News 247
Edinburgh’s Tim Pryde wins Maker’s Mark Bartender Trove
16 October 2014: Tim Pryde of The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh is the winner of Maxxium UK’s Maker’s Mark Bartender Trove. His prize is an all-expenses paid trip to Loretto, Ky., the home of Maker’s Mark, to experience the intricacies of this coveted bourbon first-hand.
The Maker’s Mark Bartender Trove launched last year and inspired a first-of-its-kind collection of bar wares and prized treasures from across the UK bartending scene. The campaign is a reflection of the craftsmanship that goes into the production of Maker’s Mark, from the hands-on 19 barrel production process to the inclusion of red winter wheat, which results in a smoother bourbon.
Four finalists were chosen1 following a live exhibition held at The Goldsmiths’ Centre in the creative quarter of Clerkenwell in June. On display was an impressive array of vintage and antique gems and unusual and precious possessions used by bartenders when creating the unique Maker’s Mark serves submitted as part of their entry into the Trove.
Earlier this month, the final four—Tim Pryde of The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh, Chris Lacey of Rules in London, Rusty Cerven of The Connaught in London and Michal Buben, formerly of NinetyEight Bar and Lounge—competed at MASH (Modern American Steak House) in Soho where they were tasked with using their precious object to create a new Maker’s Mark cocktail. Upon arrival, they were given an £80 budget to scour Soho on the hunt for extraordinary ingredients that would complement the bourbon in their drink.
Tim proceeded to Chinatown searching for Umeshu, a Japanese liqueur made from steeping ume fruits in alcohol and sugar, to create a Japanese-inspired cocktail that he could serve in his ceramic Shisa cup from Okinawa, Japan.
Rusty returned with an array of objects including a dozen quail eggs and a bag of giant cinnamon sticks, which he used to create a twist on a Tom and Jerry served warm and made in his ornamental samovar bought in Moscow.
Chris headed to Gerry’s to pick up a bottle of Byrrh Grand Quinquina, a wine-based aperitif, with no added sugar, to create a smoky Maker’s Mark cocktail using his Gorham Sterling 1950s Martini Spike (vermouth dispenser).
Michal sourced ingredients including cumquats, yuzu and Lapsang Souchong tea for the creation of his cocktail that was garnished with green tea cookies and incorporated the use of his Reed & Barton sterling silver jigger.
Of all the cocktails presented to the four-strong judging panel, it was Tim’s Hanakotoba Punch made with a hibiscus blossom cordial that prevailed. Maxxium UK’s Mixxit Manager, Amanda Humphrey, Maxxium UK’s Rebecca Tinson, BarLifeUK’s Simon Webster and Imbibe’s Clinton Cawood agreed that this was the cocktail that best showcased Maker’s Mark.
Maxxium UK’s Mixxit Manager, Amanda Humphrey says: “The Maker’s Mark Bartender Trove provided the perfect platform to inspire bartenders to get creative with this iconic and coveted bourbon. The competition challenged our finalists to think on their feet, incorporating unusual and precious ingredients while keeping Maker’s Mark at the heart of their creations.
“Each cocktail captivated the judges and demonstrated a unique and creative take on the brief, making the final decision a very difficult one. In the end it was Tim’s collection of ingredients and story behind his Shisa cup that won us over. We are delighted to reward his efforts and craft for bartending with a trip to the Maker’s Mark distillery.”
For more information, please contact: Jennifer Cirillo or Simone Harvey
Tel: 020 8544 6917 or e-mail: j.cirillo@lime-pr.co.uk, s.harvey@lime-pr.co.uk
Whisky Bars and restaurants of Edinburgh – The Royal McGregor Whisky Bar & Restaurant
Situated close to St Giles Cathedral and a stone throw from the City Chambers The Royal McGregor Whisky Bar & Restaurant is a charming, family run establishment on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. Whether you’re in the capital enjoying the Edinburgh Festival, New Year celebrations, Dynamic Earth or perhaps six nations rugby at Murrayfield, why not enjoy a more intimate and traditional Scottish experience at The Royal McGregor Whisky Bar & Restaurant. Our passion is Whisky, Cask Ale and the best of Scotland’s larder, which has earned us an excellent reputation amongst locals and tourists alike.
