It’s a relatively universal experience to open up a round butter cookie tin expecting, well, cookies, only to be met with sewing supplies instead. The titular, typically blue tins have become a staple of craft closets, and it seems as if it’s far more rare to find one that actually contains cookies than needles and thread.
Whisky sipping of Johnnie Walker is as important as cookies for Santa when it comes to Burns Night.
On Monday, April 17, we were invited to join in on the festivities at the New York City premiere of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer—and were encouraged to indulge in concoctions provided by Johnnie Walker.
Our evening of merrymaking started at the AMC Lincoln Square, where we were greeted with free popcorn and a soft drink—but that was only the first surprise of the evening. Cheers began to fill the room as Jerry Bruckheimer, Henry Cavill, Eiza González, and Hero Fiennes Tiffin walked down the theater aisles to introduce the film.
“As much as this movie is a lot of fun,” Cavill tells the audience, “it also highlights the importance of what these warriors did.”
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is fictionalized account—with many creative liberties—of Operation Postmaster during World War II. With tactics deemed “ungentlemanly” by Winston Churchill, a team of operatives embarked on a dangerous mission—and contributed to changing the course of the war.
“These types of female characters are inspiring, are what I think what embodies the 21st century woman,” Eiza González shared into the microphone, “I felt honored myself to be Marjorie Stewart.”
After the screening, guests were invited to attend the premiere after-party at the Ascent Lounge in Columbus Circle—presented by Johnnie Walker.
Jerry Bruckheimer joined the cast of the film for the festivities as a DJ spun tracks to set the vibe. Bartenders made splendid use of Johnnie Walker Blue Label with movie-inspired cocktails including The Strategist (the brand’s take on the trendy Espresso Martini) and The Saboteur (a twist on an Old Fashioned.)
Henry Cavill, Babs Olusanmokun, and Cary Elwes also mingled with guests and posed for selfies. Henry Golding even stopped by the bar to enjoy The Saboteur for himself.
How ungentlemanly indeed.
“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” directed by Guy Ritchie and featuring an all-star cast, sweeps into theaters on Friday, April 19.