Connecticut entrepreneur and Co-founder of Highclere Castle Gin Adam von Gootkin recently partnered with Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie of Ethiopia to form a new charitable organization. The Royal Ethiopian Trust was founded with the goals to support Ethiopian education, nurture young entrepreneurs and preserve the rich imperial heritage of Ethiopia. To celebrate the launch of the trust, a fundraising event was held on Feb. 9 at the Dickinson Mansion in Essex, sponsored by Highclere Castle Gin. Guests enjoyed authentic Ethiopian cuisine catered by New Haven’s Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant and Chef Joel Gargano of Chester’s Grano Arso. Guest Mixologists Brenny Savoy, Osa Restaurant, and Khalid Williams, The Barrel Age and Treva Restaurant, created event cocktails featuring Highclere Castle Gin and Sheba Tej Honey Wine. Highclere Castle Gin was launched in 2019 and was founded by von Gootkin and the Eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, owners of Highclere Castle, the primary filming location for the Emmy-winning period drama “Downton Abbey.” With more than 150 awards, Highclere Castle Gin is the most awarded premium gin brand in the world. The brand is available via Connecticut Distributors, Inc.

Photos by Nick Caito.