We love surprise gifts at Madtini, and this one came from our friend and colleague Adam Froman. While cleaning up a storage area in his basement he came across this great promotional bar set and Gooderham & Worts catalog. It had been given to one his relatives by someone who worked for Corby Distilleries which was partially owned by Gooderham’s.
Gooderham’s was established in Toronto in 1837 after their grain milling operation expanded into brewing and distilling. It was once the largest distiller of spirits in Canada and closed in 1990. The site is now known as the Distillery District and features artists studios, restaurants, chocolatiers, coffee shops and more. The Distillery District was recently featured in a posting on the Fast Company design blog.
The set includes a stainless steel shaker, strainer and mixing spoon, also a very cool mixing glass featuring recipes for a Whiskey Sour, Bacardi, Manhattan, Daiquiri, Martini and Alexander.
We’re researching its exact year now and my current theory is that it might be from around 1965 due to the mention of a new design for one of the distinctive products, Little Brown Jug Canadian Whiskey. The style of the photography and catalog design definitely suggests its from the 1960s.
If anyone reading this can provide any more information on this bar set please let us know. Until then we’re keeping it safe and sound and well away from the temptation to use, just like newly bought kids toys.