DaveAx

The con has just announced that it's possible to pre-order their gin, for pickup on site. The distillery will have a table in the Dealers' Hall, and pre-ordered bottles can be picked up on Friday and Saturday. Pixel Spirits Distillery -- Gin 2024 VOL 70cl for £37VOL 20cl for £15 (Prices include VAT)

I have thrown this question out to my cocktail discussion group over on Facebook, and will report back on responses. For those who might like to join up: Virtual Happy Hour in a Time of Plague

So there's an Aviation cocktail made with Aviation Gin, eh? That's something that I'll hope to taste at the Seattle Worldcon in a few years, since that's probably the closest I'll get to Portland in the foreseeable future. The Glasgow Gimlet was the drink served at their bid parties. It was delicious. Here's the recipe: 1.5 oz (60 mL) Gin2024 gin 1/2 oz (20 mL) Drambuie 3/4 oz (30 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice 1/4 oz (10 mL) simple syrup Garnish: star fruit slice Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker. Add plenty of ice and shake well. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish As for the spelling, the US version is "licorice" and the UK/Commonwealth is "liquorice".

According to the con's website, "The botanicals used in the creation of GIn2024 are inspired by Science Fiction and Fantasy and they include Star Anise, Buddha’s Hand, Star Fruit, Grains of Paradise, Lime Peel, Cassia, Juniper, Coriander and Angelica." The Aviation is one of my favorite cocktails, so it's possible that our tastes in gin may not match up at all. As for the party situation, here is what the con's Progress Report 3 states: We will be hosting open parties in SEC Hall 4 in an area alongside the convention/fan tables (similar to what was done at Loncon 3). The convention centre will remain open till 2am each night to accommodate the parties. Their licence to sell alcohol allows the sale (from their own bars) up to 1 am and the consumption of the drinks up to 1:30 am. If you are intending to host a party please email [email protected] and we will give more details. We also will have provision at one or two of the onsite hotels for private parties. The last sentence is critical -- to me, it strongly implies that room parties must be private events, not open-door affairs.

Are you aware that the convention has its own bespoke gin? I tasted it at one of their bid parties and thought it was excellent. It would seem appropriate to use it for cocktails while at the convention. The link will take you to their merch page, which not only provides details on the gin but also offers their recipe for the Glasgow Gimlet, which is more to my liking than a martini. https://glasgow2024.org/for-members/merchandise/

I'd originally booked at the downtown Marriott (3/4 mile from the SEC), but then learned that I am eligible for an accessible room due to recently-diagnosed lung issues. So, with help from the con's Accessibility team and the GCB staff, I am now at the Hilton Garden Inn on the SEC campus, with substantially less walking required.

Of importance if you're planning to get a Glasgow hotel room when booking opens up (probably mid-January): "Because of the sensitivity of our rates and because we want to ensure our hotel rooms go to convention members, you will need to be a WSFS Member of the convention (WSFS Only will do) to access the hotel booking page when it is launched." So get that membership now, if you haven't already done so! Source: https://glasgow2024.org/location/accommodation/

Yep, it is indeed in Buffalo. The local Hyatt Regency is the con hotel. Lots more info at their website: https://buffalonasfic2024.org/

FYI, the following is currently posted on the Tel Aviv bid website: We want to update you on the current situation with our bid committee. Firstly, we’re relieved to share that all the members of our committee are safe, even though some of us have been called to service during these challenging times.We’re all deeply devastated by the recent attacks, but we remain steadfast in our belief that things will stabilize, and ultimately, peace will prevail. Our commitment to our shared goals remains unshaken, and we’ll continue to work diligently to bring our vision to life.Thank you for your unwavering support, and together, we’ll navigate through these trying times and look forward to a brighter future

Initial info on accomodations, but without room rates, has been posted on the Glasgow web site. https://glasgow2024.org/location/accommodation/ They expect booking to open in early 2024. Accessibility rooms will be available for booking in December. If you need info on them, send email to: [email protected]

I believe that hotel booking will open by some time in January, so you won't need to wait till July to decide.

Reminder: Membership rates go up about 10% at the end of September.

For your reading pleasure: Glasgow Progress Report #2

It's not a very big place, though, so not well-suited for large group expeditions.

A few Glasgow eateries I liked, from the last Glasgow Worldcon: Gamba -- One of the best seafood restaurants anywhere, with a superb wine list.. https://www.gamba.co.uk/ Mr. Singh's India was where we held a BWB dinner. https://www.mistersinghsindia.com/ Over 800 different single malts available here, plus other alcohol, cask ales, and great meat pies. https://thepotstill.co.uk/