

Since its inception, Bee’s Knees Week has helped create more than 700,000 square feet of new pollinator habitat. This year, Barr Hill has set an ambitious goal: to reach 1 million square feet of new habitat pledged and planted by the end of the event.

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 Help the Bees

Participation in Bee’s Knees Week is simple and delicious!

1. Join a celebration or cocktail competition. There is a Bee’s Knees Week celebration at The Factory Bar in Richmond on Sunday, September 22, from 3–5 pm, hosted by the Barr Hill Team. For tickets and more information: https://www.thefactorybar.net/

At the competition we’ll be:

• enjoying unique cocktails crafted by the incredible bar team at The Factory Bar;
• planting pollinator habitat for guests to take home for their own gardens;
• sharing bee trivia with prizes;
• tasting honey from around the world;
• and learning from a beekeeper & observation beehive.

You can also check out the great cocktail competition on September 22 at Brasserie du Monde in Sacramento! https://brasseriedumonde.com/

2. Visit other participating bars, restaurants, and stores on the Bee’s Knees website (https://bit.ly/4dPxWsO).

3. Post your Bee’s Knees cocktail on social media using #beeskneesweek and tagging @barrhillgin.

4. For every cocktail/mocktail shared, Barr Hill pledges to plant 10 square feet of new pollinator habitat.

Plus, each bottle of Barr Hill Gin purchased at a participating store or online at the Barr Hill website (https://bit.ly/4eaU8gK) will result in 20 square feet pledged.

Whether you’re a professional bartender or a home cocktail enthusiast, Bee’s Knees Week offers a chance to enjoy exceptional spirits while making a positive impact.

Visit Bee’s Knee’s Week online (https://bit.ly/4cQsg0C) or follow
@barrhillgin on Instagram to learn more and find participating venues.

Barr Hill Gin is on a mission to connect cocktail culture with agriculture by 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. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4cQsg0C

Naiady “Naj” Porta Oliveira, a queer San Francisco native, blends a deep love for mixology with a passion for vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. As a cocktail columnist, they craft unique drink recipes that reflect the eclectic spirit of their city and community. When not shaking up new concoctions, they’re exploring San Francisco’s dynamic nightlife and advocating for inclusivity in every pour.

Cocktails With Naj
Published on September 19, 2024