With an expertly compiled list of over 80 of Scotland’s finest malt whiskies, we have something for the novice and the connoisseur to savour. Whisky flights are available over the bar as well as ‘Whisky Tastings’ with advance booking.
Our tastings are great events offering wonderful value, which we customise to your requirements ensuring you get the experience you want. From parties of 2 -20 we can accommodate you for any occasion. Whisky with food? Our events are also available with tasting menus were we match the whisky to your chosen menu. In addition, if you want some extra knowledge thrown in, we can offer a host for your event who will hopefully inform and entertain you!
Having experienced an exceptional year of activity in 2014 including The Commonwealth Games, golf’s Ryder Cup and the MTV European Music Awards, Scotland has seen its fair share of excitement and what better way to celebrate another of Scotland’s successes than taking in the ambience of The Royal McGregor Whisky Bar & Restaurant.
Whatever you’re looking for you’re sure of a warm welcome, see you at the bar!
Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 09:30 -23:00
Fri & Sat 09:30 -23:30
154 HIGH STREET – EDINBURGH – EH1 1QS
W: www.royalmcgregor.co.uk E: info@royalmcgregor.co.uk T: 0131 225 7064
Promote With Malt Marketing ahead of Christmas 2014
Promote Your Finest Festive Whiskies with Malt Marketing ahead of Christmas 2014
As we edge ever nearer to the festive season 2014, allow Malt Marketing to assist with the marketing and promotion of your whisky shops, bars and experiences ahead of Christmas 2014. With regular updates on our homepage as well as Facebook and Twitter, we will look to bring the whisky consumer closer to the best single malts and other premium spirits that you have to offer this Christmas. For more information, contact: info@maltmarketing.com
INTRODUCING THE ARDMORE LEGACY
The Ardmore distillery has just launched The Ardmore Legacy, a lightly peated Highland single malt to be distributed by Maxxium UK.
The Ardmore Legacy continues the distillery’s history of producing the only traditionally peated Highland single malt whisky and will replace Ardmore Traditional Cask as its core expression.
A lightly peated, sweet dram, The Ardmore Legacy offers the ideal introduction to peated single malts. Combining notes of creamy vanilla, smoky charcoal, sweet honey and savoury spices with a pleasant smoky taste, The Ardmore Legacy is a full-bodied and smooth dram with the typical Ardmore dry, spicy and long-lasting finish.
The expression also brings a new premium look for the brand with its eagle icon firmly at the heart of the packaging design. The bottle label and outer tube feature a splendid copper foil eagle in full flight, acknowledging their rare golden eagle neighbours and representing an adherence to tradition. The eye-catching monochrome backdrop encompasses a map design conveying the distillery’s location and heritage.
Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director, Maxxium UK said: “This is an exciting new expression from The Ardmore offering an exceptional Highland single malt with broad appeal. As the only traditionally peated Highland single malt, The Ardmore Legacy has real stand out. It is ideal for whisky drinkers looking for something new and is also the perfect introduction for any whisky drinkers beginning their journey into peated malts.”
The eagle has long played a key role in the brand’s history with rare golden eagles often seen riding the thermals above the distillery. The Ardmore supports these birds in partnership with the RSPB, most recently with the reintroduction of the white tailed eagle, a cousin of the golden eagle.
Distilled in Scotland’s Highland region, The Ardmore single malt has continued its traditional ways since the distillery was founded in 1898, combining traditional methods with the very best craftsmanship to produce award winning single malt whisky.
The Ardmore Legacy (RRP £29.99) will be available to purchase at Tesco and Morrisons as well as select specialist whisky retailers from the beginning of October.
Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of The Ardmore
For further information please contact Linsay Moore/Laura Hutchinson at The BIG Partnership
Tel: 0131 557 5252 Email: firstname.lastname@bigpartnership.co.uk
JW Steakhouse makes global history purchasing the first Jim Beam Single Barrel
18 September 2014: Jim Beam, the world’s number one bourbon, and JW Steakhouse at Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, are making global history. The leading American steakhouse will be the first retailer in Europe to acquire a full barrel of Jim Beam1 Single Barrel Bourbon.
It was during a visit to The Bourbon Bar at JW Steakhouse that seventh generation Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe and beverage manager Karina Elias first met and agreed to work in partnership to offer a truly unique bourbon exclusively available to the restaurant’s patrons. Karina travelled to the Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Kentucky in April to hand select a barrel under Noe’s guidance, and on 17th September this historic initiative will be unveiled.
The personalised JW Steakhouse bottles of bourbon will be on display at The Bourbon Bar alongside the chosen barrel signed by Noe himself. The restaurant’s drinks menu will feature tailor-made Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon cocktails and to ensure the ultimate bourbon experience, head chef Julian Ward has created bespoke food pairings.
Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon is the first single barrel offering from the world’s No. 1 bourbon brand. This hand-crafted Kentucky Straight Bourbon is among the best liquid produced by Beam’s distillers and represents Jim Beam’s seven generations of history.
At 95 proof (in honor of the first Jim Beam barrel dating back to 1795), this Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a smooth, rich whiskey selected from the finest barrels of Jim Beam.
JW Steakhouse Beverage Manager Karina Elias says: “Making history with Maxxium UK and Jim Beam to bring this one-of-a-kind bourbon to our bar has been a very special experience. I chose this barrel because of its bold flavours and rich colour that I know our customers will love. It is full-bodied and smooth with attributes of oak, vanilla and caramel. I am really looking forward to sharing our unique story and this distinctive quality Jim Beam Bourbon with our customers over the coming weeks.”
Maxxium UK’s Marketing Controller for Imported Whiskey Eileen Livingston says: “This is an exciting project and one which will delight London’s bourbon fans. This embodies the sentiment behind our Make History campaign as not only is it the first time a single barrel of Jim Beam has been made available outside of the US, it is also the first time we have worked with a customer to provide a bespoke bourbon.”
Jim Beam’s global Make History campaign launched earlier this year and features new spokesperson, award-nominated actress Mila Kunis. Make History inspires consumers to make their own mark in history the same way Jim Beam has in its very own 219-year history. Throughout the year, Jim Beam will continue to mark milestones with initiatives big and small.
As part of the Make History campaign, Jim Beam has been working in partnership with the trade and another initiative Shake History, was also recently launched. This competition invites top bartender teams across the UK to create a unique Jim Beam cocktail representing their bar. The teams will compete in November for the chance to take their place in Jim Beam’s history.
The Bourbon Bar at JW Steakhouse
JW Steakhouse is as a leading American steakhouse in Mayfair, London. Featuring the finest cuts of American USDA beef and select, hand-cut selections of Aberdeen Angus, JW Steakhouse is quite simply an expert in steak.
The Bourbon Bar at JW Steakhouse has the largest and most varied selection of Bourbons in London. With over 160 rare, pre prohibition, single barrel and small batch Bourbons, there is something for the novice to the connoisseur. A series of innovative tasting flights are also available and with the new Jim Beam Single Barrel, guests can enjoy a truly unique flavour that can’t be experienced anywhere else in the world. Please visit www.jwsteakhouse.co.uk.
For more information on The Bourbon Bar, JW Steakhouse or Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel, please contact Lorna O’Neill, Director of PR. Tel: +44 (0)20 7399 8581, Email: lorna.oneill@marriotthotels.com
For more information, please contact: Jennifer Cirillo or Simone Harvey
Tel: 020 8544 6917 or e-mail: j.cirillo@lime-pr.co.uk, s.harvey@lime-pr.co.uk
